| name | update-llms |
| description | Updates the llms.txt file to reflect changes in documentation. Use when editing repository details or specifications. For creating from scratch, see create-llms. |
Update LLMs.txt File
Update the existing llms.txt file in the root of the repository to reflect changes in documentation, specifications, or repository structure. This file provides high-level guidance to large language models (LLMs) on where to find relevant content for understanding the repository's purpose and specifications.
Primary Directive
Update the existing llms.txt file to maintain accuracy and compliance with the llms.txt specification while reflecting current repository structure and content. The file must remain optimized for LLM consumption while staying human-readable.
Analysis and Planning Phase
Before updating the llms.txt file, you must complete a thorough analysis:
Step 1: Review Current File and Specification
- Read the existing
llms.txt file to understand current structure
- Review the official specification at https://llmstxt.org/ to ensure continued compliance
- Identify areas that may need updates based on repository changes
Step 2: Repository Structure Analysis
- Examine the current repository structure using appropriate tools
- Compare current structure with what's documented in existing
llms.txt
- Identify new directories, files, or documentation that should be included
- Note any removed or relocated files that need to be updated
Step 3: Content Discovery and Change Detection
- Identify new README files and their locations
- Find new documentation files (
.md files in /docs/, /spec/, etc.)
- Locate new specification files and their purposes
- Discover new configuration files and their relevance
- Find new example files and code samples
- Identify any changes to existing documentation structure
Step 4: Create Update Plan
Based on your analysis, create a structured plan that includes:
- Changes needed to maintain accuracy
- New files to be added to the llms.txt
- Outdated references to be removed or updated
- Organizational improvements to maintain clarity
Implementation Requirements
Format Compliance
The updated llms.txt file must maintain this exact structure per the specification:
- H1 Header: Single line with repository/project name (required)
- Blockquote Summary: Brief description in blockquote format (optional but recommended)
- Additional Details: Zero or more markdown sections without headings for context
- File List Sections: Zero or more H2 sections containing markdown lists of links
Content Requirements
Required Elements
- Project Name: Clear, descriptive title as H1
- Summary: Concise blockquote explaining the repository's purpose
- Key Files: Essential files organized by category (H2 sections)
File Link Format
Each file link must follow: [descriptive-name](relative-url): optional description
Section Organization
Organize files into logical H2 sections such as:
- Documentation: Core documentation files
- Specifications: Technical specifications and requirements
- Examples: Sample code and usage examples
- Configuration: Setup and configuration files
- Optional: Secondary files (special meaning - can be skipped for shorter context)
Content Guidelines
Language and Style
- Use concise, clear, unambiguous language
- Avoid jargon without explanation
- Write for both human and LLM readers
- Be specific and informative in descriptions
File Selection Criteria
Include files that:
- Explain the repository's purpose and scope
- Provide essential technical documentation
- Show usage examples and patterns
- Define interfaces and specifications
- Contain configuration and setup instructions
Exclude files that:
- Are purely implementation details
- Contain redundant information
- Are build artifacts or generated content
- Are not relevant to understanding the project
Execution Steps
Step 1: Current State Analysis
- Read the existing
llms.txt file thoroughly
- Examine the current repository structure completely
- Compare existing file references with actual repository content
- Identify outdated, missing, or incorrect references
- Note any structural issues with the current file
Step 2: Content Planning
- Determine if the primary purpose statement needs updates
- Review and update the summary blockquote if needed
- Plan additions for new files and directories
- Plan removals for outdated or moved content
- Reorganize sections if needed for better clarity
Step 3: File Updates
- Update the existing
llms.txt file in the repository root
- Maintain compliance with the exact format specification
- Add new file references with appropriate descriptions
- Remove or update outdated references
- Ensure all links are valid relative paths
Step 4: Validation
- Verify continued compliance with https://llmstxt.org/ specification
- Check that all links are valid and accessible
- Ensure the file still serves as an effective LLM navigation tool
- Confirm the file remains both human and machine readable
Quality Assurance
Format Validation
- ✅ H1 header with project name
- ✅ Blockquote summary (if included)
- ✅ H2 sections for file lists
- ✅ Proper markdown link format
- ✅ No broken or invalid links
- ✅ Consistent formatting throughout
Content Validation
- ✅ Clear, unambiguous language
- ✅ Comprehensive coverage of essential files
- ✅ Logical organization of content
- ✅ Appropriate file descriptions
- ✅ Serves as effective LLM navigation tool
Specification Compliance
- ✅ Follows https://llmstxt.org/ format exactly
- ✅ Uses required markdown structure
- ✅ Implements optional sections appropriately
- ✅ File located at repository root (
/llms.txt)
Update Strategy
Addition Process
When adding new content:
- Identify the appropriate section for new files
- Create clear, descriptive names for links
- Write concise but informative descriptions
- Maintain alphabetical or logical ordering within sections
- Consider if new sections are needed for new content types
Removal Process
When removing outdated content:
- Verify files are actually removed or relocated
- Check if relocated files should be updated rather than removed
- Remove entire sections if they become empty
- Update cross-references if needed
Reorganization Process
When restructuring content:
- Maintain logical flow from general to specific
- Keep essential documentation in primary sections
- Move secondary content to "Optional" section if appropriate
- Ensure new organization improves LLM navigation
Example structure for llms.txt:
# [Repository Name]
> [Concise description of the repository's purpose and scope]
[Optional additional context paragraphs without headings]
## Documentation
- [Main README](README.md): Primary project documentation and getting started guide
- [Contributing Guide](CONTRIBUTING.md): Guidelines for contributing to the project
- [Code of Conduct](CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md): Community guidelines and expectations
## Specifications
- [Technical Specification](spec/technical-spec.md): Detailed technical requirements and constraints
- [API Specification](spec/api-spec.md): Interface definitions and data contracts
## Examples
- [Basic Example](examples/basic-usage.md): Simple usage demonstration
- [Advanced Example](examples/advanced-usage.md): Complex implementation patterns
## Configuration
- [Setup Guide](docs/setup.md): Installation and configuration instructions
- [Deployment Guide](docs/deployment.md): Production deployment guidelines
## Optional
- [Architecture Documentation](docs/architecture.md): Detailed system architecture
- [Design Decisions](docs/decisions.md): Historical design decision records
Success Criteria
The updated llms.txt file should:
- Accurately reflect the current repository structure and content
- Maintain compliance with the llms.txt specification
- Provide clear navigation to essential documentation
- Remove outdated or incorrect references
- Include new important files and documentation
- Maintain logical organization for easy LLM consumption
- Use clear, unambiguous language throughout
- Continue to serve both human and machine readers effectively
