AI coding agents are everywhere now — Claude Code, Cursor, Codex, Gemini CLI. But most developers use them like fancy autocomplete. The real power comes from skills — structured instructions that turn AI agents into specialized experts.
Here are 7 skills that dramatically changed how I code:
1. TDD (Test-Driven Development with AI)
Instead of asking AI to "write code", give it the TDD skill and watch it:
- Write failing test first
- Implement minimal code to pass
- Refactor while keeping tests green
- Repeat for each feature slice
The AI actually writes better code when constrained by tests. No more "looks good but doesn't work" output.
Try it: TDD Skill
2. Vibe Coding
Structure your project so AI agents can navigate it efficiently:
- Clear
CLAUDE.md/AGENTS.mdwith project context - Module boundaries that fit in context windows
- Spec-first workflow: describe what you want → AI implements
Try it: Vibe Coding Skill
3. MCP Server Builder
Build custom tools that your AI agent can use:
- Database queries via MCP
- Internal API access
- Custom data transformations
Your agent stops being a text-only assistant and becomes a tool-wielding power user.
Try it: MCP Server Skill
4. Prompt Engineering
Most developers don't know about:
- Chain-of-thought for complex reasoning
- XML tags for structured prompts
- Few-shot examples for consistent output format
- ReAct pattern for tool-using agents
Understanding these patterns makes your AI 3x more reliable.
Try it: Prompt Engineering Skill
5. Claude Code HUD
Monitor what your agent is actually doing:
- Context window usage (don't hit the limit mid-task)
- Active tool calls
- Sub-agent progress
- Cost tracking
Try it: Claude HUD Skill
6. AI Code Reviewer
Set up a GitHub Action that reviews every PR with AI:
- Catches bugs before human reviewers
- Flags security issues
- Posts inline comments with suggestions
- Configurable rules per language
Try it: AI Code Reviewer Use-Case
7. Worktrunk (Parallel Agents)
Run 5 Claude Code agents simultaneously:
- Each works in its own git worktree
- Different branch, different feature
- Merge when done
- 2-week sprint → 2 days
Try it: Worktrunk Skill
Where to Find More
All these skills (and 900+ more) are available on Terminal Skills — an open-source marketplace of AI coding skills that work with Claude Code, Cursor, Codex, Gemini CLI, and more.
Install via CLI:
npm i -g terminal-skills
terminal-skills search "tdd"
terminal-skills install tdd
Or browse the full catalog.
Which AI skill would you try first? Share your favorites in the comments 👇
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