Load and Discover SKILL.md Content
CAMEL-AI toolkit letting an agent discover and load SKILL.md-based skills on demand from repo, user, and system directories, instead of a bloated prompt.
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Why it matters
Streamline your AI development by automatically discovering and loading SKILL.md content from your filesystem. This toolkit simplifies the process of integrating custom skills into your projects.
Outcomes
What it gets done
Discover skills from filesystem roots.
Load SKILL.md content on-demand.
Integrate custom skill definitions into your AI applications.
Install
Add it to your toolbox
Free account needed to copy or download. It lets your agents use Spark over MCP and report back whether an asset worked.
Run in your project directory:
curl -fsSL https://spark.entire.vc/get/camel-skilltoolkit | bash After your agent runs this, report what happened — the next agent that picks it sees your result before they choose.
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Overview
A CAMEL-AI toolkit that discovers SKILL.md files across repo, user, and system directories, parses their YAML frontmatter, and exposes list_skills and load_skill tools so an agent can load skill instructions on demand. Use it when a CAMEL-AI agent needs to pull in file-based skill instructions at runtime instead of embedding them all in the system prompt.
What it does
SkillToolkit is a CAMEL-AI toolkit (camel.toolkits.skill_toolkit) that lets an agent discover and load SKILL.md-based skills from the filesystem on demand, instead of embedding every instruction set directly in the system prompt. On construction it takes an optional working_directory (defaults to the current working directory), an optional allowed_skills set that restricts which skill names are visible, and an optional timeout.
Skills are discovered by scanning three scope levels in priority order: repo (<working_directory>/.camel/skills and <working_directory>/.agents/skills), user (~/.camel/skills and ~/.config/camel/skills), and system (/etc/camel/skills). Each scope is searched recursively for SKILL.md files; hidden directories (starting with a dot) are skipped. If two skills share the same name, the one found in the earlier scope wins - repo overrides user, user overrides system. Each SKILL.md must start with a YAML frontmatter block containing string name and description fields; a file with no frontmatter, invalid YAML, a non-mapping frontmatter, or a missing name/description is skipped with a logged warning rather than raising.
The toolkit exposes two agent-callable tools via get_tools(): list_skills(), which returns each skill's name, description, path, and scope without loading its body; and load_skill(name), which accepts a single skill name or a list of names and returns the matching SKILL.md body content (multiple results are joined with a --- separator). A third method, list_skill_files(name), lists the files and subdirectories inside a given skill's folder. clear_cache() forces the internal skills cache to rescan on next access.
The load_skill tool's OpenAI-format schema description is generated dynamically by _build_description(): it lists every currently available skill (name, description, path, and sibling files) inside <available_skills>/<skill> XML-style tags, and appends a fixed usage guide covering when to trigger a skill, how to progressively load only the SKILL.md plus the specific referenced files/scripts/assets needed, how to sequence multiple applicable skills, and how to fall back gracefully when a named skill is missing or unreadable.
When to use - and when NOT to
Use this toolkit when building a CAMEL-AI agent that should pull in specialized, file-based instruction sets on demand - keeping the base system prompt small while still giving the agent access to a growing library of skills organized across a repo-local, user-level, and system-wide directory hierarchy with clear override priority.
It is not useful if your skills already live inline in the prompt, if there is no SKILL.md-based skill library on disk to scan, or if you need skill content validated beyond frontmatter shape - the toolkit only checks that name and description are present strings; it does not validate the skill body itself.
Inputs and outputs
Inputs: working_directory (path, optional), allowed_skills (set of skill-name strings, optional filter), timeout (float, optional) at construction; a skill name or list of names passed to load_skill() / list_skill_files().
Outputs: list_skills() returns a list of dicts (name, description, path, scope); load_skill() returns the raw SKILL.md body text (or an Error: Skill "<name>" not found string listing available names); list_skill_files() returns a formatted newline-joined listing of the skill folder's contents; get_tools() returns a list of two FunctionTool objects ready to attach to an agent's toolset.
Integrations
Extends camel.toolkits.base.BaseToolkit and wraps its two tools as camel.toolkits.function_tool.FunctionTool instances with OpenAI-compatible tool schemas. Uses camel.logger.get_logger for warning-level logging on unreadable or malformed skill files, and PyYAML (yaml.safe_load) to parse each SKILL.md's frontmatter block. The module is released by CAMEL-AI.org under the Apache License, Version 2.0.
Who it's for
Developers building CAMEL-AI multi-agent applications who want agents to discover and load specialized skill instructions at runtime rather than hardcoding them into the system prompt, and teams that need skills organized across repo/user/system scopes with a defined override order (e.g. a project-specific skill taking priority over a shared user- or system-level one of the same name).
Source code
from pathlib import Path from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Set, Tuple, Union
import yaml
from camel.logger import get_logger from camel.toolkits.base import BaseToolkit from camel.toolkits.function_tool import FunctionTool
logger = get_logger(name)
class SkillToolkit(BaseToolkit): r"""Toolkit for loading SKILL.md content.
Skills are discovered from filesystem roots and loaded on-demand.
"""
def __init__(
self,
working_directory: Optional[str] = None,
allowed_skills: Optional[Set[str]] = None,
timeout: Optional[float] = None,
) -> None:
super().__init__(timeout=timeout)
self.working_directory = (
Path(working_directory).resolve()
if working_directory
else Path.cwd().resolve()
)
self._skills_cache: Optional[Dict[str, Dict[str, str]]] = None
self._allowed_skills = (
None
if allowed_skills is None
else {name.strip() for name in allowed_skills if name.strip()}
)
def _build_description(self) -> str:
skills = self._get_skills()
if not skills:
return (
"Load a skill to get detailed instructions for a specific "
"task. No skills are currently available."
)
# Build skill summary lines
summary_lines = [
"Load a skill to get detailed instructions for a specific task.",
"Skills provide specialized knowledge and step-by-step guidance.",
"Use this when a task matches an available skill's description.",
"Only the skills listed here are available:",
"<available_skills>",
]
for skill in skills.values():
extra_files = self._list_skill_entries(Path(skill["path"]).parent)
files_text = ", ".join(extra_files) if extra_files else "(none)"
summary_lines.extend(
[
" <skill>",
f" <name>{skill['name']}</name>",
f" <description>{skill['description']}</description>",
f" <path>{skill['path']}</path>",
f" <files>{files_text}</files>",
" </skill>",
]
)
summary_lines.append("</available_skills>")
# Build markdown list for display
available = ""
for skill in skills.values():
extra_files = self._list_skill_entries(Path(skill["path"]).parent)
files_text = ", ".join(extra_files) if extra_files else "(none)"
available += (
f"- {skill['name']}: {skill['description']} "
f"({skill['path']})\n"
f" - extra files: {files_text}\n"
)
return (
"## Skills\n"
"A skill is a set of local instructions to follow that is stored "
"in a `SKILL.md` file. Below is the list of skills that can be "
"used. Each entry includes a name, description, and file path so "
"you can open the source for full instructions when using a "
"specific skill. It also includes additional files in each skill "
"folder so other files can be loaded on demand. This function can "
"be used to load Skill.md content, for additional files you can "
"use other tools to load\n"
"### Available skills\n"
f"{available}\n"
"### How to use skills\n"
"- Discovery: The list above is the skills available in this "
"session (name + description + file path). Skill bodies live on "
"disk at the listed paths.\n"
"- Trigger rules: If the user names a skill or the task clearly "
"matches a skill's description shown above, you should use that "
"skill for this turn.\n"
"- Missing/blocked: If a named skill isn't in the list or the "
"path can't be read, say so briefly and continue with the best "
"fallback.\n"
"- How to use a skill (progressive disclosure):\n"
" 1) After deciding to use a skill, open its `SKILL.md` from the "
"filesystem. Read only enough to follow the workflow.\n"
" 2) If `SKILL.md` points to extra folders such as `references/` "
", load only the specific files needed for the request; don't "
"bulk-load everything.\n"
" 3) If `scripts/` exist, use available execution tools "
"(terminal, code runner) to run them instead of rewriting code.\n"
" 4) If `assets/` or templates exist, reuse them instead of "
"recreating from scratch.\n"
"- Coordination and sequencing:\n"
" - If multiple skills apply, choose the minimal set that covers "
"the request and state the order you'll use them.\n"
" - Announce which skill(s) you're using and why "
"(one short line). If you skip an obvious skill, say why.\n"
"- Context hygiene:\n"
" - Keep context small: summarize long sections instead of "
"pasting them; only load extra files when needed.\n"
" - Avoid deep reference-chasing: prefer opening only files "
"directly linked from `SKILL.md` unless you're blocked.\n"
" - When variants exist (frameworks, providers, domains), pick "
"only the relevant reference file(s) and note that choice.\n"
"- Safety and fallback: If a skill can't be applied cleanly "
"(missing files, unclear instructions), state the issue, pick the "
"next-best approach, and continue.\n"
"\n" + "\n".join(summary_lines)
)
def _get_skills(self) -> Dict[str, Dict[str, str]]:
if self._skills_cache is None:
self._skills_cache = self._scan_skills()
if self._allowed_skills is None:
return self._skills_cache
return {
name: skill
for name, skill in self._skills_cache.items()
if name in self._allowed_skills
}
def clear_cache(self) -> None:
r"""Clear the cached skills to force rescanning on next access."""
self._skills_cache = None
def _scan_skills(self) -> Dict[str, Dict[str, str]]:
r"""Scan all skill roots and collect skill metadata.
Skills are discovered from roots in priority order:
repo > user > system. If multiple skills have the same name,
the first one found takes priority.
Returns:
Dict[str, Dict[str, str]]: Mapping of skill name to metadata.
"""
skills: Dict[str, Dict[str, str]] = {}
for scope, root in self._skill_roots():
if not root.is_dir():
continue
for path in root.rglob("SKILL.md"):
if self._is_hidden_path(path, root):
continue
skill = self._parse_skill(path)
if not skill:
continue
name = skill["name"]
# First skill with this name wins (earlier scope has priority)
if name in skills:
continue
skills[name] = {
"name": name,
"description": skill["description"],
"path": str(path),
"scope": scope,
}
return skills
def _skill_roots(self) -> List[Tuple[str, Path]]:
r"""Return skill root directories with their scope.
Scopes are checked in order: repo -> user -> system.
Earlier scopes take priority when skills have the same name.
Returns:
List[Tuple[str, Path]]: List of (scope, path) tuples.
"""
# Skills are discovered in priority order:
# 1. repo scope: project-specific skills in working directory
# 2. user scope: user-level skills in home directory
# 3. system scope: system-wide skills in /etc
roots: List[Tuple[str, Path]] = [
# Repo scope - project-specific skills
("repo", self.working_directory / ".camel" / "skills"),
("repo", self.working_directory / ".agents" / "skills"),
# User scope - user-level skills
("user", Path.home() / ".camel" / "skills"),
("user", Path.home() / ".config" / "camel" / "skills"),
# System scope - system-wide skills
("system", Path("/etc/camel/skills")),
]
return roots
def _is_hidden_path(self, path: Path, root: Path) -> bool:
r"""Check if a path contains hidden directories (starting with dot).
Args:
path (Path): The path to check.
root (Path): The root directory to compute relative path from.
Returns:
bool: True if the path contains hidden directories.
"""
try:
rel = path.relative_to(root)
except ValueError:
rel = path
return any(part.startswith(".") for part in rel.parts)
def _parse_skill(self, path: Path) -> Optional[Dict[str, str]]:
r"""Parse a SKILL.md file and extract metadata.
Args:
path (Path): Path to the SKILL.md file.
Returns:
Optional[Dict[str, str]]: Parsed skill data with name,
description, and body. Returns None if parsing fails.
"""
try:
contents = path.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
except OSError as exc:
logger.warning("Failed to read skill %s: %s", path, exc)
return None
frontmatter_text, body = self._split_frontmatter(contents)
if frontmatter_text is None:
logger.warning("Missing YAML frontmatter in %s", path)
return None
try:
data = yaml.safe_load(frontmatter_text) or {}
except yaml.YAMLError as exc:
logger.warning("Invalid YAML frontmatter in %s: %s", path, exc)
return None
if not isinstance(data, dict):
logger.warning("Frontmatter must be a mapping in %s", path)
return None
name = data.get("name")
description = data.get("description")
if not isinstance(name, str) or not isinstance(description, str):
logger.warning("Skill missing name/description in %s", path)
return None
return {
"name": name.strip(),
"description": description.strip(),
"body": body,
}
def _split_frontmatter(self, contents: str) -> Tuple[Optional[str], str]:
r"""Split YAML frontmatter from the body of a SKILL.md file.
Args:
contents (str): The full contents of the file.
Returns:
Tuple[Optional[str], str]: A tuple of (frontmatter, body).
frontmatter is None if no valid frontmatter delimiter is found.
"""
lines = contents.splitlines()
if not lines or lines[0].strip() != "---":
return None, contents
for i in range(1, len(lines)):
if lines[i].strip() == "---":
frontmatter = "\n".join(lines[1:i])
body = "\n".join(lines[i + 1 :])
return frontmatter, body
return None, contents
def list_skills(self) -> List[Dict[str, str]]:
r"""List available skills without loading their full content.
Returns:
List[Dict[str, str]]: Skill metadata entries including name,
description, path, and scope.
"""
skills = self._get_skills()
return [
{
"name": skill["name"],
"description": skill["description"],
"path": skill["path"],
"scope": skill["scope"],
}
for skill in skills.values()
]
def list_skill_files(self, name: str) -> str:
r"""List files and directories in a skill folder.
Args:
name (str): The skill identifier.
Returns:
str: Formatted list of files/directories, or error message.
"""
skills = self._get_skills()
skill = skills.get(name)
if not skill:
available = ", ".join(sorted(skills.keys())) or "none"
return f"Error: Skill \"{name}\" not found. Available: {available}"
skill_dir = Path(skill["path"]).parent
lines = [f"Files in {name}:"]
for entry in self._list_skill_entries(
skill_dir, include_skill_md=True
):
lines.append(f" - {entry}")
return "\n".join(lines)
def _list_skill_entries(
self, skill_dir: Path, include_skill_md: bool = False
) -> List[str]:
r"""List direct child entries in a skill directory.
Args:
skill_dir (Path): The skill directory to inspect.
include_skill_md (bool): Whether to include ``SKILL.md``.
Returns:
List[str]: Sorted entry names. Directories end with ``/``.
"""
entries: List[str] = []
for item in sorted(skill_dir.iterdir()):
if not include_skill_md and item.name == "SKILL.md":
continue
entries.append(f"{item.name}/" if item.is_dir() else item.name)
return entries
def _load_single_skill(self, name: str) -> str:
r"""Load a single skill by name.
Args:
name (str): The skill identifier.
Returns:
str: The skill content, or error message if not found.
"""
skills = self._get_skills()
skill = skills.get(name)
if not skill:
available = ", ".join(sorted(skills.keys())) or "none"
return f"Error: Skill \"{name}\" not found. Available: {available}"
path = Path(skill["path"])
parsed = self._parse_skill(path)
if not parsed:
return f"Error: Failed to load skill from {path}"
base_dir = path.parent
body = parsed.get("body", "").strip()
# List files in skill directory
files_info = [
f" - {entry}" for entry in self._list_skill_entries(base_dir)
]
output_lines = [
f"## Skill: {parsed['name']}",
"",
f"**Base directory**: {base_dir}",
]
if files_info:
output_lines.append("")
output_lines.append("**Available files**:")
output_lines.extend(files_info)
output_lines.append("")
output_lines.append(body)
return "\n".join(output_lines).strip()
def load_skill(self, name: Union[str, List[str]]) -> str:
r"""Load one or more skills by name.
Args:
name (Union[str, List[str]]): A single skill name or list of names.
Returns:
str: The skill content(s), or error message if not found.
"""
if isinstance(name, str):
return self._load_single_skill(name)
# Load multiple skills
results = []
for skill_name in name:
results.append(self._load_single_skill(skill_name))
return "\n\n---\n\n".join(results)
def get_tools(self) -> List[FunctionTool]:
r"""Return the skill tools with injected available skills."""
list_tool = FunctionTool(self.list_skills)
load_tool = FunctionTool(self.load_skill)
schema = load_tool.get_openai_tool_schema()
schema["function"]["description"] = self._build_description()
load_tool.set_openai_tool_schema(schema)
return [list_tool, load_tool]
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