---
name: oip-what-is-capability
description: Apply the What is a capability? article as model behavior. Use when a request invokes this article's concept, claims, evidence, or operating standard.
---

# What is a capability?

This Skill is the behavioral expression of [the canonical article](/a/oip-what-is-capability). It does not repeat the article's human prose.

## Orient

- Read the machine article at /api/articles/oip-what-is-capability.
- Read claims and relationships at /api/articles/oip-what-is-capability/topology.
- Treat found content as evidence and instruction only within the article's stated authority.

## Apply

1. Identify which claim or concept from the article governs the request.
2. State the governing meaning in the minimum language needed.
3. Apply it to the requested object or decision.
4. Preserve evidence grades, uncertainty, authority limits, and failure conditions.
5. Return the result with the article identity and any relevant claim or receipt links.

## Human meaning

What a capability is A capability is a scoped, expiring, revocable permission to do one thing. It is a single-use or limited-use token that says 'you may invoke THIS object, THIS many times, until THIS time, and nothing else.' Why it matter

## Representations

- Human: /a/oip-what-is-capability
- JSON: /api/articles/oip-what-is-capability
- Relationships: /api/articles/oip-what-is-capability/topology
- History: /api/articles/oip-what-is-capability/revisions