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init

Generate or update agent instruction files like AGENTS.md for AI coding agents.

Updated Apr 14, 2026
Search Tags:#conventions#agents.md#generate#copilot-instructions#codebase onboarding#ai coding agents#chat customization
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/jimeh/hucode --skill init-jimeh
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: init
Source: https://github.com/jimeh/hucode/tree/main/extensions/copilot/assets/prompts/skills/init
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/jimeh/hucode --skill init-jimeh

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? New AI coding agents lack context about a codebase's build commands, architecture, and conventions, forcing developers to repeatedly explain project specifics in every session. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Codebase Exploration: Scans the repository for build/test commands, architecture decisions, conventions, and pitfalls to capture essential agent knowledge. - Instruction File Generation: Creates or updates chat customization files such as AGENTS.md or .github/copilot-instructions.md, preferring to merge with existing files rather than duplicating content. - Convention Discovery: Detects existing agent configuration files (CLAUDE.md, .cursorrules, .windsurfrules, and similar) and links to existing documentation instead of copying it. - Use Case: After cloning a new project, run this Skill to produce an AGENTS.md file that tells any AI coding agent how to build, test, and navigate the codebase. ## Quick Start Ask the agent to initialize chat customization files for this repository, optionally naming a focus area such as testing conventions.

Frequently Asked Questions about init

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I create an AGENTS.md file for my repository?▼

Invoke the init command, optionally with a focus area, and it explores the codebase for build commands, architecture, and conventions. It then generates or updates AGENTS.md, preferring that file over .github/copilot-instructions.md for new projects.

What is the difference between AGENTS.md and copilot-instructions.md?▼

Both provide guidance to AI coding agents, but AGENTS.md is the preferred default for new files in this workflow. If a project already has .github/copilot-instructions.md, the Skill updates it instead of creating a duplicate.

Does the init command overwrite my existing agent instructions?▼

No, it merges with existing files by preserving valuable content, updating outdated sections, and removing duplication. It follows a link-don't-embed principle so existing documentation is referenced rather than copied.

Which existing convention files does it detect?▼

It searches for .github/copilot-instructions.md, AGENT.md, AGENTS.md, CLAUDE.md, .cursorrules, .windsurfrules, .clinerules, and rules directories for Cursor, Windsurf, and Cline, plus README.md.

When should I not use the init command?▼

Avoid it when you only want a task executed, since it never starts work described in its argument and only creates or modifies chat customization files. It is also less useful when comprehensive, current agent instructions already exist.

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