SKM-N01 · Error
`name` is missing
`name` is one of the two required fields.
What the rule is
`name` is one of exactly two required fields in the format — the other is `description`. A complete, valid skill needs both plus a body; nothing else is required.
A missing `name` isn't a warning-level issue in any implementation of the format, because the directory-matching rule (SKM-N05) and the discovery mechanism both depend on it existing.
Where it comes from
- Agent Skills — SpecificationSpecification
- SKILL.md, the format hubSpecification
Which runtimes enforce it
| Runtime | Effect | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Code | Breaks the skill | The spec lists `name` as required; a SKILL.md with no name and body is not a complete, valid skill. |
| Codex | Breaks the skill | The spec lists `name` as required; a SKILL.md with no name and body is not a complete, valid skill. |
| Cursor | Breaks the skill | The spec lists `name` as required; a SKILL.md with no name and body is not a complete, valid skill. |
| OpenClaw | Breaks the skill | The spec lists `name` as required; a SKILL.md with no name and body is not a complete, valid skill. |
| Hermes Agent | Breaks the skill | The spec lists `name` as required; a SKILL.md with no name and body is not a complete, valid skill. |
How to fix it
- Add a `name` field matching the skill's parent directory — lowercase letters, digits, and hyphens only, 1–64 characters, no leading, trailing, or consecutive hyphens.
Elsewhere
- SKILL.md, the formatThe full frontmatter field table this rule is drawn from.
- Agent Skills Not WorkingThe diagnostic reference this rule’s portability and failure evidence comes from.
- All rulesEvery check the validator runs, grouped by class.