repository instructions
Repository instructions document conventions and commands an agent should use.
Use this when Every new coding session rediscovers the same setup and checks.
without the term
“Every new session you rediscover how to run the tests and which files are generated. Can you write down the setup and rules somewhere so you know them next time?”
with the term · How do you ask a model for repository instructions?
Update AGENTS.md with this repository’s verified setup, checks, and generated-file rules. Confirm a new session can follow them without undocumented steps.
What is repository instructions?
AGENTS.md and CLAUDE.md files tell an agent the setup steps, check commands, and conventions for a repository. They guide the agent but do not enforce permissions.
Why does repository instructions matter when vibe coding?
Stale instructions can send an agent through the wrong build or generated files.
How do you do repository instructions?
Keep the instructions concise and verify the documented commands in the actual repository.
What goes wrong with repository instructions?
Treating an instruction file as a system-enforced security boundary.