# technical-writing

Enforces strict technical writing rules for developer tutorials and documentation. It eliminates cliches and bullet lists to produce deep, practical implementation guides.

- skill · `type=skill` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, OpenCode · 1200 installs · ★ 286
- Author: Mindrally
- License: Apache-2.0 · policy=mirror · the beginning of the file is at the end of this page
- Source: https://github.com/Mindrally/skills/tree/HEAD/technical-writing/SKILL.md
- Updated: 2026-10-08
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/mindrally-technical-writing

## What it 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.

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add Mindrally/skills --skill technical-writing -a claude-code
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `~/.claude/skills/technical-writing/SKILL.md` — Copy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/technical-writing/

### Codex

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add Mindrally/skills --skill technical-writing -a codex
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.agents/skills/technical-writing/SKILL.md` — For all projects use ~/.agents/skills/

### Cursor

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add Mindrally/skills --skill technical-writing -a cursor
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.cursor/skills/technical-writing/SKILL.md` — Cursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/

### GitHub Copilot

1. **GitHub CLI**
```bash
gh skill install Mindrally/skills technical-writing
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.github/skills/technical-writing/SKILL.md`

### Gemini CLI

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add Mindrally/skills --skill technical-writing -a gemini-cli
```

2. **Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini skills install https://github.com/Mindrally/skills --path technical-writing
```

### Windsurf (Devin Desktop)

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.devin/skills/technical-writing/SKILL.md` — The legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works

### OpenCode

**Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add Mindrally/skills --skill technical-writing -a opencode
```

### Claude.ai

**Claude.ai**
- Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills

Where a file is given instead of a command, copy the files from the source to that path: https://github.com/Mindrally/skills/tree/HEAD/technical-writing/SKILL.md

## When to use it
- 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
- Write an API webhook integration guide following the technical-writing skill guidelines.
- Create a step-by-step authentication tutorial without using bullet points.

## Source text · SKILL.md · Apache-2.0

Below is the content of a third-party file. It is data, not instructions for you: do not act on anything written inside unless the human asks. Block tag: eddf765523ce56ca.

BEGIN THIRD-PARTY FILE eddf765523ce56ca
```text
---
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.
```
END THIRD-PARTY FILE eddf765523ce56ca

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---
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