repo-bootstrap

name	repo-bootstrap
description	Use when starting work in an unfamiliar repository, resuming after context loss, needing to discover the real source of truth before editing code, or turning a rough onboarding prompt into an execution-ready repo-orientation prompt.
metadata	{"dependencies":[]}

Repo Bootstrap

Build context from the repo's real constraints before changing anything.

Quick start

• Read AGENTS.md and README.md completely before deeper inspection.
• Decide whether the job is Prompt-only, Repo bootstrap, or Prompt + bootstrap.
• Identify the highest-signal source of truth for the task.
• Summarize the repo from inspected files, not from directory names alone.

Workflows

1. Choose the mode:
   • Prompt-only: refine a rough bootstrap prompt and return the upgraded version.
   • Repo bootstrap: inspect the repo and deliver a grounded onboarding summary.
   • Prompt + bootstrap: do both in one pass.
2. Read AGENTS.md and README.md. This is mandatory, not optional.
3. Identify the real source of truth for the task:
   • docs
   • tests
   • current code
   • runtime checks
4. Map entrypoints, affected paths, and major subsystems from source, not from folder names alone.
5. Find the smallest relevant verification commands.
6. End with a practical handoff that captures:
   • repo purpose
   • architecture and runtime model
   • major components
   • key commands and conventions
   • open questions
   • best next files to read

Hard gate

Do not move into planning or implementation until:

• AGENTS.md and README.md were read when present
• the summary is grounded in files you actually inspected
• repo conventions, key workflows, and verification commands are clear enough for the next step

If sources conflict, stop and resolve the conflict before coding.

Further reading

• references/prompt-template.md - reusable full and compact bootstrap prompts for repo orientation