40 lines
1.6 KiB
Markdown
40 lines
1.6 KiB
Markdown
# What Makes a Good reference.md
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`reference.md` is the routing file required in every `references/`
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subdirectory (see
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`${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/references/layout/skill-structure.md`). It exists so
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a model can decide what to read next without opening every knowledge doc.
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This file is a pointer to the full pattern, kept here so
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`references/layout/` stays a complete map of the layout — the actual
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authoring detail lives in progressive-disclosure:
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→ `${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/references/progressive-disclosure/reference-md-pattern.md`
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(required sections: what's here table, when to use this module, model
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guidance; anti-patterns like duplicating child content or exceeding ~50
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lines)
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## When to split a reference doc out
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A `reference.md` should point to a separate knowledge doc — rather than
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inline the knowledge itself — whenever the content stops being "what's
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here and when to read it" and becomes the knowledge itself. Concretely:
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- The explanation would push `reference.md` past ~50 lines
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- The content is only needed for a subset of workflows, not every reader
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of this directory
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- The doc covers a distinct concept that could stand alone under a
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different topic subdirectory
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Full splitting criteria (the "always needed together?" test, size
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guidelines, how to split, depth limits) are in:
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→ `${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/references/progressive-disclosure/splitting-knowledge.md`
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## Quick checklist
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1. Table of files/subdirs with purpose + "when to read"
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2. "When to use this module" section
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3. "Model guidance" (cheap vs. stronger model)
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4. No duplication of child file content
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5. <=50 lines total
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