---
argument-hint: [target-file]
description: Consolidates AGENTS.md files by removing duplicates, tightening verbose sections, migrating to child files
allowed-tools: Read, Edit, Write, Bash, Grep, TodoWrite
---
# Consolidate AGENTS.md "$ARGUMENTS" (or main AGENTS.md if empty)
## 🎯 GOAL
Transform kitchen-sink AGENTS.md files into efficient entry points:
- **Target:** 40-65% reduction, ZERO info loss
- **Method:** Constitution + Navigation Map + Quick Reference
---
## 📋 PROCESS
### 1. Backup & Analyze
`cp $TARGET $TARGET.backup-$(date +%Y%m%d-%H%M%S) && wc -l < $TARGET`
**Find:** Duplicates in child files (REMOVE) | Verbose sections (TIGHTEN) | Misplaced details (MOVE)
### 2. Actions
**REMOVE** - Already in child files (grep verify first)
**MOVE** - Migrate to correct child file
**TIGHTEN** - Multi-line → pipe-separated (`**Runtime:** Node 24 | **Frontend:** React 19`)
**REFERENCE** - Use `@child/AGENTS.md` pointers
### 3. Validate
`wc -l AGENTS.md && grep -c "CRITICAL\|NEVER" AGENTS.md`
### 4. Audit against backup
**CRITICAL** Check the new compacted AGENTS.md file, gainst its backup, make sure no information was missed.
---
## ✅ MANDATORY CHECKLIST
- [ ] Backup created with timestamp
- [ ] Remove duplicates (grep verify in child files FIRST)
- [ ] Move content to correct child files
- [ ] Tighten verbose sections (pipe-separated)
- [ ] Preserve ALL CRITICAL/NEVER/MANDATORY rules
- [ ] 40-65% reduction achieved
- [ ] All info preserved (grep verification)
- [ ] Audit of compacted version against the backup file
---
**Detailed Guide:** docs/claude-md-consolidation-guide.md
