Free AI coding agent setup checklist

2. Your checklist (tick as you go, or print to PDF)

One time: make the repo agent-ready (~30 min)

• Put an AGENTS.md at the repo root with the exact install, test, lint, type-check and build commands
• Run every one of those commands on a clean checkout
• Document a single-test command for a fast feedback loop
• Have CLAUDE.md import @AGENTS.md instead of duplicating it
• Add a "Do not" section: new deps, lockfile edits, migrations, secrets, deleting tests, force-push
• List every env var in .env.example; keep the real .env gitignored
• Run lint and tests in pre-commit or CI so the agent can't skip them
• Allow-list safe commands; require approval for risky ones

Before each task (1 minute)

• Clean tree, new branch or worktree
• Write the goal as an observable outcome, plus how to verify it
• Have the relevant paths, errors or issue link ready
• State constraints (no new deps, keep the API stable, etc.)
• Touching 3+ files or unclear? Plan first, then execute
• Start a fresh session so old context doesn't leak in

Before merging

• Read the whole diff, not just the summary
• git diff --stat shows only the files you expected
• Type-check, lint and full tests pass in CI, not just "locally" per the agent
• New behavior has tests; none were deleted, skipped or loosened
• Try the feature yourself once
• No secrets, debug prints or commented-out code

Want the full kit?

The $19 Setup Pack adds AGENTS.md / CLAUDE.md / Cursor rules templates for 3 stacks, 6 prompt templates, workflow guides, the full checklists and worked examples.