Guide
Codex vs Claude Code skills: how to choose a prompt format
Codex and Claude Code can use similar skills, but the best prompt format depends on how you want the agent to inspect, plan, edit, and report.
Use Codex when the task is implementation-heavy
Codex is strongest when the prompt gives it a clear project task, local files to inspect, a short plan, and verification commands. Codex skills should push the agent toward concrete edits and a compact final report.
A good Codex prompt says what to install, which workflow to apply, how to verify, and what not to touch.
Use Claude Code when the task needs more structured reasoning
Claude Code is often useful for review-heavy tasks, planning, documentation, and larger reasoning passes. Claude-oriented skill prompts can include a slightly more explicit planning section.
The risk is over-explaining. Even for Claude Code, the prompt should stay short and operational.
Use universal format for Cursor or mixed tools
Cursor and other coding tools benefit from universal packs that avoid tool-specific assumptions. The pack should say what the agent should inspect and how it should report, but avoid assuming one CLI or one editor workflow.