Shorten skill descriptions for better model context management
Keep skill descriptions brief and clear to help models pick the right skill and avoid context overload.
Skill descriptions should be as short as possible while making it clear when the model should use them.
Long descriptions can be truncated by the model, making it harder to select the correct skill. Overlapping or overly broad descriptions can lead the model to use skills inappropriately. Concise descriptions ensure the model has enough context to make accurate decisions.
Good: 'Create and validate Postgres schema migrations. Use when working with databases, queries, models, or persistence.' Bad: 'Create and validate Postgres schema migrations. Use when adding or changing a migration, or reviewing its rollout.'
Keep skill descriptions concise and specific to ensure AI models can accurately select and use them. Avoid overly long or ambiguous descriptions that can lead to context truncation and incorrect skill application, improving overall task performance.
- Rethinking skills and prompts for GPT-6 Astra ↗OpenAI Developers Blog · OpenAI Developers Blog · Sep 12, 2026 · paraphrased
First seen on Subvolts Sep 12, 2026. Updated Sep 12, 2026. Spotted a problem? Tell us.
- Rethinking skills and prompts for GPT-6 AstraOpenAI · OpenAI Developers Blog · Sep 12, 2026
The Playbook: reusable how-tos, prompts, configs and tips pulled out of the news.
- HeuristicDefine task completion clearly to avoid premature stoppingExplicitly define what 'done' means for a task to ensure AI models complete the full scope. · 10 min
- HeuristicUse progressive disclosure for complex skills with multiple workflowsFor skills with many workflows, use a minimal root document that links to supporting details. · 20 min
- Anti-patternBuilding agent infrastructure from scratchAvoid piecing together agent infrastructure; use standardized SDKs and native sandbox support. · 5 min
- Setting tipAgent workspace portability with Manifest abstractionUse the Manifest abstraction to describe agent workspaces for portability across different providers. · 10 min
- ToolOpenAI Agents SDK for building agentsSDK for building agents that can inspect files, run commands, edit code, and work on long-horizon tasks. · 15 min
- Anti-patternOverly specific instructions for advanced AI modelsAvoid detailed itineraries; newer models handle nuance and ambiguity better. · 10 min
Questions people ask
- Which AI tools does this work with?
- Any current model. It was seen with ChatGPT in the sources.
- Where did this come from?
- OpenAI Developers Blog (OpenAI Developers Blog). Subvolts collected, normalized and credited it; the link above opens the original.