vanilla-web
Build or modify plain HTML/CSS/JavaScript (no framework) using modular ES modules (ESM), SRP, minimal global state, and shippable runnable files with lightweight verification. Use for static pages, small UI widgets, vanilla JS refactors, and quick prototypes without React/Vue/Angular.
Install
npx skills add https://github.com/janjaszczak/cursor --skill vanilla-webSKILL.md
Vanilla Web (HTML/CSS/JS)
Baseline constraints (from the rule)
Use these as non-negotiables:
- "HTML/CSS/JS only (no framework)."
- "Keep JS modular (ESM), split responsibilities (SRP)."
- "Prefer small, focused functions and pure utilities; avoid global state."
- "Ship complete runnable files and minimal tests before marking done."
When to activate this skill
Activate when the user asks for:
- vanilla JS / plain HTML/CSS/JS / static page
- “no framework”, “no React/Vue/Angular”
- small UI components (modal, tabs, dropdown, form validation) built directly in the DOM
- refactors to remove framework dependencies or reduce JS complexity
Output expectations
- Deliver complete runnable files (no missing imports/paths, no TODO placeholders).
- Keep changes small, testable, and incremental.
- Provide a short runbook: how to run/verify locally + what to check in DevTools.
Implementation workflow
1) Clarify only what blocks correctness
Ask up to 3 questions only if requirements are ambiguous in a way that changes implementation. Otherwise proceed with explicit assumptions.
2) Structure & responsibilities
- Prefer this split:
index.html(semantic markup)styles.css(orcss/…)js/main.jsas an ESM entrypoint +js/modules/*.jsfor components/utilities
- SRP: each module does one thing (DOM wiring, state, rendering, API, utilities).
- Avoid global mutable state. If state is needed, encapsulate it in a module and expose minimal functions.
3) HTML guidelines
- Use semantic tags (
header,main,nav,button,dialogwhere applicable). - Accessibility baseline: keyboard navigation, focus states, ARIA only when needed (don’t ARIA-overuse).
4) CSS guidelines
- Prefer simple, predictable naming (BEM-like optional).
- Use CSS variables for theme primitives.
- Keep layout responsive by default (flex/grid + relative units).
5) JavaScript guidelines (ESM)
- Use
type="module"and explicit imports/exports. - Prefer pure utilities and small functions.
- Use event delegation for lists/dynamic UIs.
- Handle errors explicitly (network failures, missing DOM nodes, invalid inputs).
Verification checklist
Use the detailed checklist in:
references/checklist.md
When finishing work, ensure:
- No console errors/warnings caused by the change
- All referenced assets resolve (paths/imports)
- Feature works with keyboard and without requiring a framework runtime
Progressive disclosure
Keep this SKILL.md lean; store deeper examples and checklists under references/.
Do not paste large style guides into SKILL.md—link to repo examples instead.
Suggested companion scripts (optional)
scripts/serve.shfor quick static serving (manual verification)
See:
scripts/serve.sh
Related skills
vercel-react-best-practicesvercel-labs751KReact and Next.js performance optimization guidelines from Vercel Engineering. This skill should be used when writing, reviewing, or refactoring React/Next.js code to ensure optimal performance patterns. Triggers on tasks involving React components, Next.js pages, data fetching, bundle optimization, or performance improvements.vercel-composition-patternsvercel-labs361KReact composition patterns that scale. Use when refactoring components with boolean prop proliferation, building flexible component libraries, or designing reusable APIs. Triggers on tasks involving compound components, render props, context providers, or component architecture. Includes React 19 API changes.vercel-react-view-transitionsvercel-labs135KGuide for implementing smooth, native-feeling animations using React's View Transition API (`<ViewTransition>` component, `addTransitionType`, and CSS view transition pseudo-elements). Use this skill whenever the user wants to add page transitions, animate route changes, create shared element animations, animate enter/exit of components, animate list reorder, implement directional (forward/back) navigation animations, or integrate view transitions in Next.js. Also use when the user mentions viewpick-ui-libraryemilkowalski124KPick the right library for a given frontend task from a curated, opinionated list — numbers, OTP inputs, charts, command menus, virtualization, drag and drop, toasts, state, styling, and more. Only runs when explicitly invoked; it does not trigger on its own.
