ask-user
Pattern for effectively interacting with users to gather information or get decisions. Use when you need user input.
Best use case
ask-user is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt. It is especially useful for teams working in multi. Pattern for effectively interacting with users to gather information or get decisions. Use when you need user input.
Pattern for effectively interacting with users to gather information or get decisions. Use when you need user input.
Users should expect a more consistent workflow output, faster repeated execution, and less time spent rewriting prompts from scratch.
Practical example
Example input
Use the "ask-user" skill to help with this workflow task. Context: Pattern for effectively interacting with users to gather information or get decisions. Use when you need user input.
Example output
A structured workflow result with clearer steps, more consistent formatting, and an output that is easier to reuse in the next run.
When to use this skill
- Use this skill when you want a reusable workflow rather than writing the same prompt again and again.
When not to use this skill
- Do not use this when you only need a one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- Do not use it if you cannot install or maintain the related files, repository context, or supporting tools.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/ask-user/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How ask-user Compares
| Feature / Agent | ask-user | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Pattern for effectively interacting with users to gather information or get decisions. Use when you need user input.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
SKILL.md Source
# Ask User Skill
Pattern for effective user interaction.
## When to Load This Skill
- You need to clarify requirements
- You need user to make a decision
- You have options to present
## Principles
### 1. Be Specific, Not Open-Ended
Bad: "What do you want?"
Good: "Should authentication use JWT or sessions?"
### 2. Offer Options When Possible
```
AskUserQuestion(
questions: [
{
question: "Which authentication method should we use?",
header: "Auth method",
options: [
{ label: "JWT", description: "Stateless, good for APIs" },
{ label: "Sessions", description: "Stateful, good for web apps" }
],
multiSelect: false
}
]
)
```
### 3. Provide Context
Explain WHY you're asking:
- What decision depends on this
- What trade-offs exist
- What you recommend and why
### 4. Batch Related Questions
Ask related questions together:
```
questions: [
{ question: "Auth method?", ... },
{ question: "Token expiry?", ... },
{ question: "Refresh token?", ... }
]
```
## When to Ask vs Decide
### ASK when:
- Multiple valid approaches with different trade-offs
- User preference matters
- Scope is unclear
- Risk of wasted work
### DECIDE when:
- Clear best practice exists
- Low impact choice
- Easily reversible
- Standard convention applies
## Question Types
### Clarification
"You mentioned 'fast' - do you mean response time < 100ms or just faster than current?"
### Confirmation
"I understand you want X, Y, and Z. Is this correct?"
### Decision
"Option A has [pros/cons]. Option B has [pros/cons]. Which do you prefer?"
### Scope
"Should this also handle [related case] or just [original request]?"Related Skills
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