create-agentsmd
Skill15 starsChanged 5 months agoMITView on GitHub
Prompt for generating an AGENTS.md file for a repository
- Installs packages
6 other projects use a version of this.
Adopted by
Most recently taken up by
- taixuann/development-spaceword for word, first seen Nov 8, 2026
- github/awesome-copilotword for word, first seen Oct 25, 2026
- zz-zhi54/skillsword for word, first seen Oct 5, 2026
- hacxy/skillstheir own version, first seen Jul 29, 2026
- ukeSJTU/agentsword for word, first seen Jul 14, 2026
- ReaperOAK/ForgeOSword for word, first seen Jun 8, 2026
Other versions6 projects use a version of this.
Word for word · 5
- github/awesome-copilot★ 41k100% same
- taixuann/development-space★ 1100% same
- zz-zhi54/skills★ 1100% same
- ReaperOAK/ForgeOS★ 0100% same
- ukeSJTU/agents★ 0100% same
Edited · 0
None found.
Wrote their own version · 1
- hacxy/skills★ 1same name
How matches are found. Word for word: the exact same text. Edited: shares passages with this file (“99% same” means 99% of its five-word phrases also appear here; 10% or more counts). Their own version: similar meaning, or, weakest, the same name. We can’t tell which project had it first. Projects are counted among the 200 most-starred candidates, and mentions are links to the repository we found, up to 50 per site, so both counts are a floor.
In this repository17 other files it gives its agents.
- CLAUDE.mdCLAUDE.md
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- frontend-designSkill
- gpt-image-2Skill
- grill-meSkill
- handoffSkill
- hyperframesSkill
- improve-codebase-architectureSkill
- leptos-guideSkill
- manage-plansSkill
- remotion-best-practicesSkill
- rust-async-patternsSkill
- rust-best-practicesSkill
- rust-patternsSkill
- rust-testingSkill
- tauri-v2Skill
The file
We split this skill into the rules it gives an agent
11 rules. About 0 are common, 11 are distinctive, and 0 are very specific to this project.
≈0
Common · estimate
Many files like this have a rule of this kind.
≈11
Distinctive · estimate
This author's own choices. Worth a look.
0
Very specific
Tied to their project's names, files or tools. Probably skip.
- Common
- Distinctive
- Very specific
- Distinctive: line 28
Create the file as AGENTS.md in the repository root
- Distinctive: line 29
Use standard Markdown formatting
- Distinctive: line 30
No required fields - flexible structure based on project needs
- Distinctive: line 57
Test file locations and naming conventions
- Distinctive: line 109
Use this as a starting template and customize based on the specific project:
- Distinctive: line 213
All essential setup and development commands
- Distinctive: line 229
Stay current: Update as the project evolves
- Distinctive: line 230
Test commands: Ensure all listed commands actually work
- Distinctive: line 237
Place a main AGENTS.md at the repository root
- Distinctive: line 238
Create additional AGENTS.md files in subproject directories
- Distinctive: line 249
When creating the AGENTS.md file, prioritize clarity, completeness, and actionability.
≈ “Common” is an estimate: at least 1 in 5 of the 350,495 skill files we read have a rule of the same kind, not the same words. “Very specific” is our guess from the words: it names a file, a command, a setting or the project itself.
Files
Create high‑quality AGENTS.md file
You are a code agent. Your task is to create a complete, accurate AGENTS.md at the root of this repository that follows the public guidance at https://agents.md/.
AGENTS.md is an open format designed to provide coding agents with the context and instructions they need to work effectively on a project.
What is AGENTS.md?
AGENTS.md is a Markdown file that serves as a "README for agents" - a dedicated, predictable place to provide context and instructions to help AI coding agents work on your project. It complements README.md by containing detailed technical context that coding agents need but might clutter a human-focused README.
Key Principles
- Agent-focused: Contains detailed technical instructions for automated tools
- Complements README.md: Doesn't replace human documentation but adds agent-specific context
- Standardized location: Placed at repository root (or subproject roots for monorepos)
- Open format: Uses standard Markdown with flexible structure
- Ecosystem compatibility: Works across 20+ different AI coding tools and agents
File Structure and Content Guidelines
1. Required Setup
- Create the file as
AGENTS.mdin the repository root - Use standard Markdown formatting
- No required fields - flexible structure based on project needs
2. Essential Sections to Include
Project Overview
- Brief description of what the project does
- Architecture overview if complex
- Key technologies and frameworks used
Setup Commands
- Installation instructions
- Environment setup steps
- Dependency management commands
- Database setup if applicable
Development Workflow
- How to start development server
- Build commands
- Watch/hot-reload setup
- Package manager specifics (npm, pnpm, yarn, etc.)
Testing Instructions
- How to run tests (unit, integration, e2e)
- Test file locations and naming conventions
- Coverage requirements
- Specific test patterns or frameworks used
- How to run subset of tests or focus on specific areas
Code Style Guidelines
- Language-specific conventions
- Linting and formatting rules
- File organization patterns
- Naming conventions
- Import/export patterns
Build and Deployment
- Build commands and outputs
- Environment configurations
- Deployment steps and requirements
- CI/CD pipeline information
3. Optional but Recommended Sections
Security Considerations
- Security testing requirements
- Secrets management
- Authentication patterns
- Permission models
Monorepo Instructions (if applicable)
- How to work with multiple packages
- Cross-package dependencies
- Selective building/testing
- Package-specific commands
Pull Request Guidelines
- Title format requirements
- Required checks before submission
- Review process
- Commit message conventions
Debugging and Troubleshooting
- Common issues and solutions
- Logging patterns
- Debug configuration
- Performance considerations
Example Template
Use this as a starting template and customize based on the specific project:
# AGENTS.md
## Project Overview
[Brief description of the project, its purpose, and key technologies]
## Setup Commands
- Install dependencies: `[package manager] install`
- Start development server: `[command]`
- Build for production: `[command]`
## Development Workflow
- [Development server startup instructions]
- [Hot reload/watch mode information]
- [Environment variable setup]
## Testing Instructions
- Run all tests: `[command]`
- Run unit tests: `[command]`
- Run integration tests: `[command]`
- Test coverage: `[command]`
- [Specific testing patterns or requirements]
## Code Style
- [Language and framework conventions]
- [Linting rules and commands]
- [Formatting requirements]
- [File organization patterns]
## Build and Deployment
- [Build process details]
- [Output directories]
- [Environment-specific builds]
- [Deployment commands]
## Pull Request Guidelines
- Title format: [component] Brief description
- Required checks: `[lint command]`, `[test command]`
- [Review requirements]
## Additional Notes
- [Any project-specific context]
- [Common gotchas or troubleshooting tips]
- [Performance considerations]Working Example from agents.md
Here's a real example from the agents.md website:
# Sample AGENTS.md file
## Dev environment tips
- Use `pnpm dlx turbo run where <project_name>` to jump to a package instead of scanning with `ls`.
- Run `pnpm install --filter <project_name>` to add the package to your workspace so Vite, ESLint, and TypeScript can see it.
- Use `pnpm create vite@latest <project_name> -- --template react-ts` to spin up a new React + Vite package with TypeScript checks ready.
- Check the name field inside each package's package.json to confirm the right name—skip the top-level one.
## Testing instructions
- Find the CI plan in the .github/workflows folder.
- Run `pnpm turbo run test --filter <project_name>` to run every check defined for that package.
- From the package root you can just call `pnpm test`. The commit should pass all tests before you merge.
- To focus on one step, add the Vitest pattern: `pnpm vitest run -t "<test name>"`.
- Fix any test or type errors until the whole suite is green.
- After moving files or changing imports, run `pnpm lint --filter <project_name>` to be sure ESLint and TypeScript rules still pass.
- Add or update tests for the code you change, even if nobody asked.
## PR instructions
- Title format: [<project_name>] <Title>
- Always run `pnpm lint` and `pnpm test` before committing.Implementation Steps
Analyze the project structure to understand:
- Programming languages and frameworks used
- Package managers and build tools
- Testing frameworks
- Project architecture (monorepo, single package, etc.)
Identify key workflows by examining:
- package.json scripts
- Makefile or other build files
- CI/CD configuration files
- Documentation files
Create comprehensive sections covering:
- All essential setup and development commands
- Testing strategies and commands
- Code style and conventions
- Build and deployment processes
- Include specific, actionable commands that agents can execute directly
- Test the instructions by ensuring all commands work as documented
- Keep it focused on what agents need to know, not general project information
Best Practices
- Be specific: Include exact commands, not vague descriptions
- Use code blocks: Wrap commands in backticks for clarity
- Include context: Explain why certain steps are needed
- Stay current: Update as the project evolves
- Test commands: Ensure all listed commands actually work
- Consider nested files: For monorepos, create AGENTS.md files in subprojects as needed
Monorepo Considerations
For large monorepos:
- Place a main AGENTS.md at the repository root
- Create additional AGENTS.md files in subproject directories
- The closest AGENTS.md file takes precedence for any given location
- Include navigation tips between packages/projects
Final Notes
- AGENTS.md works with 20+ AI coding tools including Cursor, Aider, Gemini CLI, and many others
- The format is intentionally flexible - adapt it to your project's needs
- Focus on actionable instructions that help agents understand and work with your codebase
- This is living documentation - update it as your project evolves
When creating the AGENTS.md file, prioritize clarity, completeness, and actionability. The goal is to give any coding agent enough context to effectively contribute to the project without requiring additional human guidance.
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Your trail
Files you open will collect here, so you can find them again.
Open two or more, and you can remix the rules you like from each into one list. Kept in this browser only.
Now do this for your own.
Bring your CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md or skills. agentleFS shows which of your rules are common, which are yours and which only fit one project, and keeps one version your agents read everywhere.

