Learn how to create, structure, and test skills for Claw Hub. Build your first OpenClaw hub skill from scratch with our comprehensive development guide.
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Understanding the fundamental building blocks of OpenClaw hub functionality
A Claw Hub skill is a versioned file package that teaches OpenClaw how to execute specific tasks. Think of it as a plugin or extension that enhances your OpenClaw hub's capabilities. Each skill is essentially a folder containing a SKILL.md file (required) plus any supporting files needed for execution.
A skill is a directory containing all necessary files for OpenClaw hub to understand and execute a specific task.
Core ConceptThe required markdown file that defines metadata, interface, and execution logic for your Claw Hub skill.
RequiredSkills use semantic versioning (semver) in Claw Hub, allowing OpenClaw hub users to install specific versions.
npm-likeThe three essential sections every OpenClaw hub skill must have
Basic information about your skill including name, version, description, author, and tags for Claw Hub discovery.
RequiredClear instructions for AI agents on how to call your skill, including parameters, return values, and usage examples.
RequiredThe actual code that runs when your skill is invoked - Python, Node.js, or Bash scripts for OpenClaw hub.
Required--- name: my-api-skill version: 1.0.0 description: Fetches data from external APIs for OpenClaw hub author: your-username tags: - api - web - http --- # Interface Definition This skill fetches JSON data from any REST API endpoint. Parameters: - url (required): The API endpoint URL - method (optional): HTTP method (default: GET) - headers (optional): Custom headers as JSON Returns: - JSON response from the API # Execution Logic ```python import requests import json def execute(url, method="GET", headers=None): response = requests.request(method, url, headers=headers) return response.json() ```
Step-by-step tutorial to build a simple skill for OpenClaw hub
Start by creating a directory for your Claw Hub skill with a clear, descriptive name:
Create the SKILL.md file with metadata, interface definition, and execution logic:
--- name: weather version: 1.0.0 description: Get current weather for any city author: your-username tags: - weather - location - api --- # Weather Skill for OpenClaw Hub Fetches current weather data for any city using OpenWeatherMap API. Parameters: - city (required): City name - units (optional): metric or imperial (default: metric) Returns: - Temperature, humidity, weather description # Execution ```python import requests def execute(city, units="metric"): api_key = "YOUR_API_KEY" url = f"https://api.openweathermap.org/data/2.5/weather" params = {"q": city, "appid": api_key, "units": units} response = requests.get(url, params=params) data = response.json() return { "temp": data["main"]["temp"], "humidity": data["main"]["humidity"], "description": data["weather"][0]["description"] } ```
Before publishing to Claw Hub, test your skill locally in your OpenClaw hub environment:
Choose the right execution language for your OpenClaw hub skill
Ideal for data processing, API integrations, and machine learning tasks. Python is the most common choice for Claw Hub skills.
AI/ML skills, data analysis, web scraping, API clients
Great for web-related tasks, real-time applications, and JavaScript-based integrations. NPM ecosystem available.
Web automation, API servers, real-time data, JSON processing
Perfect for system administration, file operations, and command-line tool wrappers. Lightweight and fast.
System tasks, file operations, CLI wrappers, automation
Consider your skill's primary function when choosing an execution type in Claw Hub:
Follow these guidelines to create high-quality, maintainable skills for OpenClaw hub
Use descriptive, lowercase names with hyphens. Avoid special characters. Example: "web-scraper" not "WebScraper123".
Include comprehensive descriptions, usage examples, and parameter documentation in your SKILL.md for Claw Hub.
Implement robust error handling with clear error messages. Help users debug issues with your OpenClaw hub skill.
Never hardcode credentials. Use environment variables. Avoid requesting unnecessary permissions in Claw Hub skills.
Optimize for speed. Minimize dependencies. Cache results when appropriate for OpenClaw hub efficiency.
Test thoroughly before publishing to Claw Hub. Include edge cases and error scenarios in your tests.
Ensure your skill works correctly before publishing to Claw Hub
Use these CLI commands to test your skill locally before publishing to Claw Hub:
Common issues and how to resolve them when developing Claw Hub skills:
Recommended file organization for your OpenClaw hub skill
Required file containing metadata, interface definition, and execution logic. The heart of every Claw Hub skill.
RequiredDetailed documentation with usage examples, installation instructions, and troubleshooting guides.
OptionalPython dependencies for skills using Python execution. List all required packages with versions.
OptionalNode.js dependencies for skills using JavaScript execution. Define all npm packages needed.
OptionalDirectory for supporting scripts, helper functions, and utility files used by your skill.
OptionalConfiguration file for skill settings, default parameters, and environment-specific options.
Optionalmy-awesome-skill/ ├── SKILL.md # Required: Main skill definition ├── README.md # Optional: Documentation ├── requirements.txt # Optional: Python dependencies ├── package.json # Optional: Node.js dependencies ├── config.json # Optional: Configuration ├── .env.example # Optional: Environment variables template └── scripts/ # Optional: Supporting scripts ├── helper.py └── utils.py
Now that you've built your skill, learn how to publish it to Claw Hub and share it with the OpenClaw hub community.