# Docker Skills


Docker Skills are Docker's official, open-source guidance for compatible AI
coding agents. They help agents with Docker tasks, such as improving a Dockerfile
or setting up a Compose application. The collection evolves and doesn't cover
every Docker product. Browse the [repository catalog](https://github.com/docker/skills#readme)
for available skills and their descriptions.

## Get started

1. [Install Docker Skills](/ai/skills/install/) with a method supported by your agent,
   and start a new agent session.
2. Ask for an outcome in plain language, for example, “Make this Dockerfile
   smaller and run as a non-root user.”
3. Review the proposed changes and commands, run your project's tests, and
   confirm destructive operations before approving them. Skills guide the
   agent; they don't replace validation.

## How agents use skills

A compatible agent matches your request to descriptions of skills it can
access, then loads the relevant instructions. You don't need to name a skill in
your prompt. A skill is a directory containing a `SKILL.md` file that describes
when and how to use it, with optional references or assets. An agent can use
more than one skill when a task spans Docker products.