UX: @ in skill argument syntax conflicts with @ mention autocomplete
Resolved 💬 2 comments Opened Mar 2, 2026 by tmsdnl Closed Mar 30, 2026
Summary
When a skill's argument syntax includes @ as a prefix (e.g. the skill prompts the user to type /skillname @something), typing @ in the input box triggers Claude Code's built-in mention/file autocomplete dropdown. The auto-suggestion that appears then replaces the intended argument text when dismissed or selected, making the skill difficult to invoke as designed.
Steps to Reproduce
- Have a skill whose usage includes
@as part of the expected argument - Type the skill invocation including
@followed by the argument - Observe that the
@triggers the autocomplete dropdown
Expected Behavior
Either:
- The
@autocomplete should not trigger inside skill argument position (after a skill name has been recognized), or - Skill authors should have a way to declare their argument syntax so that
@is treated as a literal character
Actual Behavior
The autocomplete dropdown intercepts the @ keystroke and its suggestion replaces the intended argument.
Impact
Skills that use @ as a meaningful argument prefix are effectively broken from a UX perspective, requiring workarounds like alternative syntax.
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