(Plugin id acp-loader kept for install compatibility.)
The loader that ensures every skill gets activated. Without this, skills sit idle while Claude improvises solutions that already have purpose-built workflows.
IF A SKILL APPLIES TO YOUR TASK, YOU DO NOT HAVE A CHOICE. YOU MUST USE IT.
This is not negotiable. This is not optional. You cannot rationalize your way out of this.
Instruction Priority
Marketplace skills override default system prompt behavior, but user instructions always take precedence:
- User's explicit instructions (CLAUDE.md, direct requests) -- highest priority
- Marketplace skills -- override default system behavior where they conflict
- Default system prompt -- lowest priority
If CLAUDE.md says "don't use TDD" and a skill says "always use TDD," follow the user's instructions. The user is in control.
How to Access Skills
Use the Skill tool. When you invoke a skill, its content is loaded and presented to you -- follow it directly. Never use the Read tool on skill files.
Skills are namespaced by plugin: plugin-name:skill-name (e.g., ai-tooling:brainstorming, frontend:frontend-css).
The Rule
Invoke relevant or requested skills BEFORE any response or action. Even a 1% chance a skill might apply means you should invoke the skill to check. If an invoked skill turns out to be wrong for the situation, you don't need to follow it.
Decision Flow
Before responding to ANY user message, run this check:
1. Is the user about to BUILD something new?
--> ai-tooling:brainstorming FIRST, then implementation skills
2. Is the user asking to FIX a bug?
--> Investigate root cause before fixing (no blind patches)
3. Does a written plan or spec exist?
--> ai-tooling:executing-plans to implement it
4. Is this a multi-step implementation task (3+ files)?
--> ai-tooling:writing-plans to create a plan first
5. Is this frontend/UI work?
--> Check: frontend:frontend-css, frontend:frontend-strategy,
frontend:shadcn-ui, frontend:daisyui, frontend:radix-ui, agent-teams:team-design
6. Is this a code review request?
--> Check: senior-review:code-review, senior-review:full-review
7. Is this Python work?
--> Check: python-development skills (python-tdd, python-refactor, etc.)
8. Is this Tauri/Rust work?
--> Check: tauri-development skills, agent-teams:team-spawn tauri
9. Is this about documentation?
--> Check: codebase-mapper:docs-create
10. Is this about prompts or AI tooling?
--> Check: ai-tooling:prompt-optimize
11. Could any other installed skill apply?
--> Check the skill list in the system prompt
Red Flags
These thoughts mean STOP -- you are rationalizing not using a skill:
| Thought | Reality |
|---|---|
| "This is just a simple question" | Questions are tasks. Check for skills. |
| "I need more context first" | Skill check comes BEFORE clarifying questions. |
| "Let me explore the codebase first" | Skills tell you HOW to explore. Check first. |
| "I can handle this without a skill" | If a skill exists for this, use it. |
| "This doesn't need a formal process" | Simple things become complex. Use the skill. |
| "I'll just do this one thing first" | Check BEFORE doing anything. |
| "The skill is overkill" | Overkill prevents underkill. Use it. |
| "I know what that means" | Knowing the concept != using the skill. Invoke it. |
| "Let me just write the code" | Did you brainstorm? Did you plan? Check first. |
Skill Priority
When multiple skills could apply, use this order:
- Process skills first (brainstorming, writing-plans) -- these determine HOW to approach the task
- Domain skills second (frontend-design, frontend, python-tdd) -- these guide execution
- Review skills last (code-review, full-review) -- these validate the result
Examples:
- "Build a new dashboard" --> brainstorming --> writing-plans --> frontend skills --> review
- "Fix this CSS bug" --> frontend skill directly
- "Review this code" --> code-review or full-review
- "Create a Python API" --> brainstorming --> python-tdd --> writing-plans --> executing-plans
Workflow Awareness
These commands orchestrate multi-agent teams for complex tasks. Prefer them over invoking individual skills:
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Build a new feature end-to-end | /agent-teams:team-feature or /agent-teams:team-spawn fullstack |
| Build a new UI from scratch | /agent-teams:team-design |
| Full codebase review (deep-dive + review) | /senior-review:full-review |
| Frontend redesign | /agent-teams:team-design |
| Mobile app from competitor analysis | /agent-teams:team-spawn app-analysis |
| Mobile app with Tauri build + review | /agent-teams:team-spawn tauri |
| Tauri desktop app review | /agent-teams:team-spawn tauri |
| Debug with competing hypotheses | /agent-teams:team-debug |
| Deep multi-source research | /agent-teams:team-research |
| Map an unfamiliar codebase | /agent-teams:team-codebase-map |
If the user's request matches a team scope, suggest the team command instead of invoking individual skills.
Skill Types
Rigid (brainstorming, TDD): Follow exactly. Don't adapt away the discipline. The gates exist for a reason.
Flexible (frontend-design, frontend): Adapt principles to context. Use judgment.
The skill itself tells you which type it is.
User Instructions
Instructions say WHAT, not HOW. "Add X" or "Fix Y" doesn't mean skip the process. It means use the process to deliver what was asked.