Short answer
AI agent configuration files are project files that tell coding agents how to work in a repo. They can define rules, workflows, tools, memory, skills, and MCP server setup.
Words used in this guide
- AIPM: a tool that installs and updates reusable AI instructions.
- Package: a named group of files that people can install and update together.
- Workflow: a set of steps used to finish a task.
- Repository or repo: a project folder whose changes are saved and tracked.
- Git: a tool that records file changes so people can review or undo them.
- Config: settings that tell a tool how to work.
- MCP: a standard way for an AI tool to connect to other tools and information.
What this means
The problem developers hit
AI coding tools use many setup files. A project may use AGENTS.md, CLAUDE.md, Cursor rules, MCP files, skill folders, and special commands. Without one clear system, the files may stop matching each other. For which Claude Code feature to use when, see skills vs MCP vs subagents vs hooks.
The files have different jobs
Context files explain the repo. Rules guide behavior. Skills package repeatable workflows. MCP config connects the agent to tools. Each file type has its own home, so keep them reviewed in Git. One shared AGENTS.md now covers Codex, Cursor and Claude Code (v2.1.277 and later); see does Claude Code read AGENTS.md? for when Claude Code reads it.
Why AIPM helps
AIPM handles the skills part: it installs versioned skills for Claude Code, Codex, and Cursor and records the version for the team. It does not install AGENTS.md, CLAUDE.md, Cursor rules, or MCP config today; those stay in Git.
Simple steps
- List the AI tools your repo supports.
- Find the config files each tool reads.
- Move shared instructions into one reviewed source.
- Keep tool-specific files small and clear.
- Install reusable skills with AIPM.
Where to go next
If you want to try this in a real project, start with how to use AIPM and the command reference. If you want to share your own workflow, read the publishing guide.
FAQ
Are AI agent configuration files code?
They are not normal app code, but they affect how work is done. Treat them like project config and review them in Git.
Which file should a team start with?
Start with one shared instruction file for the repo, then add tool-specific files only when needed.