Skill 101: teach AI a repeatable job
A 2-minute read: what a Skill is, how it differs from MCP, and how they work together.
A Skill is a how-to the AI reads and follows
A Skill is a folder with a SKILL.md file that explains, step by step, how to do one kind of job.
The AI keeps every Skill’s short description in mind and opens the full file when a task matches, so you don’t re-explain the method each time.
How it differs from MCP
- MCP
- A plug that connects the AI to another app or data, such as Gmail or a store system
- Skill
- A guide that teaches the AI how to do a job, such as polishing a web page or writing a report in your company’s format
They work together
MCP gives the AI access to things; a Skill says how to use them for the job.
For example, MCP connects Google Drive, and a Skill says which headings the weekly report needs.
Where you can use them
- Claude Code
- Put the Skill folder in ~/.claude/skills, then type / and its name, or ask for a matching task
- Codex
- Put it in ~/.agents/skills
- Cursor
- Put it in ~/.cursor/skills or ~/.agents/skills
Checked against the official guides on Nov 11, 2026 · Sources: code.claude.com · learn.chatgpt.com (Codex) · cursor.com
Before you install
- A Skill is instructions the AI will follow. Always read the SKILL.md first
- Install from makers you trust: check the maker, stars and last update
- If a Skill comes with scripts, read what they do before letting the AI run them