About setup-project-md
A one-shot development skill that creates a root `PROJECT.md` by combining repository evidence with product context from the user. It is intended for agents and maintainers who need a concise guide to a codebase, and includes safeguards for existing files and optional `AGENTS.md` linking.
Key features
- 01Inspect repository structure and runtime surfaces
- 02Collect missing product context from the user
- 03Reconcile code evidence with product narrative
- 04Write one root `PROJECT.md` file
- 05Link from an existing root `AGENTS.md` when appropriate
Use cases
- 01Orient an agent to an unfamiliar codebase
- 02Document project purpose and implementation layout
- 03Create a project overview without overwriting silently
Install
Copy the command and run it in a terminal.
npx skills add https:/ / github.com/ dobroslavradosavljevic/ skills --skill setup-project-mdAfter installing, type/setup-project-mdin Claude Code to confirm it loaded.
Bundled filesagents/openai.yamlreferences/template.md
Details
From the project READMESetup PROJECT.md
Overview
One-shot setup: combine codebase evidence with user-supplied product context into a single root PROJECT.md that answers what this project is and how it fits together. Do not treat this as an ongoing maintenance skill unless the user explicitly asks to regenerate or update the file.
Output
- Write exactly one file: repo-root
PROJECT.md. - If
PROJECT.mdalready exists, ask once whether to overwrite, merge/update, or abort. Do not silently overwrite.
Workflow
1. Map the codebase
Inspect enough to describe the system accurately:
- Root docs:
README.md, architecture notes, deploy docs, env examples (names only — never copy secret values). - Manifests and tooling: package managers, workspaces, apps/packages layout, CI, Docker, infra entrypoints.
- Runtime shape: entrypoints, routes, major domains/modules, data stores, queues, external services.
- Product surfaces: web app, API, CLI, workers, admin, docs site — only what exists.
Prefer evidence from the repo over marketing claims. Mark inferences clearly.
2. Collect user context
Ask for product facts the code cannot fully answer. Batch questions. Cover:
- Mission / problem solved and non-goals.
- Target users and primary use cases.
- Business model or distribution (if relevant).
- Current stage (prototype, beta, production) and known constraints.
- Important history, ownership, or decisions agents routinely miss.
- Links to live product, design, or issue tracker (optional).
If the user provides a brief up front, use it and only ask for missing critical gaps. If they decline interview, proceed with labeled assumptions.
3. Reconcile code vs narrative
- Prefer code and configs for structure, stack, and commands.
- Prefer user input for intent, audience, roadmap, and business context.
- Call out contradictions and resolve with the user when they affect the overview.
4. Write PROJECT.md
Use references/template.md. Fill applicable sections; omit empty ones. Quality bar:
- A new agent can understand purpose, surfaces, layout, and how to run after reading once.
- Distinguishes product intent from implementation map.
- Concrete paths and commands, not vague architecture essays.
- No secrets; env vars by name only.
- Honest about unknowns and WIP areas.
5. Link from AGENTS.md (conditional)
After PROJECT.md exists:
- Check for root
AGENTS.mdonly. - If it does not exist, skip linking. Do not create
AGENTS.md. - If it exists, add a clear pointer to
PROJECT.mdif missing:- Prefer an existing Index / Docs / Related docs section.
- Otherwise add a short section such as
## Project docswith a bullet:- [PROJECT.md](PROJECT.md) — product and codebase overview - Do not duplicate the full overview into
AGENTS.md. - Preserve unrelated
AGENTS.mdcontent.
6. Deliver
- Confirm path written.
- Brief summary: one-line purpose, main surfaces, and whether
AGENTS.mdwas updated or skipped. - Do not commit unless the user asks.
Isolation
This skill stands alone. Do not mention, link to, or depend on other skills. Reference only repo files, user input, and this skill's references/.
Out of Scope
- Replacing
README.mdor full architecture ADRs. - Implementing features or refactoring while mapping.
- Creating
AGENTS.mdwhen missing. - Recurring audits unless the user asks to run setup again.