AGENTS.md for Business Kits: How to Write Install Files Agents Can Actually Use

What an install file must do

An AGENTS.md-style install file tells an agent how to behave inside a specific workspace. It should define the mission, inputs, folder structure, allowed tools, stop conditions, QA checks, and handoff format.

The goal is not to impress the agent. The goal is to remove ambiguity so the agent can do useful work without guessing what the buyer authorized.

The minimum useful template

Include these sections: business objective, buyer inputs, allowed actions, forbidden actions, required folders, first-run checklist, recurring workflow, QA checklist, approval gates, and final handoff.

For commerce kits, add a purchase context block with product title, SKU or slug, price, receipt location, refund window, and download inventory.

Common mistakes

The most common mistake is writing an inspirational prompt instead of an operational document. Agents need constraints, examples, and specific next actions.

The second mistake is hiding safety rules in prose. Approval gates should be explicit: do not publish, send, spend, connect accounts, or change live systems without buyer approval.

FAQ