# Maintaining AGENTS.md

Goal: concise, actionable agent instructions. Target under 60 lines; never exceed 100.

## Workflow

1. Inspect before writing:
   - package manager: lock files and manifests
   - commands: `package.json`, `Makefile`, task runners, CI workflows
   - docs/specs/policies: `README.md`, `CONTRIBUTING.md`, `docs/`, `specs/`, `policies/`, `SECURITY.md`, `.github/`
   - conventions: current code patterns, test layout, generated files, legacy areas to avoid
2. Choose scope:
   - root `AGENTS.md`: repo-wide defaults
   - nested `AGENTS.md`: only when a subtree has different commands or rules
   - closest instruction file wins; keep narrower files shorter than root files
3. Write the smallest useful file.
4. Verify exact paths and commands exist.

## File Setup

- Create `AGENTS.md` at the repository root.
- If a Claude-compatible entrypoint is required, symlink `CLAUDE.md` to `AGENTS.md`.
- Do not maintain divergent `AGENTS.md` and `CLAUDE.md` copies.

## Default Sections

Use only sections that add non-obvious value.

````markdown
# Agent Instructions

## Package Manager
- Use **pnpm**: `pnpm install`

## Commands
| Task | Command |
|------|---------|
| Test file | `pnpm vitest run path/to/file.test.ts` |
| Lint file | `pnpm eslint path/to/file.ts` |

## External References
| Need | File |
|------|------|
| Setup | `CONTRIBUTING.md` |
| Architecture | `docs/architecture.md` |
| Security policy | `SECURITY.md` |

## Key Conventions
- Generated files: update with `pnpm generate`; do not edit by hand.

## Commit Attribution
AI commits MUST include:
```
Co-Authored-By: (the agent's name and attribution byline)
```
````

## Writing Rules

- Use headings, bullets, and tables; avoid paragraphs.
- Use repo-relative paths; avoid vague references like "see docs".
- Reference existing docs/specs/policies instead of copying them.
- List exact external files for setup, architecture, API specs, security, release, and policy docs when they exist.
- Prefer file-scoped test/lint/typecheck commands; include full builds only when no narrower command exists.
- Put commands in tables when there is more than one.
- Keep one rule per bullet.
- Keep rationale out unless it prevents a likely mistake.
- Do not restate linter, formatter, or typechecker config.
- Do not list installed skills or plugins.
- Do not include generic quality slogans.

## External Reference Rules

Good:

```markdown
## External References
| Need | File |
|------|------|
| API contract | `docs/api.md` |
| Release process | `docs/releasing.md` |
```

## Anti-Patterns

- welcome text, intros, conclusions, or pleasantries
- long prose explaining why instructions matter
- duplicated content from `README.md`, `CONTRIBUTING.md`, or policy docs
- project-wide commands when file-scoped commands are available
- nested `AGENTS.md` files that repeat root instructions