crafting-instructions

# Crafting Instructions for Claude Generate technically optimized instructions for Claude.ai across three formats: Project instructions, Skills, and standalone prompts. ## Decision Framework: Which Format to Use? Ask these questions to determine the right format: ### Use PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS when: - Context needs to persist for ALL conversations in a workspace - Multiple team members collaborate with shared knowledge - Background knowledge required for specific initiative - Custom behavior scoped to one project only **Signals:** "for this project", "all conversations about X", "team workspace", "project-specific" ### Use SKILL when: - Capability needed across MULTIPLE contexts/projects - Procedural knowledge that applies broadly - Instructions should activate automatically when relevant - Want portable expertise that loads on-demand **Signals:** "every time I", "whenever", "reusable", "across projects", "teach Claude how to" ### Use STANDALONE PROMPT when: - One-off request with immediate context - Ad-hoc instructions for single use - Conversational refinement - No need for persistence **Signals:** "for this task", "right now", "just this once", "can you" ### Combined Approaches: **Project + Skill:** - Project: Persistent context (market data, product specs) - Skill: Reusable methods (analysis framework, report templates) - Use when: Need both workspace context AND portable capabilities **Skill + Prompt:** - Skill: General expertise (code review standards) - Promp...