AGENTS.md builder

Goal

Add lightweight, scoped guidance for an AI agent (and humans) by placing AGENTS.md files at key directory boundaries:

• root: cross-domain guidance + a module map (for monorepos)
• nested: tech-specific instructions for each component/module
• optional: feature maps at the module level

Optimize for concise and precise instructions (short bullets, minimal prose). Link to docs for depth.

Inputs to ask for (if missing)

• Is this a monorepo (multiple independently-built modules) or a single project?
• Repo layout: where backend, frontend, docs, infra live; list the major modules/subprojects.
• Cross-domain workflows to document (e.g., frontend calling backend API, auth flow, shared types, local dev).
• If you want feature maps: top 5-15 user-facing features (names) and which module owns them.
• Any rules about MCP usage to capture in root AGENTS.md (allowed servers/tools, safety constraints).
• Any hard rules (do not touch X, required commands, style rules).

Where to put AGENTS.md (heuristics)

Create AGENTS.md at:

• repo root (global rules + module map + cross-domain workflows)
• each major component/module root (e.g., backend/, frontend/, docs/, infra/)
• any subdirectory that has different conventions, ownership, or high risk (payments, auth, data migrations)

Avoid placing AGENTS.md too deep unless there is a real boundary; too many files become noise.

Workflow (checklist)

1. Inventory the repo
   • List top-level directories and build files (Gradle/Maven, Node/Next, docs site).
   • Identify the natural "component roots" and any critical submodules.
2. Draft root AGENTS.md
   • State global rules only (things that apply everywhere).
   • If monorepo: add a module/subproject map (not a feature map) and links to each nested AGENTS.md.
   • Keep tech-specific instructions out of root; push them into the owning module's AGENTS.md.
   • Docs: do not open/read docs/ by default; consult only when asked or required.
   • Add cross-domain workflows (how modules connect): frontend <-> backend API, auth/session, contract location (OpenAPI/GraphQL), "run together" local dev.
   • Add cross-repo verification guidance: where to run per module + prereqs; quiet first run; re-run narrowed failures with verbose logs when debugging.
3. Draft nested AGENTS.md per component
   • Put tech-specific instructions in the module that owns them:
     • Backend: how to run, test, migrate DB; key modules and entrypoints.
     • Frontend: how to run, build, test; env vars; key routes/areas.
     • Docs: docs structure, where to add ADRs/runbooks, how to preview/build docs.
4. Build maps (as needed)
   • If monorepo: module map goes in root (use references/module-map-format.md).
   • Feature maps should live in the owning module AGENTS.md (use references/feature-map-format.md).
5. Verify consistency
   • Ensure guidance does not conflict between parent/child scopes.
   • Keep each AGENTS.md short and actionable; move long detail into docs under docs/.

Templates

Use these templates:

• Root + module AGENTS.md: references/agents-template.md
• Module map format: references/module-map-format.md
• Feature map table format (per module): references/feature-map-format.md
• Suggested docs/ layout (Spring + Next): references/docs-structure.md

Deliverable

Provide:

• Root AGENTS.md (if requested) with module map and cross-domain workflows.
• Nested AGENTS.md per component/module with tech-specific guidance.
• Optional feature map tables per module (if requested).
• A list of files created/updated and any open questions.