How do I install the Agents Md Guide skill?

Run npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/agents-md-guide in your terminal (requires Node.js), paste this page's agent-chat prompt into Claude, Cursor, or any MCP-connected agent, or download the SKILL.md file and copy it into your agent's skills directory.

Is Agents Md Guide safe to use?

This skill has not completed SkillMD's automated safety review yet. SkillMD never runs a skill's scripts for you; review the SKILL.md before installing.

Which AI agents work with Agents Md Guide?

This skill is tagged as working with Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex. SKILL.md is an open format, so most agents that read a skills directory can load it too.

Is Agents Md Guide free to use?

Yes. Installing skills from SkillMD is free, and the skill stays under its author's original license.

Who published Agents Md Guide?

tomevault-io (@tomevault-io) published this skill. Their other Agent Skills are listed on their SkillMD profile.

Agents Md Guide by tomevault-io — Agent Skill

Name: Agents Md Guide
Author: tomevault-io

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. Use when this capability is needed.

tomevault-io 771680e 2 files · 3.8 KB Updated Sep 17, 2026

File contents

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.

References

Converted and distributed by TomeVault — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.

---name: agents-md-guidedescription: 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. Use when this capability is needed.---# AGENTS.md Guide for VS CodeThis 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 ConfigurationTo enable `AGENTS.md` support in VS Code:1. **Enable Setting**: Set `chat.useAgentsMdFile` to `true`.2. **Nested Files (Experimental)**: Set `chat.useNestedAgentsMdFiles` to `true` for subfolder instructions.## How to Implement AGENTS.md1. **Location**: Place `AGENTS.md` at the root of your repository.2. **Structure**: Use clear sections: - `## Environment`: Setup and build instructions. - `## Coding Style`: Linting, formatting, and architectural rules. - `## Testing`: How to run and write tests.3. **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.## References- [AGENTS.md Homepage](https://agents.md/)- [VS Code Custom Instructions Docs](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions)- [GitHub Copilot AGENTS.md Support](https://github.blog/changelog/2025-08-28-copilot-coding-agent-now-supports-agents-md-custom-instructions/)- [Prompt Security: Risks of AGENTS.md](https://prompt.security/blog/when-your-repo-starts-talking-agents-md-and-agent-goal-hijack-in-vs-code-chat)---> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/raphaelmansuy) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.

Frequently asked questions