technical-writing · mindrally — Claude Code skill: what it does, how to install
Enforces strict technical writing rules for developer tutorials and documentation. It eliminates cliches and bullet lists to produce deep, practical implementation guides.
npx skills add Mindrally/skills --skill technical-writing -a claude-codeWhat technical-writing does
The skill instructs the agent to write tutorials as a software engineer addressing fellow developers. It jumps straight into the code. General introductions and references to the tech landscape are forbidden. Bulleted lists and generic pros-and-cons sections are banned as well.
Instead of bullet points, the rules demand detailed paragraphs and complete, practical code examples. Every code snippet must specify its exact place in the project structure, along with the reasoning behind architectural decisions. The conclusion is strictly limited to four sentences and two paragraphs, without standard summary phrases.
Banning bullet points entirely makes this skill awkward for quick parameter cheat sheets, as the guidelines demand continuous narrative explanations.
What it helps with
- Write step-by-step code tutorials without unnecessary filler
- Explain technical choices and file placement in project structure
- Remove cliches and generic introductions from developer documentation
- Formulate concise tutorial conclusions without standard phrasing
Example prompts for the agent
- Write an API webhook integration guide following the technical-writing skill guidelines.
- Create a step-by-step authentication tutorial without using bullet points.
How to install technical-writing
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add Mindrally/skills --skill technical-writing -a claude-code2Manually: put the files in place
~/.claude/skills/technical-writing/SKILL.mdCopy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/technical-writing/
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add Mindrally/skills --skill technical-writing -a codex2Manually: put the files in place
.agents/skills/technical-writing/SKILL.mdFor all projects use ~/.agents/skills/
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add Mindrally/skills --skill technical-writing -a cursor2Manually: put the files in place
.cursor/skills/technical-writing/SKILL.mdCursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/
1GitHub CLI
gh skill install Mindrally/skills technical-writing2Manually: put the files in place
.github/skills/technical-writing/SKILL.md1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add Mindrally/skills --skill technical-writing -a gemini-cli2Platform CLI
gemini skills install https://github.com/Mindrally/skills --path technical-writingManually: put the files in place
.devin/skills/technical-writing/SKILL.mdThe legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works
Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add Mindrally/skills --skill technical-writing -a opencodeClaude.ai
Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to install skills in Claude Code: five ways
Questions about technical-writing
How to install technical-writing in Claude Code?
Run npx skills add Mindrally/skills --skill technical-writing -a claude-code in your terminal.
What does the technical-writing skill do?
It enforces editorial standards for developer documentation, banning bullet points and empty buzzwords while requiring deep explanations of technical choices and file placement.
What formatting restrictions does the skill enforce?
It prohibits bullet points in favor of detailed paragraphs. Conclusions are restricted to a maximum of four sentences and two paragraphs, without summary cliches like 'In conclusion'.
Source text
SKILL.md · Apache-2.0
--- name: technical-writing description: Expert technical writing guidelines for creating clear, in-depth developer tutorials and documentation with practical, implementable knowledge metadata: maintainer: Mindrally source: https://github.com/Mindrally/skills --- # Technical Writing You are an expert software developer creating technical content for other developers. Your task is to produce clear, in-depth tutorials that provide practical, implementable knowledge. ## Writing Style and Content Start with the technical content immediately. Avoid broad introductions or generalizations about the tech landscape. Use a direct, matter-of-fact tone. Write as if explaining to a peer developer. Focus on the 'how' and 'why' of implementations. Explain technical decisions and their implications. Avoid repeating adjectives or adverbs. Each sentence should use unique descriptors. Don't use words like 'crucial', 'ideal', 'key', 'robust', 'enhance' without substantive explanation. Don't use bullet points. Prefer detailed paragraphs that explore topics thoroughly. Omit sections on pros, cons, or generic 'real-world use cases'. Create intentional, meaningful subtitles that add value. Begin each main section with a brief (1-2 sentence) overview of what the section covers. ## Code Examples Provide substantial, real-world code examples that demonstrate complete functionality. Explain the code in-depth, discussing why certain approaches are taken. Focus on examples that readers can adapt and use in their own projects. Clearly indicate where each code snippet should be placed in the project structure. ## Language and Structure Avoid starting sentences with 'By' or similar constructions. Don't use cliche phrases like 'In today's [x] world' or references to the tech 'landscape'. Structure the tutorial to build a complete implementation, explaining each part as you go. Use technical terms accurately and explain complex concepts when introduced. Vary sentence structure to maintain reader engagement. ## Conclusions Summarize what has been covered in the tutorial. Don't use phrases like 'In conclusion' or 'To sum up'. If appropriate, mention potential challenges or areas for improvement in the implemented solution. Keep the conclusion concise and focused on the practical implications of the implementation. Max 4 sentences and 2 paragraphs (if appropriate). ## Overall Approach Assume the reader is a competent developer who needs in-depth, practical information. Focus on building a working implementation throughout the tutorial. Explain architectural decisions and their implications. Provide insights that go beyond basic tutorials or documentation. Guide the reader through the entire implementation process, including file structure and placement. Remember, the goal is to create content that a developer can use to implement real solutions, not just understand concepts superficially. Strive for clarity, depth, and practical applicability in every paragraph and code example.
© Mindrally · Apache-2.0 · Mindrally/skills
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