Workflow Patterns

Use these patterns when skills need to guide Claude through multi-step processes.

NOTE: Workflows can use string substitutions ($ARGUMENTS, $N) for parameterized steps and dynamic context injection (`!`command``) to fetch live data during workflow execution. See main SKILL.md for details.

SOURCE: Based on Anthropic skill-creator examples (commit 69c0b1a) and workflow design best practices.

Sequential Workflows

For complex tasks, break operations into clear, sequential steps. It is often helpful to give Claude an overview of the process towards the beginning of SKILL.md:

Filling a PDF form involves these steps:

1. Analyze the form (run analyze_form.py)
2. Create field mapping (edit fields.json)
3. Validate mapping (run validate_fields.py)
4. Fill the form (run fill_form.py)
5. Verify output (run verify_output.py)

Conditional Workflows

For tasks with branching logic, guide Claude through decision points:

1. Determine the modification type:
   **Creating new content?** → Follow "Creation workflow" below
   **Editing existing content?** → Follow "Editing workflow" below

2. Creation workflow: [steps]
3. Editing workflow: [steps]