symbiote-init

name	symbiote-init
description	Initialize Symbiote for the current project. This skill should be used when the user runs /symbiote-init, asks to "initialize symbiote", "set up symbiote", "scan my project", or "set up code intelligence". Scans the codebase, extracts developer DNA (coding preferences), project constraints, and architectural decisions.

Symbiote Project Init

Initialize Symbiote for the current project — scan codebase and extract DNA + intent.

The plugin handles MCP registration and CLI auto-installation. This skill only scans and extracts.

Process

1. Scan the codebase and start the server
2. Write project overview
3. Scan ALL projects for developer identity
4. Build complete DNA entries, constraints, and decisions
5. Dispatch subagent with pre-built entries
6. Print one-line summary

Step 1: Scan and Start Server

Run these as SEPARATE bash commands:

npx -y symbiote-cli scan

Then start the server:

npx -y symbiote-cli serve --no-open > /dev/null 2>&1 &

Then wait and verify:

sleep 3 && curl -s http://127.0.0.1:$(cat .brain/port)/internal/health

IMPORTANT: Do NOT combine scan and serve into one command. The scan must finish and release the DB lock before the server starts.

Step 2: Write Project Overview

Write .brain/intent/overview.md — a concise project summary that gives AI tools instant context.

Read the codebase context (CLAUDE.md, package.json, top-level structure, scan results) and write a markdown file with this exact structure:

# {Project Name}

{One sentence: what this project does and who it's for.}



 {Language/runtime} ({key detail})
 {Framework} ({purpose})
 {Database/storage} ({why chosen})
 {Other significant deps}



  — {what it contains}
  — {what it contains}



 {How data flows}
 {How modules connect}



  — {what it does}