Quick Reference

Use this page when you want the answer quickly.

Context Files By Tool

Tool	Primary file	Notes
Codex and AGENTS-first tools	AGENTS.md	Best shared default across tools
Claude Code	CLAUDE.md plus shared docs	Good for Claude-specific memory or hooks
Gemini CLI	GEMINI.md or configured AGENTS.md	Same core role, different filename
GitHub Copilot	workspace instructions plus repo docs	Often paired with shared AGENTS.md
Cursor	rules plus repo docs	Often benefits from shared project instructions

Context File Must-Haves

• install, dev, test, lint, and build commands
• project conventions that actually matter
• off-limits areas
• verification expectations
• safety rules

Skills Vs Context Files

Put it in…	Best for
AGENTS.md or equivalent	durable repo-wide rules
skill or rule bundle	repeatable, task-specific workflows
prompt	one-off task details

Prompt Patterns

Goal	Better prompt shape
safer implementation	define constraints and ask for verification
risky refactor	ask for a plan first
UI change	require screenshot evidence
bug fix	paste the real error and ask for root cause
broad task	scope it to a directory or system

Minimal Starter AGENTS.md

AGENTS.md

## Commands
- Install: `npm install`
- Dev: `npm run dev`
- Verify: `npm run verify`

## Rules
- Prefer small diffs.
- Add tests when behavior changes.
- Update docs when workflows or APIs change.
- Ask before destructive actions.

## Verification
- Run the relevant checks before finishing.
- Say what you verified versus assumed.