Agent skill · writing content · aiskillstore
canonical-format-checker
This skill should be used when content teaches patterns (skills, subagents, ADRs, PHRs, specifications) that have canonical sources elsewhere. Prevents format drift by ensuring content references and follows the authoritative format from canonical sources. Use before implementing lessons that teach platform patterns, or when reviewing content for format consistency.
Why this skill is useful
Provides a structured approach to ensure content adheres to authoritative formats, preventing format drift and ensuring consistency across lessons.
What it needs
About 4k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-08-07. 405 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
Canonical Format Checker Overview Prevent format drift by verifying content follows authoritative canonical sources. When teaching a pattern that exists elsewhere in the platform (skills, subagents, ADRs, etc.), this skill ensures the taught format matches the canonical source. Why this matters: The Chapter 14 format drift failure occurred because the lesson taught skill format differently from Chapter 5 (canonical source). Students learned incorrect patterns that contradicted earlier chapters. When to Use This Skill Automatic Triggers (check before implementation): Lesson teaches how to create skills → Check .claude/skills/ structure Lesson teaches how to write subagents → Check .claude/agents/ structure Lesson teaches ADR format → Check specs//adrs/ structure Lesson teaches PHR format → Check history/prompts/ structure Lesson teaches specification format → Check specs//spec.md structure Manual Triggers (user requests): "Check canonical format for skills" "Verify format consistency" "Does this match the canonical source?" Canonical Source Lookup Table Pattern Being Taught Canonical Source Location Key Format Elements --------------------- -------------------------- --------------------- Skills .claude/skills/<name>/SKILL.md Directory structure, YAML frontmatter with name, description Subagents .claude/agents/<name>.md YAML frontmatter with name, description, model, skills ADRs specs/<feature>/adrs/adr-.md Numbered files, standard ADR structure PHRs history/prompts/<stage>/ Template from .specify/templates/phr-template.prompt.md Specifications specs/<feature>/spec.md Sections: Overview, User Stories, FRs, SCs, Evals Commands .claude/commands/.md YAML frontmatter, step-by-step phases Workflow Step 1: Identify What Pattern Is Being Taught Ask yourself: Does this lesson teach how to CREATE any platform pattern? Is there an existing canonical source for this pattern? Step 2: Locate and Read Canonical Source MANDATORY: Read the canonical source BEFORE writing or reviewin …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills aiskillstore/canonical-format-checker