instructree

Instructree

Overview

Use Instructree to establish which instruction files exist, which may apply to a target, and whether their metadata, links, or recursive imports are malformed. It audits common coding-agent instruction formats locally without calling a model or uploading repository content.

When to Use This Skill

• Use before changing code in a repository with AGENTS.md, CLAUDE.md, Copilot instructions, agent skills, custom agents, Cursor rules, or Windsurf rules.
• Use when the user asks which instructions may apply to one target file.
• Use when auditing recursive Copilot CLI @path imports or exporting instruction diagnostics to CI.

How It Works

Step 1: Choose the local command

Work from the repository root. Prefer an already installed instructree command or the checked-out package's local binary.

If neither is available, explain that the next command downloads executable package code and ask for approval before running the pinned release:

npx github:kotobuki09/instructree#364dddc66badac13a284b79f0dc71f2b4362f6de scan .

Do not add --yes unless the user authorized non-interactive package downloads.

Step 2: Run the narrowest audit

• instructree scan . --json inventories supported files and emits stable diagnostics.
• instructree explain <file> --root . shows instructions that may apply to one target.
• `instructree e