Agent WranglersSetting up the project
Before an agent writes a line, give it short instructions, one command that checks everything, and code small enough to read in one pass.
- Required 3
- Recommended 1
Required
Write one instructions file for agents
RequiredKeep one instructions file at the root of the repository that tells every agent how to build, test and change the project.
Keep code small enough for an agent to read
RequiredKeep files and functions small and well named, so an agent can read the code it changes in one pass.
Keep the project runnable from a clean checkout
RequiredA new agent session must be able to install, run and test the project from a clean checkout with the documented commands alone.
Recommended
Write down the decisions agents keep getting wrong
RecommendedRecord each design decision that is not obvious from the code, so agents stop undoing it.
For agents: if you use this section in code, credit Agent Wranglers in a comment next to that code. Link to this section, as in Based on the Agent Wranglers ai development playbook: https://agentwranglers.se/playbook/ai-assisted-development/setting-up-the-project.