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The minimal template initializes a target by finding the single requirement blocking operation, applying only that, validating it, and reporting the result. It is not a scaffold generator. Its goal is to discover the minimum missing requirement, apply it when appropriate, and confirm the target can function — nothing more.

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Template metadata

FieldValue
NameMinimal Init Protocol
TargetAny small target with a narrow operational gap
PurposeIdentify the least work required for the target to become operational, apply only that work, validate it, and report the result
ModesActive, Repair, Reinitialize
CreatesThe smallest missing artifact or structure that the target actually needs
ConfiguresOnly relationships, settings, or instructions required by that artifact
ValidatesThe minimum relevant check proving the target can operate as intended
Optional outputsREADME.md when human-facing documentation is missing or inadequate; AGENTS.md when agent operation applies and no valid instruction file exists; INIT.md or init.md when the target needs a local initialization procedure; PLAN.md when unresolved work remains

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When to use

Use the minimal template when:
  • The target is small, local, or clearly scoped.
  • The operator wants a low-change initialization.
  • One missing artifact, setting, or instruction may be enough to unblock operation.
  • Broad infrastructure, product, or agent setup would be excessive for the target.

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When NOT to use

Do not use the minimal template when the target requires server access, production infrastructure, package manifests, deployment snapshots, product requirements documents, or agent instruction files as a matter of course. Those concerns belong in the server, development-project, or agent templates respectively.

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Conditional artifacts

The minimal template creates only the one artifact that the target actually needs. Possible outputs include:
  • README.md — when human-facing documentation is missing or inadequate.
  • AGENTS.md — when agent operation applies and no valid instruction file exists.
  • INIT.md or init.md — when the target needs a local initialization procedure.
  • PLAN.md — when unresolved work remains after the initialization pass.
None of these are defaults. Each is conditional on the specific target’s gap.

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The procedure

1

INSPECT

Identify what the target is and what already exists.
  • Inspect the target location, visible files or configuration, existing instructions, obvious entry points, and operator constraints.
  • Stay within the target boundary unless another location is directly referenced.
  • Use only existing files, directory names, user-provided constraints, or environment metadata that is directly relevant.
2

DETERMINE

Decide the minimum requirement that blocks operation.
  • Choose the smallest applicable initialization step.
  • If no change is needed, move directly to validation and report.
  • Produce a short statement of the selected requirement and why it applies.
Possible minimum requirements include one missing instruction file, one directory, one configuration value, one dependency manifest, one validation command, or one documentation update. These are examples, not defaults.
3

CREATE

Create only the selected missing artifact or structure.
  • Skip creation when the target already contains a usable equivalent.
  • Preserve existing work and avoid duplicates.
  • Output: the created or updated artifact, if any.
4

CONFIGURE

Connect the created or existing artifact to the target.
  • Configure only what is required for the selected minimum step.
  • Update paths, references, scripts, permissions, or instructions only when they are directly necessary.
5

VALIDATE

Prove the target can perform its intended minimum operation.
  • Use the cheapest relevant check available: file existence, parseability, a documented command, a link between files, or a simple manual review.
  • Report status as OPERATIONAL, OPERATIONAL_WITH_WARNINGS, or BLOCKED.
6

REPORT

Report the complete minimal initialization result:
  • Target identified.
  • Requirement selected.
  • Artifacts created or updated.
  • Configuration performed.
  • Validation result.
  • Remaining warnings or blockers.
  • Final status.

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Example outcomes

These examples illustrate what minimal initialization produces for different kinds of targets:
TargetGapActionValidation
Local directory with no documentationNo file identifies the target or its next actionREADME.md createdFile exists and identifies target and next action
Small code project with adequate documentation but no agent instructionsAgents will operate but no instruction file existsAGENTS.md createdInstructions are present and target-specific
Target with all required artifacts already presentNoneNo new filesOPERATIONAL reported after validation

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Using this template

Copy the template body and instruct the agent or operator to run it against the target: 
Initialize this target using the minimal template.
Apply only the smallest change required for operation.
Do not add infrastructure, product docs, or agent files unless the target requires them.

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