Specialized Tool vs Skill

Two basic forms of capability expression:

• specialized tool-code — structured call, determinism, testability; but hundreds of tokens and bloat;
• Skill + universal executor — natural language document + terminal/interpreter; small number of tools covers many scenarios.

Three dimensions of choice:

• parameter complexity — schema structure vs CLI;
• frequency of changes — Skill is cheaper to change;
• model capabilities — weak ones need a schema, strong ones are enough with Skill.

Related: Agent Skills, Balance of tool granularity, Seven basic tools