Workspace Doc Sync Starter

Workspace Doc Sync Starter

Purpose

This skill packages a generic, reusable document architecture for AI workspaces where multiple harnesses (Zo, Claude Code, Codex, or others) need to stay aligned without duplicating instructions. It also serves as a migration pattern for teams currently storing mixed operating behavior in a monolithic systemprefs-style file.

The pattern is:

• shared docs are canonical
• tool-specific root adapters are thin
• identity/personality files are first-class
• subdirectories can override locally with more specific docs

This is not just a folder template. It is a design pattern for keeping agent context synchronized while minimizing drift.

Core Model

Use a hub-and-spoke structure.

1. Shared layer

These files are the source of truth for all harnesses:

• WORKSPACE_MAP.md — fast routing index; what to load first
• AGENTS.md — shared workspace constitution
• POLICY.md — placement and hygiene rules
• system/HARNESS_CONTRACT.md — cross-harness operating contract
• system/SESSION_STATE_POLICY.md — when live session state is required

2. Adapter layer

Each tool gets a thin root adapter that points back to the shared docs:

• CLAUDE.md
• CODEX.md
• any other root adapter file for a tool or harness

Adapters should contain only harness-specific mechanics. They should not restate the entire workspace manual.

3. Identity layer

These files define the persistent “self” and human context:

• SOUL.md — personality and behavioral identity
• IDENTITY.md — self-definition
• USER.md — human profile and working preferences
• TOOLS.md — environment-specific notes
• HEARTBEAT.md — optional periodic check definitions

4. Local override layer

Subdirectories can add more specific docs:

• <subdir>/AGENTS.md
• <subdir>/SOUL.md
• <subdir>/POLICY.md

Most-specific guidance wins.

Platonic Starter Structure

/workspace/
├── WORKSPACE_MAP.md
├── AGENTS.md
├── POLICY.md
├── SOUL.md
├── IDENTITY.md
├── USER.md
├── TOOLS.md
├── HEARTBEAT.md
├── CLAUDE.md
├── CODEX.md
├── system/
│   ├── HARNESS_CONTRACT.md
│   └── SESSION_STATE_POLICY.md
└── project-or-domain-subdirs/
    └── AGENTS.md

Design Principles

1. Shared before specific

   • Put durable workspace-wide behavior in shared docs.
   • Put harness-only mechanics in thin adapters.

2. Do not duplicate manuals

   • If the same instructions appear in AGENTS.md, CLAUDE.md, and CODEX.md, the design is drifting.
   • The adapter should point back to the shared file, not re-copy it.

3. Load the minimum safe context

   • WORKSPACE_MAP.md should help the agent load only what is needed.
   • Avoid always loading a giant manual.

4. Identity is part of the system

   • Personality, user context, and local environment notes should be explicitly stored in files.
   • Do not bury these in prompts only.

5. Local specificity beats global generality

   • Project-specific instructions belong closer to the project.
   • Root docs should govern the workspace; subdir docs should govern the local domain.

Recommended Load Order

For non-trivial work:

1. WORKSPACE_MAP.md
2. AGENTS.md
3. system/HARNESS_CONTRACT.md
4. system/SESSION_STATE_POLICY.md
5. tool adapter (CLAUDE.md, CODEX.md, etc.)
6. specialized local docs only if required

How To Implement In A Fresh Workspace

1. Create the shared files from assets/root/.
2. Create the system contract files from assets/system/.
3. Copy or adapt the thin adapter files for each harness you use.
4. Fill in:
   • SOUL.md
   • IDENTITY.md
   • USER.md
   • TOOLS.md
5. Add local AGENTS.md or POLICY.md files only where true local specificity exists.
6. Keep a simple rule:
   • shared rules live centrally
   • tool mechanics live in adapters
   • local exceptions live near the work

Drift Check Heuristic

Your system is healthy if:

• adapters are short
• the shared docs are clearly differentiated
• local overrides are rare and justified
• a change to global operating behavior usually modifies one shared file, not three adapters

Your system is drifting if:

• adapters become long manuals
• identical guidance appears in multiple files
• nobody knows which file is authoritative
• identity and behavior are hidden in tool prompts rather than explicit docs

Assets Included

This skill includes copyable starter templates under:

• assets/root/
• assets/system/

Use them as a baseline, then adapt names and paths to your own workspace.