--- name: readme-blueprint-generator description: Create, rewrite, or critique high-quality project README.md files. Use when the user asks to improve README aesthetics, information architecture, onboarding quality, public GitHub presentation, maintainer quick-start docs, repository documentation polish, or a top-tier README rewrite. Also use when README changes must reflect AGENTS.md, project purpose, workflows, validation, installation, testing, contribution, security, or automation rules. --- # README Blueprint Generator Generate or rewrite `README.md` as the public front door to a repository. The output should feel intentionally designed: clear first impression, strong hierarchy, concrete quick start, and no filler. ## Workflow 1. Inspect the current README and the project's authoritative docs before rewriting. - Prefer `AGENTS.md`, `.wiki-schema.md`, `purpose.md`, `CONTRIBUTING.md`, `WORKFLOWS.md`, package metadata, docs indexes, and existing automation scripts when present. - If `.github/copilot/` or `.github/copilot-instructions.md` exists, read the smallest relevant files for architecture, stack, tests, workflow, and standards. 2. Decide the README's audience and job. - Public reader: what is this, why should they care, where do they go next? - Maintainer or future agent: how do they start, verify, maintain, and avoid dangerous mistakes? 3. Build a narrative outline before editing. - Start with a crisp identity sentence. - Put the most important navigation and quick-start material above long reference sections. - Use tables only when they reduce cognitive load. - Link to deeper docs instead of duplicating them. 4. Rewrite for polish. - Prefer specific verbs and nouns. - Remove generic "comprehensive", "powerful", "easy-to-use" language unless backed by concrete behavior. - Keep sections visually varied: short paragraphs, compact tables, short command blocks, and scannable bullets. - Avoid overlong catalogs in README; point to maintained indexes. 5. Validate the README as an artifact. - Check that commands are plausible for the repo. - Check that public/private boundaries are respected. - Check that the README does not claim unverified features or live status. - Run the repository's documentation, lint, catalog, or diff hygiene commands when available. ## Recommended Structure Use this only as a starting shape; adapt to the repo. - Title and one-sentence positioning. - Short "why it exists" paragraph. - Entry map or "start here" table. - Quick start or common commands. - Architecture or repository map. - Core workflows. - Quality gates and verification. - Contribution or maintenance contract. - Security/public-private boundaries when relevant. - Links to deeper docs. ## Quality Bar A strong README: - gives a first-time reader an accurate mental model in under one minute; - helps a future maintainer perform the next correct action without reading every file; - separates stable project truth from generated outputs, caches, and private material; - shows real commands, validation, and maintenance expectations; - has enough visual rhythm to be pleasant on GitHub without becoming decorative. ## Avoid - Turning the README into a full wiki index. - Listing every file or every command. - Repeating complete operating docs that already live elsewhere. - Hiding important safety or validation rules below a wall of prose. - Adding badges, diagrams, or slogans that are not supported by the repository.