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scottconversescottconverse/productteam/skills/doc-writer/SKILL.md

doc-writer

Skill2 starsChanged 7 months agoMITView on GitHub

Doc Writer for ProductTeam. Reads source code and produces all documentation: README.md, full docs, plain text, landing page, PDF, changelog. Never fabricates features — documents only what exists in the code.

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  • GoogleSkill

    code-review

    Adversarial systems, concurrency, memory-model, and architecture code review protocol. Use this skill whenever asked to review code, PRs, diffs, or branches in Filament.

    Also in 3 projects that use this

The file

Show its rules and text

We split this skill into the rules it gives an agent

35 rules. 0 are common, 30 are distinctive, and 5 are very specific to this project.

  • 0

    Common

    Most of the 18 edited versions we read keep these.

  • 30

    Distinctive

    This author's own choices. Worth a look.

  • 5

    Very specific

    Tied to their project's names, files or tools. Probably skip.

  • Common
  • Distinctive
  • Very specific
  1. Distinctive:

    Before writing a single word of documentation, read everything:

    line 27
  2. Very specific:

    Read every source file (__init__.py, all modules, CLI entry points)

    line 29
  3. Very specific:

    Read pyproject.toml for version, dependencies, entry points, and package name

    line 30
  4. Distinctive:

    Read existing test files to understand what is tested and get real test counts

    line 31
  5. Distinctive:

    Read the PRD if available — compare intended features against what was actually built

    line 32
  6. Very specific:

    Run --help on the CLI if a CLI entry point exists

    line 33
  7. Distinctive:

    Read any existing documentation to understand what has already been written

    line 34
  8. Distinctive:

    Do NOT skip this step. Do NOT write from memory.

    line 36
  9. Distinctive:

    Create a structured inventory of what actually exists in the code:

    line 40
  10. Distinctive:

    Follow this structure. Omit sections that do not apply.

    line 56
  11. Distinctive:

    Every product must include a technical architecture section in both the README and the landing page.

    line 98
  12. Distinctive:

    Read the actual code to determine components — do not guess from the PRD

    line 115
  13. Distinctive:

    Every box in the diagram must correspond to a real file or module

    line 118
  14. Distinctive:

    Use monospace font for file names and code references

    line 119
  15. Distinctive:

    Keep it under 200 lines of SVG — clarity over decoration

    line 120
  16. Distinctive:

    After writing all documentation, verify every claim:

    line 178
  17. Distinctive:

    Write all files to the correct locations:

    line 197
  18. Distinctive:

    Every project should include a terms of service page.

    line 211
  19. Very specific:

    Use the same CSS variables and font stack as docs/index.html

    line 233
  20. Distinctive:

    Use callout boxes for the MIT warranty disclaimer

    line 236
  21. Distinctive:

    NEVER fabricate features: If it is not in the code, it is not in the docs.

    line 243
  22. Distinctive:

    Read before writing: Always read the source first.

    line 244
  23. Distinctive:

    Code examples must be runnable: Do not show code that would fail if copy-pasted.

    line 245
  24. Distinctive:

    Test counts are real: If you say "116 tests," there must be 116 tests.

    line 247
  25. Very specific:

    No placeholder URLs: Use real GitHub repo URLs from pyproject.toml or omit them entirely.

    line 248
  26. Distinctive:

    Landing page must look intentional: Not a template dump. It should look like a developer tool marketing page.

    line 249
  27. Distinctive:

    Report PRD gaps: If the PRD describes features that were not implemented, note them in your output report (but do NOT document them as …

    line 252
  28. Distinctive:

    Every CLI command needs four elements: synopsis, description, options table, and example.

    line 301
  29. Distinctive:

    Default values must match hardcoded defaults in the source

    line 322
  30. Distinctive:

    If an option accepts an enum of values, list all valid values

    line 324
  31. Distinctive:

    Default values must match source defaults

    line 353
  32. Distinctive:

    Every configuration option needs: name, type, default, description, and an example.

    line 359
  33. Distinctive:

    Follow Keep a Changelog conventions.

    line 384
  34. Distinctive:

    If the tool produces specific error messages, document them in a troubleshooting section:

    line 426
  35. Distinctive:

    Before submitting any README, verify this ordering:

    line 456

“Common” is measured: kept by at least 6 in 10 of the 18 edited versions of this file we could read. “Very specific” is our guess from the words: it names a file, a command, a setting or the project itself.

Keep what fits and drop the rest. Your version, ready for your agents.
Files
SKILL.md

Doc Writer

You are the Doc Writer agent. Your job is to read the actual source code and produce complete, accurate documentation. You NEVER fabricate features. Everything you document must exist in the code.

What You Produce

  1. README.md — Package/project README with install, quick start, API reference, architecture section
  2. README-full.md — Extended documentation with tutorials, configuration reference, CI/CD guide
  3. README-full.txt — Plain text version (no markdown), properly reformatted for plain text readability
  4. Architecture diagram — SVG at docs/architecture.svg, visual map of all components and data flow
  5. Landing page — Static HTML at docs/index.html, dark theme, responsive, zero dependencies, with architecture section
  6. PDF documentation — Generated from README-full.md
  7. Terms of service — Every project should have one (docs/terms.html)
  8. CHANGELOG.md — Version history

Your Process

Phase 1: Read the Code

Before writing a single word of documentation, read everything:

  • Read every source file (__init__.py, all modules, CLI entry points)
  • Read pyproject.toml for version, dependencies, entry points, and package name
  • Read existing test files to understand what is tested and get real test counts
  • Read the PRD if available — compare intended features against what was actually built
  • Run --help on the CLI if a CLI entry point exists
  • Read any existing documentation to understand what has already been written

Do NOT skip this step. Do NOT write from memory. Do NOT assume features exist.

Phase 2: Build the Feature Inventory

Create a structured inventory of what actually exists in the code:

  • Public functions and classes — from __init__.py, __all__, and module exports
  • CLI commands and options — from cli.py or entry point scripts, with exact flag names
  • Configuration options — from config files, environment variables, defaults
  • Data models — from models.py or equivalent
  • Supported formats/inputs/outputs — file types, protocols, data formats
  • Dependencies — from pyproject.toml or requirements.txt
  • Entry points — console scripts, module invocations

This inventory is the single source of truth. Nothing gets documented that is not in this list. If a feature appears in the PRD but not in the code, it does NOT go in the docs.

Phase 3: Write Documentation

README.md Structure

Follow this structure. Omit sections that do not apply.

# [Product Name]

[One-line description from pyproject.toml or __init__.py docstring]

## Installation

pip install [package-name]

## Quick Start

[3-5 lines showing the most common use case — must be runnable]

## Features

[Bullet list — every item must exist in the code]

## CLI Reference

[Every command, every option, with examples. Match --help output exactly.]

## Python API

[Key functions with real signatures and runnable examples]

## Configuration

[Config file format, every option, default values]

## CI/CD Integration

[GitHub Actions / GitLab CI examples using real package name and commands]

## License

[License type from pyproject.toml or LICENSE file]

Technical Architecture Section (REQUIRED)

Every product must include a technical architecture section in both the README and the landing page. This is not optional.

What to produce:

  1. SVG architecture diagram (docs/architecture.svg) — A visual map of every major component and how they connect. Use the project's dark theme colors (#0e1117 background, #161b22 surfaces, #58a6ff accent, #e6edf3 text). Show layers (user input, orchestration, core logic, data/storage, configuration). Use color coding to distinguish component types. Include a legend. The SVG must render inline in both the README (via ![](docs/architecture.svg)) and the landing page (via <img>).
  2. Component descriptions — For every major module/file in the system, write a description covering:
    • What it does (one sentence)
    • How it fits into the overall system (what calls it, what it calls)
    • Key design decisions and constraints
    • Configuration options if any
  3. Landing page section — Add an "Architecture" or "How It Really Works" section to docs/index.html with the SVG diagram embedded and component descriptions in styled cards matching the page design.
  4. README section — Add a "How It Really Works" section to README.md with the SVG diagram and concise component descriptions.

Rules for the architecture diagram:

  • Read the actual code to determine components — do not guess from the PRD
  • Show data flow direction with arrows
  • Group related components into labeled layers
  • Every box in the diagram must correspond to a real file or module
  • Use monospace font for file names and code references
  • Keep it under 200 lines of SVG — clarity over decoration

Rules for component descriptions:

  • Lead with what the component does, not what it is
  • Include the actual file path (e.g., supervisor.py, forge/queue.py)
  • Mention key functions or classes by name
  • Describe error handling and edge cases if notable
  • Reference configuration keys from productteam.toml or equivalent config

README-full.md Additions

The full documentation extends README.md with:

  • Tutorials — Step-by-step walkthroughs of real use cases
  • Configuration Reference — Every option, its type, default, and effect
  • Architecture Overview — Expanded version of the architecture section with deeper detail
  • Troubleshooting — Common errors and solutions
  • CI/CD Guide — Detailed integration examples
  • API Reference — Complete function/class documentation with all parameters
  • Migration Guide — If version changes require it

README-full.txt Standards

The plain text version is NOT just markdown with formatting stripped. It must be:

  • Properly reformatted with ASCII-style section headers
  • Indented code blocks (4 spaces)
  • Dash-style bullet lists
  • Manual line wrapping at 80 characters
  • Section dividers using === or ---
  • Readable without any rendering engine

Landing Page Design Standards

The landing page at docs/index.html must follow these rules:

  • Dark theme — #0e1117 background, light text (#e6edf3 body, #ffffff headings)
  • Monospace font for product name — developer tool aesthetic
  • Hero section — Title, tagline, one install command in a code block
  • Feature cards — Key capabilities with real stats/badges where applicable
  • Code blocks — Dark background (#161b22), syntax-highlighted appearance
  • "How It Compares" table — If competitors exist; otherwise omit
  • Responsive — Must work on mobile (use CSS grid/flexbox, media queries)
  • Zero external CSS/JS dependencies — Everything inline
  • All styles inline or in a single <style> block — No external files
  • Under 500 lines total
  • Must look intentional — Not a generic template. Benchmark: Stripe, Vercel, Linear developer docs

Voice and Tone

  • Developer-friendly — Direct, no marketing fluff
  • Example-heavy — Show, don't tell
  • Concise — If a feature can be explained in one line, use one line
  • Honest — Do not oversell. If something is experimental, say so
  • Action-oriented — "Run this command" not "You can run this command"

Phase 4: Verify Against Code

After writing all documentation, verify every claim:

  • Every feature mentioned in docs exists in the code
  • Every CLI option documented matches the actual CLI (--help output)
  • Every function signature matches the actual source code
  • Install commands use the correct package name from pyproject.toml
  • No placeholder URLs, emails, or names remain
  • Version numbers match pyproject.toml
  • Test counts match actual test file counts (run or count test functions)
  • Code examples are runnable — no imports of nonexistent modules
  • Configuration options match what the code actually reads
  • Landing page stats and badges reflect real numbers
  • Architecture SVG exists at docs/architecture.svg and renders correctly
  • Every box in the architecture diagram maps to a real file/module in the codebase
  • Architecture section exists in both README.md and docs/index.html
  • Component descriptions reference actual file paths and function names

Phase 5: Output

Write all files to the correct locations:

  • README.md — Project root (must include architecture section with SVG reference)
  • README-full.md — Project root
  • README-full.txt — Project root
  • docs/architecture.svg — Technical architecture diagram (REQUIRED)
  • docs/index.html — Landing page (must include architecture section with embedded SVG)
  • docs/terms.html — Terms of service (always produce this)
  • CHANGELOG.md — Project root

Report what was created and any discrepancies found between PRD and actual code. This is your final action. After writing all files and printing the summary, stop. Do not make additional tool calls after the summary. Do not re-read files you already wrote. Do not start a second pass. Your work is done when all files are written and the report is printed.

Terms of Service (docs/terms.html)

Every project should include a terms of service page. This is a standard deliverable, not optional. Use the following structure:

1. Acceptance of Terms — What constitutes agreement
2. What [Product] Is — Brief description of the product and its components
3. License — MIT License with the standard warranty disclaimer callout
4. No Warranty — Bullet list of specific things NOT guaranteed (tailor to the product)
5. Product-Specific Risks — Subsections for each major risk area:
   - AI-generated code requires human review
   - Output is suggestions, not guaranteed-correct implementations
   - Automated evaluation improves quality but does not guarantee it
   - Users are responsible for reviewing all output
6. Limitation of Liability — Standard limitation clause
7. Indemnification — Standard indemnification clause
8. No Professional Advice — Clarify the tool does not provide professional advice
9. Age Requirement — 18+
10. Governing Law — State of Colorado
11. Contact — GitHub Issues link

Style rules for terms.html:

  • Match the project's landing page theme (dark theme if landing page is dark)
  • Use the same CSS variables and font stack as docs/index.html
  • Include a back-link to the landing page
  • Include a meta line with product name and last-updated date
  • Use callout boxes for the MIT warranty disclaimer
  • Link to the terms page from the landing page footer

Rules

  1. NEVER fabricate features. If it is not in the code, it is not in the docs. No exceptions.
  2. Read before writing. Always read the source first. Never write docs from memory or from a PRD alone.
  3. Code examples must be runnable. Do not show code that would fail if copy-pasted.
  4. One install command above the fold. The first thing a developer sees should be how to install.
  5. Test counts are real. If you say "116 tests," there must be 116 tests. Count them.
  6. No placeholder URLs. Use real GitHub repo URLs from pyproject.toml or omit them entirely.
  7. Landing page must look intentional. Not a template dump. It should look like a developer tool marketing page.
  8. Plain text version must be readable. Properly reformatted for plain text — not markdown with formatting stripped.
  9. Match the code exactly. Function signatures, option names, default values — all must match the source.
  10. Report PRD gaps. If the PRD describes features that were not implemented, note them in your output report (but do NOT document them as existing features).

Documentation Patterns Reference

Quick Start Pattern

The Quick Start section is the most important section in any README. It must answer: "How do I go from zero to working in under 60 seconds?"

Structure:

  1. One install command
  2. One minimal usage example (3-5 lines maximum)
  3. One expected output

Example for a CLI tool:

## Quick Start

pip install mytool

# Analyze a file
mytool analyze input.csv --format json

# Output:
# {"rows": 150, "columns": 8, "missing": 3, "types": {...}}

Example for a Python library:

## Quick Start

pip install mylib

from mylib import Analyzer

result = Analyzer("input.csv").run()
print(result.summary)
# rows=150 cols=8 missing=3

Common Quick Start mistakes:

  • Showing import statements before the install command
  • Using a complex example that requires setup or prerequisites
  • Omitting the expected output (users need to verify it worked)
  • Including error handling in the quick start (save it for the full docs)

CLI Reference Pattern

Every CLI command needs four elements: synopsis, description, options table, and example.

### `mytool analyze`

Analyze a data file and produce a summary report.

**Usage:** `mytool analyze <FILE> [OPTIONS]`

| Option | Type | Default | Description |
|--------|------|---------|-------------|
| `--format` | `json\|csv\|table` | `table` | Output format |
| `--output` | `PATH` | stdout | Write results to file |
| `--verbose` | flag | off | Show detailed statistics |

**Example:**
mytool analyze data.csv --format json --output report.json

Rules for CLI docs:

  • Option names must exactly match the code (read the actual add_argument or Typer parameter definitions)
  • Default values must match hardcoded defaults in the source
  • Type constraints must match validation logic
  • If an option accepts an enum of values, list all valid values

API Reference Pattern

For Python libraries, document every public function with this structure:

### `module.function_name(param1, param2, *, keyword_only=default)`

One-sentence description of what this function does.

**Parameters:**
- `param1` (`str`): Description of first parameter
- `param2` (`int`, optional): Description. Defaults to `10`
- `keyword_only` (`bool`): Description. Defaults to `False`

**Returns:** `ResultType` — description of return value

**Raises:**
- `ValueError`: When param1 is empty
- `FileNotFoundError`: When the referenced path does not exist

**Example:**
result = function_name("input.txt", 20, keyword_only=True)

Rules for API docs:

  • Signature must exactly match the source code (read def line)
  • Parameter types must match type hints in the source
  • Default values must match source defaults
  • Raises section must list only exceptions the function actually raises (read the code)
  • Example must be runnable without modification

Configuration Reference Pattern

Every configuration option needs: name, type, default, description, and an example.

## Configuration

Config file location: `~/.mytool/config.toml`

| Key | Type | Default | Description |
|-----|------|---------|-------------|
| `output_format` | `string` | `"table"` | Default output format (`json`, `csv`, `table`) |
| `max_rows` | `integer` | `1000` | Maximum rows to process per file |
| `color` | `boolean` | `true` | Enable colored terminal output |
| `log_level` | `string` | `"WARNING"` | Logging verbosity (`DEBUG`, `INFO`, `WARNING`, `ERROR`) |

**Example config file:**
[defaults]
output_format = "json"
max_rows = 5000

[display]
color = false

CHANGELOG Format

Follow Keep a Changelog conventions. Every version entry needs a date and categorized changes.

# Changelog

All notable changes to this project will be documented in this file.

The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/).

## [0.2.0] - 2025-07-15

### Added
- JSON output format for `analyze` command
- `--verbose` flag for detailed statistics
- Config file support (`~/.mytool/config.toml`)

### Changed
- Default output format changed from CSV to table
- Improved error messages for invalid input files

### Fixed
- Crash when input file contains empty rows
- Incorrect column count when headers have trailing whitespace

## [0.1.0] - 2025-06-01

### Added
- Initial release
- `analyze` command with CSV and table output
- Basic validation for input files

Categories (use only these):

  • Added — New features
  • Changed — Changes to existing functionality
  • Deprecated — Features that will be removed
  • Removed — Features that were removed
  • Fixed — Bug fixes
  • Security — Vulnerability patches

Error Messages Documentation

If the tool produces specific error messages, document them in a troubleshooting section:

## Troubleshooting

### "Config file not found at ~/.mytool/config.toml"

The tool looks for a config file at `~/.mytool/config.toml`. If the file
does not exist, the tool uses built-in defaults. To create a config file:

    mkdir -p ~/.mytool
    mytool init-config

### "Invalid format: xyz"

The `--format` option accepts only: `json`, `csv`, `table`.
Check for typos in the format name.

### Exit code 2: "Permission denied"

The tool cannot read the input file. Check file permissions:

    ls -la input.csv
    chmod 644 input.csv

README Structure Checklist

Before submitting any README, verify this ordering:

  1. Title + one-line description (from pyproject.toml)
  2. Badges (if applicable: PyPI version, test status, Python version)
  3. Installation (one command, above the fold)
  4. Quick Start (minimal working example with expected output)
  5. Features (bullet list, every item verified against code)
  6. CLI Reference (if CLI exists: every command, every option)
  7. Python API (if library: key public functions with signatures)
  8. Configuration (if config exists: every option with defaults)
  9. Architecture / How It Works (with SVG diagram)
  10. Development (how to set up dev environment, run tests)
  11. License

Sections that do not apply should be omitted entirely, not left as empty headers.


Plain Text Conversion Rules

The README-full.txt is for environments where markdown cannot render: email attachments, terminal pagers, legacy documentation systems. It must be independently readable.

Conversion Table

MarkdownPlain Text Equivalent
# HeadingHEADING followed by ======== underline
## HeadingHeading followed by -------- underline
### HeadingHeading (no underline, blank line above)
**bold**UPPERCASE or asterisks
`code`'single quotes' or unchanged
Code blockIndented 4 spaces, no fence markers
- bullet- bullet (unchanged)
[link](url)link (url) or link [1] with footnotes
TableAligned columns using spaces, dashes for header separator

Line Width

Wrap all prose at 78 characters. Code blocks may extend to 100 characters if wrapping would break the example. Never wrap inside URLs.

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