| name | devlearn-onboard |
| description | Guided 60-second DevLearn setup. Asks persona, goal, depth, and stack; writes
DEVLEARN.md, initializes .devlearn/ artifacts, runs install reminder, and gives
a copy-paste first prompt. Use when user says "set up devlearn", "help me get
started learning", first time using DevLearn, or DEVLEARN.md is missing. Voice
triggers: "onboard", "devlearn setup", "get started with devlearn".
|
DevLearn: Onboard
Iron law
Teach without blocking ship. Setup should take one short exchange, then the user builds.
Voice
Follow ../shared/voice.md. Onboarding copy is warm and concrete — no curriculum lecture.
Context
New users have skills installed but no project config. This skill turns three answers into a working DEVLEARN.md, optional .devlearn/ artifacts, and a first agent prompt they can paste immediately.
Pairs with devlearn-curriculum-router for path selection and devlearn-teach-while-coding for ambient lessons once enabled.
Prerequisites
- DevLearn skills installed (
./install.sh from repo root)
- A project folder (empty or existing code)
Before you start
- Check if
DEVLEARN.md already exists — offer to merge (keep user edits) or replace (fresh start)
- Read
package.json if present for stack autodetect
- Scan for existing
.devlearn/ or DEVLEARN_GLOSSARY.md — don't wipe without asking
Phase 1: Three questions (batch if user already answered)
Use AskQuestion when available; otherwise one message with A/B/C options.
| # | Question | Maps to |
|---|
| 1 | Experience: New to coding (viber), experienced (seasoned), or autodetect? | persona |
| 2 | Goal: Webpage / interactive app / save data / go live / fix something / not sure | topics, lifecycle flags |
| 3 | Explanation: Ship first (vibe) / sometimes (curious) / teach me lots (deep) | depth |
Goal → lifecycle defaults:
| Goal | Suggest enabling |
|---|
| go live / production | all lifecycle.* true |
| save data / login | security_pass: true |
| fix something | depth: curious, shorter path |
| not sure | autodetect stack, vibe depth |
Phase 2: Detect stack
Read package.json if present. Full rules: ../devlearn-curriculum-router/stack-detection.md.
| Signal | Set stack: |
|---|
"next" in dependencies | next |
"react" (no next) | react |
| static HTML or no package.json | vanilla |
| unclear | autodetect |
Phase 3: Write DEVLEARN.md
Use template from repo DEVLEARN.md. Set:
enabled: truepersona, depth, stack from answerstopics: [] or focused list from goalglossary, progress, decisions — default true (decisions matters for seasoned)before_big_changes: truelifecycle block per goal table above
Show the user a 3-line summary of what was written, not the full YAML dump unless they ask.
Phase 4: Initialize artifacts
When flags are true, create under project root:
mkdir -p .devlearn
If DevLearn repo isn't local, create minimal files from reference.md inline templates.
Phase 5: Install & rule reminder
If skills may be missing (user says commands not found):
git clone https://github.com/mrdulasolutions/DevLearn.git && cd DevLearn && ./install.sh
./install.sh --agent all --verify
./install.sh --project "$(pwd)" --copy-rule --copy-agents --project-skills --verify
Platform guide: ../shared/agent-compatibility.md
Optional Cursor rule: copy ../.cursor/rules/devlearn.example.mdc → .cursor/rules/devlearn.mdc
Optional Codex ambient: ./install.sh --copy-agents or copy ../AGENTS.md.example → AGENTS.md
Phase 6: Route + first prompt
Apply ../devlearn-curriculum-router/curriculum-map.md logic.
If goal includes go live, mention ship lifecycle chain:
/devlearn-pre-ship → /devlearn-security → /devlearn-deploy → /devlearn-post-ship
Output:
## You're set up
**DEVLEARN.md** written with persona [X], depth [Y], stack [Z].
**Your path:** `/devlearn-skill1` → `/devlearn-skill2` → ...
**Send this to your agent first:**
> "[specific build + teach prompt — see reference.md samples]"
**Optional:** `./install.sh --project . --copy-rule` if skills aren't global yet.
Persona tuning
| Persona | Onboarding tone |
|---|
| viber | "You'll see short What/Why/How blocks after changes" |
| seasoned | "Lessons only on architecture, security, deps — say 'explain like PR review' anytime" |
| autodetect | "I'll match your style; say 'teach me like I'm new' to force beginner mode" |
Common mistakes
| Smell | Fix |
|---|
| DEVLEARN.md in wrong folder | Must be project root where agent edits code |
| Skills work but no lessons | Check enabled: true and rule copied |
| Too many questions | Infer from repo + first message; confirm in one line |
STOP checkpoint
After setup, ask one question:
"Paste the first prompt above to start building, or want /devlearn-curriculum-router for a longer path first?"
Required footer
---
DevLearn status: DONE
Config: DEVLEARN.md
Artifacts: [list created files]
Suggested next: /devlearn-[first-skill] | start building with first prompt
---
Additional resources
