Claude-skill-registry agents-md-guide

Guide for using and supporting the AGENTS.md standard in VS Code. Use this when asked about AGENTS.md, custom instructions, or repo-level AI agent configuration.

install

source · Clone the upstream repo

git clone https://github.com/majiayu000/claude-skill-registry

Claude Code · Install into ~/.claude/skills/

T=$(mktemp -d) && git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/majiayu000/claude-skill-registry "$T" && mkdir -p ~/.claude/skills && cp -r "$T/skills/data/agents-md-guide" ~/.claude/skills/majiayu000-claude-skill-registry-agents-md-guide && rm -rf "$T"

manifest: skills/data/agents-md-guide/SKILL.md

AGENTS.md Guide for VS Code

This skill provides guidance on implementing and using the

AGENTS.md

standard to provide custom instructions for AI coding agents in VS Code.

Why AGENTS.md?

Standardization: Reduces fragmentation from proprietary files like
```
.cursorrules
```
.
Interoperability: Works across different AI tools (GitHub Copilot, Cursor, etc.).
Efficiency: Saves time by providing structured context (build steps, coding conventions).
Consistency: Ensures AI agents follow project-specific protocols.
Open Standard: Governed by the Agentic AI Foundation (Linux Foundation).

Mental Model

AGENTS.md

acts as a centralized instruction manual for AI coding agents at the repo root.

Flow: Repo clone → agent scans for
```
AGENTS.md
```
→ parses sections → applies rules during tasks → outputs aligned code.

VS Code Configuration

To enable

AGENTS.md

support in VS Code:

Enable Setting: Set
```
chat.useAgentsMdFile
```
to
```
true
```
.
Nested Files (Experimental): Set
```
chat.useNestedAgentsMdFiles
```
to
```
true
```
for subfolder instructions.

How to Implement AGENTS.md

Location: Place
```
AGENTS.md
```
at the root of your repository.
Structure: Use clear sections:
- ```
## Environment
```
  : Setup and build instructions.
- ```
## Coding Style
```
  : Linting, formatting, and architectural rules.
- ```
## Testing
```
  : How to run and write tests.
Keep it Concise: Avoid overly verbose rules.

Real-World Scenarios

Open-source Maintenance: AI agents auto-generate PRs following style guides.
Enterprise Code Reviews: Teams use repo-level rules during Copilot-assisted edits.
Indie Dev Prototyping: Automate build and test cycles with tools like Cursor or Codex.

Survival Kit

Day 0: Clone a repo with
```
AGENTS.md
```
; ensure
```
chat.useAgentsMdFile
```
is enabled in VS Code.
Week 1: Create a basic
```
AGENTS.md
```
in a test repo and iterate on sections.
Week 2: Add nested files if needed using experimental settings.

Security & Risks

No Secrets: Never include API keys or credentials.
Goal Hijacking: Be aware that instruction files can steer agent behavior. Review instructions before running autonomous tasks in untrusted repos.