AGENTS.md (convention)
Skill : A reusable method: instructions, procedures, sometimes scripts or templates · requires any-agent
A file of instructions at the root of the repository, read by most coding agents.
The most portable contract between agents: one text file, nothing to install.
Security reflects where data goes, requested permissions and incidents on record at the verification date. It is not a guarantee of zero risk: check the deployment mode and the connections you enable.
What it does, concretely
When multiple coding agents work on the same repository, each one may interpret project conventions, build commands, or style rules differently. AGENTS.md solves this by providing a single, predictable location to centralise all instructions intended for agents.
In practice, it is a Markdown file placed at the root of the repository. The agent reads it at the start of each task, extracts build commands, style rules, testing instructions, and any other relevant context, then adapts its behaviour accordingly. In a monorepo, nested AGENTS.md files can be placed inside each subfolder: the agent always reads the file closest to the directory it is working in.
This format is designed for developers who use coding agents such as Codex, Cursor, Gemini CLI, GitHub Copilot, or any of the other compatible tools. It suits both individual projects and large shared codebases.
On the other hand, AGENTS.md offers little value to those who do not use coding agents in their workflow, or to those working on projects without a structured Git repository.
What it offers
- ·A single Markdown file at the repository root centralises all instructions for coding agents.
- ·Compatible with more than 20 coding agents, including Codex, Cursor, Gemini CLI, GitHub Copilot, Aider, Devin, Windsurf, and Jules.
- ·Supports nested AGENTS.md files in monorepo subfolders, with the closest file taking precedence.
- ·Test commands listed in the file are executed automatically by the agent, which fixes errors before completing the task.
- ·Free Markdown format with no required fields: headings, sections, and content are fully customisable.
- ·When multiple files conflict, the one closest to the relevant directory wins; instructions typed directly in the agent chat override everything.
- ·Open format, now stewarded by the Agentic AI Foundation under the Linux Foundation.
In practice
- Price
- Free
- Commercial use
- Commercial use: yes
- Available on
- codex, cursor, gemini-cli, copilot
- Host
- any-agent
- FR interface
- No
Security and data
- Rating
- Security: nothing to flag
- Your data
- Data stays local
- Maintenance
- Active
Links and repository checked on 25 October 2026 · added on 1 August 2025