Install and use agent skills

Learn how to install and use agent skills in Exasol.

Agent skills are packaged knowledge files that teach AI coding assistants how to work with Exasol. Once installed, your AI assistant automatically reads the skill files and applies Exasol-specific patterns, syntax rules, and best practices when generating code.

This article covers how to install skills on each supported platform and how to get the most out of them.

What gets installed

The skill collection includes three published skills:

Skill What it teaches
exasol-database Work with Exasol databases: queries, data loading, SQL quirks
exasol-udfs Build UDFs in Python, Java, Lua, or R, and package them into SLCs
exasol-bucketfs Manage files in BucketFS

Each skill follows a consistent structure: a SKILL.md file with YAML frontmatter and a references/ folder containing detailed guidance. The SKILL.md file stays under 500 lines and acts as a decision layer that points the assistant to the right reference material.

Install

Run the installer script to install all Exasol skills for Claude Code and OpenAI Codex:

Copy 
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/exasol-labs/exasol-agent-skills/main/install.sh | sh

This downloads the skill files into the appropriate configuration directories for your installed AI assistants.

Manual installation (copy files directly)

If you prefer to manage the files yourself:

  1. Clone or download the repository:

    Copy 
    git clone https://github.com/exasol-labs/exasol-agent-skills.git

  2. Copy the skill folders into the directory your AI assistant reads from. Each skill is a folder containing a SKILL.md file and a references/ directory.

  3. The exact target directory depends on your platform. Check your AI assistant's documentation for where it looks for skill files.

Verify the installation

After installing, open a new session in your AI assistant and ask it a question about Exasol. For example:

  • Write a Python UDF that converts temperatures from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
  • How do I load a CSV file from S3 into an Exasol table?
  • What is the correct DISTRIBUTE BY strategy for a large fact table?

If the skills are installed correctly, the assistant's response will reference Exasol-specific syntax and patterns rather than generic SQL. You should see Exasol keywords (such as EMITS, IMPORT INTO, DISTRIBUTE BY) and conventions that differ from other databases.

If the assistant gives generic answers without Exasol-specific details, check that the skill files are in the correct directory for your platform.

How skills work in practice

You do not need to invoke skills explicitly. When you start a conversation with your AI assistant, it reads the installed skill files as part of its context. The skills then influence every response the assistant generates about Exasol topics.

Each skill’s SKILL.md file contains a decision layer: a structured summary with pointers to detailed reference material. When the assistant encounters a question about, for example, UDF development, it reads the exasol-udfs skill and follows the guidance in references/ to give you accurate, Exasol-specific advice.

Skills work alongside other context sources. If you also have the Exasol MCP Server configured, the assistant can combine its skill knowledge (how to write good Exasol SQL) with live database access (running queries and browsing schemas).

Tips for getting the best results

Be specific about Exasol. Mention Exasol in your prompts when the context is ambiguous. This helps the assistant select the right skill and avoids falling back to generic SQL patterns.

Ask for explanations. If the assistant generates Exasol-specific syntax you are unfamiliar with (such as DISTRIBUTE BY or EMITS), ask it to explain why it chose that approach. The skills contain rationale that the assistant can surface.

Combine skills with database access. If you have the MCP Server installed, you can ask the assistant to inspect your actual schema and then write queries tailored to your table structure. The skills provide best practices, and the MCP Server provides live context.

Start with the right scope. If you are working on a specific topic (importing data, building UDFs, tuning performance), mention that topic upfront. This helps the assistant focus on the relevant skill rather than providing broad overviews.

Review generated SQL carefully. Skills improve the assistant's Exasol knowledge significantly, but always review generated SQL before running it against a production database, especially for DDL and data modification statements.

Next steps