agents-md-thin-root

# agents-md-thin-root <!-- cloud_safe: noop --> ## When to use Use when: - Editing `AGENTS.md` at the package root. - Editing `src/agent-src/templates/AGENTS.md` (consumer-shipped template). - Reviewing a PR that changes either file. - Running `/optimize/agents`. - A budget meter (`scripts/measure_augment_budget.ts`) flags the package-root AGENTS.md as the dominant cost. ## Do NOT - Edit `.github/copilot-instructions.md` with this skill (use `copilot-agents-optimization` instead). - Edit other `.md` files under `.augment/`, `src/`, or `agents/` with this skill. - Add a section to AGENTS.md without first checking whether an outboard target already exists in `agents/settings/contexts/` or `docs/contracts/`. - Replace prose with a bare link `[label](path)` — every pointer needs a *why*-clause ≥ 60 chars or it does not count toward the 40 % ratio. - Reuse the package-root anatomy in the consumer template — caps and target paths differ. ## Why Thin-Root Augment Code injects `AGENTS.md` verbatim into every workspace prompt. Each kilobyte spent here permanently consumes the 49,512-char workspace-guidelines budget shared with always-rules and auto-rule registry stubs. The Thin-Root pattern keeps the entry point a navigation surface (pointers + intent) and pushes deep detail into files Augment loads on demand via `load_context` or that other tools fetch only when their search retrieves them. Strategic council R2 (2026-05-08, Sonnet 4.5 / Opus 4.1 / gpt-4o / o1) converged on the...