Agent Prompt Templates

These prompt shapes are derived from the formal doc system.

1. Orientation Prompt

Use at session start.

Include:

  • current branch
  • authoritative docs
  • current milestone/tranche
  • what is already known
  • immediate objective
  • constraints
  • output shape

Template

You are working in the ICN repository.

Read first:

  • docs-system spec
  • INDEX
  • STATE
  • ARCHITECTURE
  • relevant registry or targeted docs

Current branch: Current milestone: Known truth: Immediate objective: Non-goals: Required output:

Do not start implementation until you can summarize current truth accurately.


2. Discovery Prompt

Use when truth is unclear.

Template

You are in Discovery Mode.

Question to resolve: Relevant paths: Evidence required: What not to do yet: Required output headings:

  1. Current truth
  2. Conflicts or ambiguity
  3. Candidate resolution paths
  4. Recommended next artifact

Do not modify files yet.


3. Tranche Prompt

Use when work is bounded.

Template

You are in Delivery Mode.

Tranche goal: Smallest safe scope: Non-goals: Files allowed to change: Verification required: Stop condition:

Do not widen scope.


4. Continuation / Review Prompt

Use after a prior session, transcript, or PR.

Template

Continue from the current state.

Already completed: Still open: Top pressure point: What should not be reopened: Next bounded tranche: Required deliverable:

Begin by re-confirming current truth before making changes.