Dictionary term
AGENTS.md
Also called AGENTS.md file
An open convention for a plain Markdown file, usually at the repository root, that gives AI coding agents a project's setup commands, test steps, conventions and other working instructions; it is stewarded by the Agentic AI Foundation under the Linux Foundation.
In plain English
A "read me first" note for AI coding assistants, kept in your project, that tells them how to install, test and follow your house rules.
Analogy
Like the onboarding sheet you hand a new contractor on day one: where things are, how to run them, and what not to touch.
Why it matters
One file gives every compatible coding agent the same project context, so you stop repeating instructions in chat and agents are less likely to run the wrong commands or break conventions.
In practice
An AGENTS.md in a Next.js repo that says to run npm test before finishing, never commit .env files, and keep dictionary data in data/dictionary.ts.
Related terms
Sources
Browse all terms →Last verified