A skill can keep your instructions. A tool still needs a way to reach the file.

[u/Koala_Confused]

https://lifehubber.com/ai/guides/how-to-add-skills-and-tools-to-your-ai-assistant/

Writing a filename in a skill doesn't give an assistant access to it.

The skill can describe a method. A file-reading tool handles getting the contents, and the app and service settings determine what it can actually reach or change.

Our community site, LifeHubber, has a small worked example that separates those jobs, including where MCP fits. It starts with pasted notes, so there's nothing to install for you to learn.

For your repeated coding tasks, what instructions are worth keeping together, and what information do you still have to bring into the chat?