> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.usefused.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Agent Skills

> Add progressively loaded task guidance to root agents and SubAgents.

Agent Skills teach an agent how to perform a task without placing every instruction in the root prompt. Runtime skills live under `skills/`.

| Property           | Rule                                       |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------ |
| Location           | `skills/<name>/SKILL.md`                   |
| Name               | Kebab-case and equal to the directory name |
| Loading            | On demand                                  |
| Optional resources | `references/`, `assets/`, and `scripts/`   |
| Ownership          | Root agent or one folder SubAgent          |

Each skill uses the Agent Skills directory format:

```text theme={null}
skills/
└── triage-incidents/
    ├── SKILL.md
    ├── references/
    └── scripts/
```

Keep `SKILL.md` action-oriented. Move schemas, background, long examples, and conditional detail into referenced files.

## Runtime behavior

ADK uses its progressive skill tools. LangGraph receives Harnest's portable list, load, and resource tools. Both load skill content only when needed.

A root skill belongs to the root agent. A folder SubAgent can own private skills; its parent does not inherit them. Skills do not add tools or MCP connections.

Use a [plugin](/harnest/build/agent-plugins) when a reusable skill must travel with the MCP connection that supplies its operations. A non-empty plugin requires both the MCP and skill halves.

## Authoring skill versus runtime skills

`harnest skills install` installs a project-editing guide for your coding agent. It does not add a runtime skill to the compiled agent.