| name | agents-md-protocol |
| description | Create or review an AGENTS.md file so coding agents get stable repo-local instructions: environment setup, testing, style, security boundaries, PR policy, and handoff rules. Use when a repo lacks durable agent guidance or when a custom harness needs a predictable context file.
|
AGENTS.md Protocol
Purpose
Create or tighten a repository-level AGENTS.md contract for coding agents.
Treat it as durable operating context, not a chat prompt.
When to Use
- Repo has no
AGENTS.md, CLAUDE.md, or equivalent agent instructions.
- Existing instructions are stale, vague, or missing test commands.
- A custom/API/local harness needs stable context it can load every run.
- A multi-agent workflow needs explicit handoff and review rules.
Procedure
- Inspect repo layout, package managers, CI files, and test commands.
- Capture only durable facts and team rules.
- Keep commands exact and runnable from the documented directory.
- Add security and destructive-operation boundaries.
- Add PR/review expectations and required verification.
- Keep the file short enough to load every session.
Recommended Sections
Dev environment tips
Testing instructions
Build and lint
Code style
Security boundaries
PR instructions
Agent handoff notes
Quality Bar
- Every command has a working directory or clear scope.
- No secrets, tokens, or private URLs.
- No vague rules such as "be careful" without a concrete check.
- No roadmap or marketing text.
- Instructions match current CI and package metadata.
Harness Attachment
For non-Claude-Code harnesses, load AGENTS.md as outer-loop project context.
The harness should also keep explicit task state outside conversation history.