Agent MD Refactor

Refactor monolithic instruction files into a compact root file plus linked topic files. Keep this file focused on execution flow and load detailed templates/examples from references.

Goal

Deliver a maintainable instruction system with:

• a minimal root instruction file containing only universal guidance,
• linked topic files for detailed rules,
• contradictions resolved and vague/redundant rules removed.

Trigger Examples

Should trigger:

• "Refactor this AGENTS.md to use progressive disclosure."
• "Split my CLAUDE.md into focused instruction files."
• "My instruction file is too long, reorganize it."

Should not trigger:

• "Explain what AGENTS.md is."
• "Fix one typo in CLAUDE.md."
• "Write a brand-new coding standard from scratch."

More examples: examples-and-anti-patterns.

Procedure

1. Inventory instruction sources (AGENTS.md, CLAUDE.md, COPILOT.md, related guidance docs).
2. Detect contradictions and resolve by repository precedence.
3. Keep only root-level essentials in the root instruction file.
4. Group remaining content into 3-8 linked topic files with clear names.
5. Remove non-actionable, redundant, and outdated directives.
6. Validate links, coverage, and consistency before completion.

Detailed step playbook: refactor-playbook.

Inputs

• Root instruction file path(s)
• Existing repository conventions (commands, toolchain, style)
• User constraints (must-keep rules, preferred layout)

Outputs

• Refactored root instruction file (minimal, universal guidance)
• Topic files with detailed rules
• List of removed/merged rules with rationale
• Notes on contradiction handling

Edge Cases

• If rule precedence is impossible to infer, request one targeted user decision.
• If multiple files repeat the same rule, keep one canonical source and replace others with links.
• If the instruction file is already concise, avoid unnecessary splitting.
• Use relative markdown links for portability.

Validation Checklist

• Frontmatter is valid YAML and name matches directory.
• Description states capability and usage triggers.
• Root file contains only universal instructions.
• Topic files are self-contained and linked from root.
• Contradictions are resolved or explicitly called out.
• Vague/default/redundant directives are removed or rewritten.
• Relative links resolve.

References

• Refactor playbook
• Examples and anti-patterns