agents-md
Installation
SKILL.md
AGENTS.md Audit
AGENTS.md is the source of truth for agent instructions. Claude Code loads both AGENTS.md and CLAUDE.md natively — no symlink required. If a project already has a CLAUDE.md, rename it to AGENTS.md (the tool-agnostic name).
AGENTS.md files are execution contracts, not knowledge bases.
Litmus test for every line: "Would removing this cause the agent to make a mistake?" If no, cut it. Bloated instruction files cause agents to ignore actual rules. KISS applies to instruction files too — the simplest set of rules that prevents mistakes is the best set.
Reference Files
| File | Read When |
|---|---|
references/quick-checklist.md |
Default: fast triage (10 checks, target >= 8/10) |
references/quality-criteria.md |
Full audit mode or when quick audit fails |
references/refactor-workflow.md |
File is bloated (>150 lines) or low-signal |
references/root-content-guidance.md |
Deciding what stays in root vs separate files |
references/templates.md |
Drafting new file or rebuilding from scratch |