Home/Compare/Skill package vs CLI + MCP
Comparison

Skill package vs CLI + MCP: which artifact should Loreto build?

When you generate with Loreto you pick an artifact: a skill package, a CLI + MCP, or both. A skill package is instructions your agent reads; a CLI + MCP is runnable code your agent (or you) can execute directly.

Quick answer

Skill package: A skill package is a SKILL.md + references + test that your agent reads and follows. CLI + MCP: A CLI + MCP is a runnable command-line tool plus an MCP server exposing it to agents.

 Skill packageCLI + MCP
FormInstructions & know-howExecutable code + tools
Great forWorkflows, judgment, multi-step processesDeterministic actions & integrations
Runs byAgent following stepsDirect execution / tool call
Ship target.claude/skills/npx / MCP client
Pick "Both"Agent reads the stepsand can run the tool
Use Skill package when
  • The value is the process and judgment
  • You want portability and easy editing
Use CLI + MCP when
  • The value is a repeatable, deterministic action
  • You want to invoke it as a command

The verdict

Choose "Both" when your agent should understand the workflow and be able to execute it. Loreto builds all three from one source.

Build the skill for your side of this

Loreto turns any source into a Claude Code skill — package, CLI + MCP, or both.