---
id: "prereq-markdown-structure"
type: "prereq"
source_timestamps: ["04:38:00"]
tags: ["formatting"]
related: ["concept-skill-anatomy"]
reason: "Skills are authored as .md files. A practitioner must understand basic markdown syntax to structure the metadata and methodology sections correctly."
sources: ["s43-file-format-agreement"]
sourceVaultSlug: "s43-file-format-agreement"
originDay: 43
---
# Basic Markdown Formatting

## Prerequisite

Basic markdown literacy — headings, lists, code fences, and YAML frontmatter.

## Why It's Required

Skills are authored as `.md` files (see [[concept-skill-anatomy]]). A practitioner must understand:

- **YAML frontmatter** — used for the `description` and other metadata.
- **Headings and lists** — used to structure methodology sections.
- **Code fences** — used for examples in the methodology body.

## Quick Catch-Up

If you've ever written a README on GitHub, you have enough markdown to start authoring skills.