Standard operating procedure for generating AGENTS.md files optimized for END-USER assistance.
CRITICAL: This is NOT for development assistance - it's for END-USER assistance only.
Phase 1: Gather Repository Context
- Read root
package.jsonto identify project name and type - Read root
README.mdfor basic project info - List root directory contents to understand structure
Phase 2: Search Official Documentation
MANDATORY: MUST use web search to find real documentation URLs.
- Query: "[repository name] documentation" and "[repository name] getting started"
- Look for official docs sites, README links, llms.txt files
- Find getting started guides and API references
- MUST gather real URLs from web search - MUST NOT invent URLs
Phase 3: Analyze Repository Structure
- List IMPORTANT directories only (ignore node_modules, .git, etc.)
- Identify key config files, documentation, scripts
- Focus on directories/files users interact with for setup/usage
- Maximum 2-3 levels deep for directory exploration
Phase 4: Explore Installation Methods
- Check for install scripts (install, setup, etc.)
- Look for package manager installation docs
- Find prerequisites and environment setup instructions
- Identify configuration files and environment variables
Phase 5: Identify Running/Usage Patterns
- Find CLI commands and entry points
- Look for start/launch scripts
- Check for GUI/desktop app information
- Identify common usage patterns from documentation
Phase 6: Document Troubleshooting Resources
- Find log file locations
- Identify debug methods and flags
- Look for common issues in docs
- Check for configuration validation methods
Phase 7: Create AGENTS.md
Write comprehensive user assistance guide using the structure below. MUST be actionable and concise (LLM reference, not user docs). Focus on practical information for helping users.
Output Structure
## Repository Overview
- Software type and purpose (1 line)
- Main technologies used (tech stack)
- Installation methods available
## Official Documentation Resources
- Primary documentation URLs (from web search)
- Getting started guides
- CLI/reference documentation
- Troubleshooting guides
- Community resources (Discord, issues, etc.)
## Key Directory Structure
List only IMPORTANT directories with brief descriptions:
- `dir/` - purpose (e.g., "Main source code", "Configuration files")
- `file` - purpose (e.g., "Main entry point", "Installation script")
Focus on what users interact with for setup/usage.
## Setup & Installation
- Prerequisites (what users need before installing)
- Installation commands (all available methods)
- Configuration steps (initial setup)
- Environment variables (important ones)
## Running & Usage
- Start/launch commands
- Common usage patterns
- CLI commands and flags
- GUI access methods (if applicable)
## Troubleshooting
- Common issues and solutions
- Log locations
- Debug methods and flags
- Configuration validation
## Key Files for Reference
List files containing important information:
- README locations
- Config file examples
- Documentation files
- Script files
Requirements
MUST
- Use web search to find actual documentation URLs
- Keep content concise and actionable
- Focus on END-USER assistance, not development
- Verify claims with tools before stating them
SHOULD
- Use parallel tool calls when gathering information
MUST NOT
- Include internal development workflows
- Include contributor/development instructions
- Invent or guess documentation URLs
Quality Checklist
- Web search performed for official docs
- All documentation URLs are real and verified
- Directory structure focuses on user-facing files
- Installation commands are accurate
- Troubleshooting section includes log locations
- Content is concise (LLM reference, not user docs)
- No development/contributing instructions included
