baldart 4.82.0 → 4.83.0

package/CHANGELOG.md

@@ -5,6 +5,38 @@ All notable changes to BALDART will be documented in this file.
 The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.0.0/),
 and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0.html).
 
+## [4.83.0] - 2026-07-01
+
+**Versioned root-file primitives — BALDART now generates `AGENTS.md` + `CLAUDE.md` from SOTA skeletons.** Previously `AGENTS.md` was a bulk symlink into the framework payload (not customizable without losing auto-update) and `CLAUDE.md` was not shipped at all. Now both are **generated real files**, produced on every install/update from **versioned skeletons** under `framework/templates/primitives/`.
+
+Each skeleton mixes three tiers: **STATIC** (universal SOTA prose, shipped verbatim) · **`{{ slot }}`** (project facts filled *deterministically* at write-time from `baldart.config.yml` + `package.json`/README probes — concrete values, so Codex/Cursor/Aider read real commands, never raw `${…}`) · **`[OVERLAY]`** (project opinions authored in `.baldart/overlays/{AGENTS,CLAUDE}.md`, merged via the existing OVERRIDE/APPEND/PREPEND engine). This split follows the 2026 research consensus (short hand-authored skeleton + project depth in the overlay; auto-generating a whole file with an LLM measurably reduces agent task success).
+
+**`AGENTS.md` is the cross-tool SSOT** (read natively by Claude Code + Codex + others). **`CLAUDE.md` is a thin Claude-native stub** that deliberately does **not** import `AGENTS.md` (Claude Code loads both automatically → an `@AGENTS.md` would double-load the protocol) — it holds only Claude-only mechanics (Plan Mode / `AskUserQuestion` / Task tool / output-style / hooks). The writer (`src/utils/root-primitives.js`) reuses `overlay-merger.js` and the same `baldart-generated` marker, so the `framework-edit-gate` already blocks direct edits to the generated files (edit the overlay).
+
+**Existing hand-written files are adopted zero-loss:** a consumer's hand-authored `AGENTS.md`/`CLAUDE.md` (no marker) is preserved **verbatim** into `.baldart/overlays/<name>.md`, then the root is regenerated as skeleton + overlay. Adoption is **interactive-gated** — in autonomous/CI mode a hand-written file is never mutated (the writer emits a blocker and skips it). Wired into `add` (post-configure), `update` (aligned + post-pull paths, idempotent + byte-stable), `doctor` (`regenerate-root-primitives` / `adopt-root-primitives` actions), and `migrate` (legacy symlink → generated file). Each skeleton carries its own `primitive_version` + a sibling `*.CHANGELOG.md` kept out of the generated file.
+
+**MINOR** — additive capability. **No new `baldart.config.yml` key** (slots resolve from existing config + repo probes) → the schema-change propagation rule does NOT apply. Degrades safely: missing commands omit rows, non-multimodal/Codex consumers ignore `CLAUDE.md`, autonomous runs never mutate hand-written files. Authoritative design: [`framework/docs/ROOT-PRIMITIVES.md`](framework/docs/ROOT-PRIMITIVES.md).
+
+### Added
+
+- **`framework/templates/primitives/AGENTS.md` + `CLAUDE.md`** — the versioned SOTA skeletons (STATIC + `{{slot}}` + `[OVERLAY]` hook), each with a `primitive_version` banner.
+- **`framework/templates/primitives/AGENTS.CHANGELOG.md` + `CLAUDE.CHANGELOG.md`** — internal per-primitive changelogs (kept out of the generated file).
+- **`src/utils/root-primitives.js`** — the writer: slot resolver + minimal zero-dep template engine (`{{ }}` / `{{#flag}}` / `{{> partial}}`) + overlay merge + `baldart-generated` marker + state machine (generated / symlink / handwritten / absent) + `rootPrimitiveStatus()` for doctor.
+- **`framework/docs/ROOT-PRIMITIVES.md`** — consumer-facing design/lifecycle/adoption doc.
+
+### Changed
+
+- **`src/utils/symlinks.js`** — `createBulkSymlinks()` no longer symlinks `AGENTS.md`; `createAllSymlinks()` calls the new `writeRootPrimitives()`; `verifySymlinks()` no longer expects `AGENTS.md` to be a symlink.
+- **`src/commands/add.js`** — writes root primitives after `configure` populates the config (final concrete values).
+- **`src/commands/update.js`** — regenerates root primitives on both the aligned-install and post-pull paths (`reconcileRootPrimitives`); adds `CLAUDE.md` to `BALDART_MANAGED_PATTERNS`.
+- **`src/commands/doctor.js`** — detects stale/adoptable root primitives and offers `regenerate-root-primitives` / `adopt-root-primitives`.
+- **`src/commands/migrate.js`** — converts a legacy `AGENTS.md` symlink into the generated file (Step 2b), idempotent.
+- **`README.md`** — install description + repo-tree updated (AGENTS.md/CLAUDE.md generated, not symlinked).
+
+### Removed
+
+- **`framework/AGENTS.md`** — the old bulk-symlink source; its STATIC content now lives in `framework/templates/primitives/AGENTS.md` (single SSOT).
+
 ## [4.82.0] - 2026-07-01
 
 **Mockup→code extracted into a dedicated self-verifying skill `/ui-implement` + skills are now versioned.** The mockup→code fidelity knowledge (v4.73→v4.78) was **inlined inside `/new`**: the "Design Reference" briefing (image/HTML/code-src branching), the design-source declaration + Step 7b grounding, and the Phase 2.6 `/e2e-review` invocation. This release **externalizes** it into one specialized, self-verifying skill and, separately, introduces **per-skill versioning + a canonical structure** across all skills.

package/README.md

@@ -66,7 +66,8 @@ npx baldart status
 ### What `add` (first install) does
 
 - Downloads the framework via Git subtree into `.framework/`
-- Creates symlinks for auto-updateable files (AGENTS.md, agents/)
+- Creates a symlink for the cross-tool `agents/` reference dir
+- Generates the root-file primitives `AGENTS.md` (cross-tool SSOT) + `CLAUDE.md` (Claude entry) from versioned skeletons — filling project facts from `baldart.config.yml` and merging `.baldart/overlays/{AGENTS,CLAUDE}.md`
 - Per-item-merges framework agents/commands/skills into `.claude/` (real directories where your own files coexist)
 - Detects Codex on the machine and mirrors skills into `.agents/skills/` if found
 - Copies customizable templates (hooks, UI guidelines, backlog cards)
@@ -365,7 +366,8 @@ npx baldart routines disable wiki-review   # remove the schedule
 ```
 your-project/
 ├── .framework/              # Framework source (via Git subtree)
-├── AGENTS.md               # Symlink → .framework/AGENTS.md
+├── AGENTS.md               # Generated from skeleton + config + overlay (cross-tool SSOT)
+├── CLAUDE.md               # Generated Claude Code entry (Claude-native mechanics)
 ├── agents/                  # Symlink → .framework/agents/
 ├── .claude/
 │   ├── agents/             # Symlink → .framework/.claude/agents/

package/VERSION

@@ -1 +1 @@
-4.82.0
+4.83.0

package/framework/.claude/hooks/agent-discovery-gate.js

@@ -15,8 +15,10 @@
  *            as BROKEN in some scenarios (files ignored at session start)
  *
  * This hook covers the filesystem-detectable subset of the problem
- * (missing/broken symlinks). The model-side defense (the MUST rule in
- * `framework/AGENTS.md`) covers the rest. The two are inseparable:
+ * (missing/broken symlinks). The model-side defense (the MUST rule in the
+ * generated root `AGENTS.md`, shipped from
+ * `framework/templates/primitives/AGENTS.md`) covers the rest. The two are
+ * inseparable:
  * without the MUST rule, a `permissionDecision: deny` from this hook
  * would likely be worked around by the model trying a different
  * `subagent_type` — the very failure mode this hook exists to prevent.

package/framework/docs/ROOT-PRIMITIVES.md

@@ -0,0 +1,98 @@
+# Root-file primitives — `AGENTS.md` + `CLAUDE.md`
+
+Since **v4.83.0** BALDART ships **versioned skeletons** for the two most important
+files in any AI-assisted repo and generates concrete, project-specific versions of
+them on every install/update.
+
+- **`AGENTS.md`** — the **cross-tool single source of truth** (read natively by Claude
+  Code, Codex, Cursor, Aider, …). Holds the coordination protocol: MUST rules, git
+  workflow, gates, execution modes, routing.
+- **`CLAUDE.md`** — a **thin Claude-native stub**. Claude Code loads *both* files
+  automatically, so `CLAUDE.md` does **not** import `AGENTS.md` (that would double-load
+  the protocol into context). It carries only the Claude-only mechanics: Plan Mode
+  (`EnterPlanMode`/`ExitPlanMode`), `AskUserQuestion` discipline, the Task-tool subagent
+  roster, output-style, hooks.
+
+Before v4.83.0, `AGENTS.md` was a bulk symlink into the framework payload (not
+customizable without losing auto-update) and `CLAUDE.md` was not shipped at all.
+
+## Three tiers
+
+Each skeleton mixes exactly three kinds of content:
+
+| Tier | What | Who authors it |
+|---|---|---|
+| **STATIC** | universal SOTA prose, identical for every project | the shipped primitive (versioned) |
+| **`{{ slot }}`** | project facts, filled deterministically at write-time | the writer (`src/utils/root-primitives.js`) — pure substitution, never LLM invention |
+| **`[OVERLAY]`** | project opinions / war-stories / KPIs / design rules | the repo owner, in `.baldart/overlays/{AGENTS,CLAUDE}.md` |
+
+This split follows the 2026 research consensus: a shipped skeleton stays **short and
+hand-authored**; project depth lives in the overlay (auto-generating a whole
+`AGENTS.md`/`CLAUDE.md` with an LLM measurably *reduces* agent task success).
+
+## Slot resolution (deterministic)
+
+The writer resolves every slot from `baldart.config.yml` + repo probes — no new config
+key was introduced:
+
+| Slot | Source |
+|---|---|
+| `identity.name` | `identity.brand_name` → `package.json` name → dir basename |
+| `identity.description` | README first paragraph → `package.json` description → visible `<!-- TODO -->` |
+| `stack.summary` | composed from `stack.framework` + `database` + `auth_provider` + `testing.e2e` + `toolchain.installed_tools` |
+| `stack.node` | `package.json` `engines.node` → `.nvmrc` |
+| Commands table | `toolchain.commands.*` → `package.json` scripts (rows with no source are omitted) |
+| Repo map | non-empty `paths.*` + a derived source root |
+| `git.trunk_branch` | `git.trunk_branch` |
+| feature gates | `features.has_backlog` / `has_adrs` / `has_i18n` / `has_design_system` |
+
+## Overlay
+
+`.baldart/overlays/AGENTS.md` (and `…/CLAUDE.md`) use the **same** merge engine as agent
+and command overlays (`overlay-merger.js`):
+
+- `## [OVERRIDE] <section>` — replace a section from the skeleton.
+- `## [APPEND] <section>` — append to a section.
+- `## [PREPEND] <section>` — prepend to a section.
+- a plain `## <heading>` — add a new section at the end.
+
+Author overlays with `/overlay` or by hand. The generated root file carries a
+`baldart-generated` marker and the `framework-edit-gate` hook blocks direct edits to it —
+edit the overlay, not the file.
+
+## Lifecycle
+
+- **`baldart add`** — after `configure` populates `baldart.config.yml`, the writer
+  generates both files with concrete values.
+- **`baldart update`** — regenerates on both the aligned-install and post-pull paths.
+  **Byte-stable**: unchanged inputs produce no diff.
+- **`baldart doctor`** — flags `regenerate-root-primitives` when a file is missing, still
+  a legacy symlink, or drifted (skeleton / overlay / config change), and
+  `adopt-root-primitives` for a handwritten file.
+- **`baldart migrate`** — converts a legacy `AGENTS.md` symlink into the generated file.
+
+## Adoption (existing hand-written files — zero loss)
+
+If a consumer already has a hand-authored `AGENTS.md` or `CLAUDE.md` (no
+`baldart-generated` marker), the writer **adopts** it: the entire file is preserved
+verbatim into `.baldart/overlays/<name>.md`, and the root is regenerated as skeleton +
+overlay (so nothing is lost). You are told to review and re-file — much of a rich
+`CLAUDE.md` typically belongs in the **AGENTS.md** overlay (cross-tool), not CLAUDE.md.
+
+**Adoption is interactive-gated.** In autonomous/CI mode (`CI` / `BALDART_AUTONOMOUS` /
+no TTY) a hand-written file is **never mutated**: the writer emits a blocker and skips it,
+so a routine unattended update never silently transforms your file.
+
+## Versioning
+
+Each skeleton carries a `primitive_version` (SemVer, its own line of evolution,
+independent of the framework `VERSION`) in its banner, plus a sibling
+`framework/templates/primitives/<NAME>.CHANGELOG.md` kept **out** of the generated file
+so version history never costs context. Bump `primitive_version` + add a changelog entry
+whenever a skeleton changes.
+
+## Files
+
+- `framework/templates/primitives/AGENTS.md` · `CLAUDE.md` — the skeletons.
+- `framework/templates/primitives/AGENTS.CHANGELOG.md` · `CLAUDE.CHANGELOG.md` — internal changelogs.
+- `src/utils/root-primitives.js` — the writer (resolve → template → merge → marker → write) + `rootPrimitiveStatus` (doctor).

package/framework/templates/primitives/AGENTS.CHANGELOG.md

@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+# Changelog — AGENTS.md primitive
+
+Formato: [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/) · [SemVer](https://semver.org/).
+Questo è il changelog INTERNO dello skeleton spedito (`primitive_version`), separato dal
+file `AGENTS.md` generato nel consumer e indipendente dal `VERSION` del framework.
+
+## 1.0.0 — 2026-07-01
+
+- Primo skeleton SOTA cross-tool (framework v4.83.0). Sostituisce il bulk symlink di
+  `AGENTS.md` con un real-file **generato**: contenuto STATIC universale + slot `{{ }}`
+  riempiti a write-time da `baldart.config.yml` (identity/stack/paths/commands/git) +
+  hook `[OVERLAY]` per `.baldart/overlays/AGENTS.md`.
+- Struttura: Commands (partial, comandi concreti) · Repo Map (partial) · Non-negotiables
+  (universal + feature-gated) · Git Workflow · Workflow Gates · Execution Modes ·
+  Priority & Conflict · Routing.
+- Le meccaniche solo-Claude (EnterPlanMode/AskUserQuestion/Task) NON stanno qui: vivono
+  nello stub `CLAUDE.md`. La ricchezza project-specific (war-story/KPI/regole design) va
+  in overlay, non nello skeleton (best practice 2026: skeleton corto, no auto-generazione).

package/framework/templates/primitives/AGENTS.md

@@ -0,0 +1,111 @@
+<!-- baldart-primitive: name=AGENTS primitive_version=1.0.0
+     This is the SHIPPED SKELETON. The writer (src/utils/root-primitives.js) strips
+     this banner, resolves every {{ slot }} / {{> partial }} / {{#flag}} from
+     baldart.config.yml (+ package.json/README), merges .baldart/overlays/AGENTS.md,
+     stamps a baldart-generated marker, and writes the result to the repo root.
+     Tiers: STATIC (verbatim) · {{slot}} (config fill) · [OVERLAY] (project opinions).
+     Edit the OVERLAY, never the generated root AGENTS.md. -->
+# {{ identity.name }} — Agent Protocol (AGENTS.md)
+
+{{ identity.description }}
+Stack: {{ stack.summary }}.{{ stack.node_suffix }}
+
+Mandatory coordination rules for all agents (Claude / Codex / humans). Read by every
+AI tool that supports AGENTS.md. If context is limited, follow **MUST** rules and
+**Routing** first. Claude Code additionally loads `CLAUDE.md`, which adds Claude-native
+mechanics — this file remains the single source of truth for the protocol.
+
+{{> commands_section }}
+## Repo Map
+
+{{> repo_map }}
+
+## Non-negotiables (MUST)
+
+**Universal (every project):**
+- MUST treat `AGENTS.md` as authoritative for agent rules.
+- MUST understand the codebase before planning/implementing — invoke `codebase-architect`
+  (Claude Code: Task tool `subagent_type: codebase-architect`; Codex: the custom agent by
+  name at `.codex/agents/codebase-architect.toml`). Only if NEITHER mechanism exists,
+  degrade explicitly to inline retrieval (code-graph → LSP → Grep) and SAY SO.
+- MUST NOT silently substitute a different agent when an invocation returns empty / times
+  out / is denied — STOP, report verbatim, and wait. Never auto-route to a generic agent.
+- MUST NOT work on files another agent has claimed; parallel work only on independent areas.
+- MUST do a clarity analysis before fixing anything labeled `bug` — no blind guessing.
+- MUST mark missing info UNKNOWN and ask; if blocked, set `BLOCKED` with the blocker.
+- MUST NOT make forbidden assumptions: provider/auth swap, DB-schema change without a
+  data-model update, new external dependency without docs, API-contract change without an
+  API-reference update.
+- MUST keep docs and code in sync — a code change without the matching doc update is invalid.
+- MUST use commit format `{{ git.commit_format }}`; small, traceable commits.
+- MUST NOT commit with failing lint/type checks. Full build only before opening a PR.
+- MUST pre-sync (`git fetch`, clean status, confirm branch, `--ff-only`) and NEVER push
+  directly to `{{ git.trunk_branch }}` — all changes reach it via PR.
+- MUST get owner approval before force-push/reset or deleting an UNMERGED branch (create a
+  `backup/<YYYYMMDD>-<reason>` tag first). Deleting an already-merged branch is routine.
+- MUST run the testing gates before DONE (see § Workflow Gates).
+
+**Feature-gated (active only when the flag is `true` in `baldart.config.yml`):**
+{{#has_backlog}}
+- Backlog: pick one card (TODO/READY), set `IN_PROGRESS`, assign yourself, branch-per-card
+  (`{{ git.feature_prefix }}/<CARD-ID>-slug`), keep status current, document before merge.
+{{/has_backlog}}
+{{#has_adrs}}
+- ADRs: write complete records (Context / Decision / Rationale / Alternatives / Consequences,
+  no TODO placeholders) for architectural decisions.
+{{/has_adrs}}
+{{#has_i18n}}
+- i18n: NO hardcoded user-facing strings; every label via `t()` + a key in
+  `{{ i18n.registry }}`. Enforced by the anti-hardcoded lint gate.
+{{/has_i18n}}
+{{#has_design_system}}
+- Design system: the BLOCKING read cascade applies before any UI work — read the registry
+  `INDEX.md` → the per-component spec → the token SSOT (see § Routing).
+{{/has_design_system}}
+{{#has_project_status}}
+- Status doc: update its Active Code Context before work; keep it < 200 lines; archive
+  entries older than 7 days to `work-history.md`.
+{{/has_project_status}}
+
+## Git Workflow
+
+Branch naming: `{{ git.feature_prefix }}/<CARD-ID>-slug` (local), `codex/…` or `claude/…`
+(cloud agents), `hotfix/<ID>-slug` (production fixes). Branches are created by the
+orchestrator (`/nw`, `/new`) or the user — **never by the `coder` agent** (it implements on
+the branch it was spawned on). Stage explicit filenames only; never bundle unrelated changes.
+
+## Workflow Gates
+
+**Pre-commit (fast, every commit):** lint · type check{{#has_i18n}} · the i18n anti-hardcoded
+gate{{/has_i18n}} · markdown-lint on changed `.md`. Fix all errors before `git add`. Do NOT
+run a full build every commit.
+
+**Pre-PR (once, before opening a PR):** full build (must pass) · unit tests (if they exist) ·
+E2E for critical-flow changes.
+
+## Execution Modes
+
+| Mode | Branch | Validation |
+|---|---|---|
+| `local` | `{{ git.feature_prefix }}/<CARD-ID>-slug` → PR to `{{ git.trunk_branch }}` | manual run mandatory |
+| `cloud` | `codex/…` or `claude/…` → PR to `{{ git.trunk_branch }}` | CI-first; local advisory |
+| `hotfix` | `hotfix/<BUG-ID>-slug` | owner approval |
+
+## Priority & Conflict
+
+Priority: `AGENTS.md` → `agents/index.md` → domain references → ADRs → `archive/`.
+On conflict: stop → read both → decide which is newer → update the other → record the
+decision in an ADR + the backlog card.
+
+## Routing
+
+- Docs routing (touch X → read/update Y): `agents/index.md`.
+- Agent invocation routing: `.claude/agents/REGISTRY.md` (SSOT). Update it when adding agents.
+- Domain protocols load on demand from `agents/*.md` (architecture, testing, security,
+  design-system-protocol, i18n-protocol, …) — never load them all at once.
+
+<!-- OVERLAY: project-specific rules live in `.baldart/overlays/AGENTS.md` and are merged
+     below this line. Use `## [APPEND] <section>` to extend a section above, `## [OVERRIDE]
+     <section>` to replace one, or a plain `## <heading>` to add a new section. Typical
+     content: design-system rules · DB/migration discipline · NFR/KPI targets · security
+     specifics · project war-stories & ADR pointers · custom commands. -->

package/framework/templates/primitives/CLAUDE.CHANGELOG.md

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+# Changelog — CLAUDE.md primitive
+
+Formato: [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/) · [SemVer](https://semver.org/).
+Changelog INTERNO dello stub spedito (`primitive_version`), separato dal `CLAUDE.md`
+generato nel consumer e indipendente dal `VERSION` del framework.
+
+## 1.0.0 — 2026-07-01
+
+- Primo stub Claude-native (framework v4.83.0). BALDART inizia a spedire `CLAUDE.md`.
+- Deliberatamente **non** importa `AGENTS.md` (Claude Code carica entrambi i file
+  nativamente → un `@AGENTS.md` raddoppierebbe il protocollo in contesto). Contiene solo:
+  Plan Mode (EnterPlanMode/plan-auditor/doc-reviewer/ExitPlanMode), User Interaction
+  (AskUserQuestion = stop-and-wait), Subagents & tooling (Task tool, output-style, hooks).
+- Hook `[OVERLAY]` per `.baldart/overlays/CLAUDE.md`; le regole cross-tool vanno
+  nell'overlay di AGENTS.md, non qui.

package/framework/templates/primitives/CLAUDE.md

@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+<!-- baldart-primitive: name=CLAUDE primitive_version=1.0.0
+     SHIPPED SKELETON. The writer strips this banner, resolves {{ slot }}/{{#flag}} from
+     baldart.config.yml, merges .baldart/overlays/CLAUDE.md, stamps a baldart-generated
+     marker, and writes the result to the repo root.
+     Claude Code loads BOTH CLAUDE.md and AGENTS.md automatically, so this file does NOT
+     import AGENTS.md (that would double-load the protocol). It holds ONLY the Claude-native
+     mechanics that would be noise in the cross-tool AGENTS.md. Edit the OVERLAY, never the
+     generated root CLAUDE.md. -->
+# {{ identity.name }} — Claude Code entry
+
+The full cross-tool coordination protocol (rules, MUST list, git workflow, gates, routing)
+lives in `AGENTS.md`, which Claude Code loads automatically alongside this file — it is the
+SSOT, not restated here. Below are the **Claude-native mechanics only**.
+
+## Plan Mode (Claude-native)
+
+- Enter plan mode (`EnterPlanMode`) for any non-trivial task before writing code.
+  Trivial = single-line fix / typo / obvious bug.
+- Invoke `codebase-architect` before writing the plan — never plan blind.
+- Launch `plan-auditor` + `doc-reviewer` in parallel to review the plan, incorporate their
+  feedback, and state inside the plan that the review gate was honored, BEFORE `ExitPlanMode`.
+- Wait for explicit user approval, then delegate implementation to the `coder` agent (via the
+  Task tool). The `coder` writes code + minimal doc stubs only.
+
+## User Interaction (Claude-native, ABSOLUTE)
+
+- `AskUserQuestion` = STOP and wait. Never answer your own question.
+- It MUST be the only action in that turn. Never proceed without a real user response.
+
+## Subagents & tooling (Claude-native)
+
+- Spawn subagents via the Task tool (`subagent_type: <name>`); the roster + routing is
+  `.claude/agents/REGISTRY.md`.
+{{#output_style}}
+- Output style: `{{ output_style }}` is active (select via `/config` → Output Style).
+{{/output_style}}
+- Hooks (PreToolUse / edit gates) are Claude-only and configured in `.claude/settings.json`.
+
+<!-- OVERLAY: project-specific Claude tweaks live in `.baldart/overlays/CLAUDE.md` and are
+     merged below this line (same OVERRIDE/APPEND/PREPEND model as AGENTS.md). Keep this file
+     thin — cross-tool rules belong in the AGENTS.md overlay, not here. -->

package/package.json

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "baldart",
-  "version": "4.82.0",
+  "version": "4.83.0",
   "description": "Claude Agent Framework - Reusable framework for coordinating AI agents and humans in software projects",
   "bin": {
     "baldart": "./bin/baldart.js"

package/src/commands/add.js

@@ -296,6 +296,21 @@ async function add(repo, options) {
       UI.info('Skipped. Run `npx baldart configure` before invoking skills.');
     }
 
+    // Re-write the root primitives (AGENTS.md + CLAUDE.md) now that configure
+    // has populated baldart.config.yml — so the slots resolve to the final
+    // values (name, stack, commands, paths, trunk branch). createAllSymlinks
+    // already wrote them once with whatever config existed; this is idempotent
+    // (byte-stable when nothing changed) and just refreshes the concrete facts.
+    try {
+      const rootPrimitives = require('../utils/root-primitives');
+      const res = rootPrimitives.writeRootPrimitives({ cwd: process.cwd(), tools: enabledTools, autonomous: nonInteractive });
+      if (res.adopted && res.adopted.length) {
+        for (const a of res.adopted) UI.info(`Adopted existing ${a.name}.md → ${a.overlay} (verbatim). Review & re-file when convenient.`);
+      }
+    } catch (err) {
+      UI.warning(`Root primitives step failed: ${err.message}`);
+    }
+
     // Post-flight assert — never declare success with missing hooks.
     // Re-reads .claude/settings.json and confirms every active hook in
     // HOOK_REGISTRY is present. Guards against the silent partial-install

package/src/commands/doctor.js

@@ -343,6 +343,28 @@ async function detectState(cwd, opts = {}) {
       }
     } catch (_) { /* never block doctor on probe */ }
 
+    // Root primitives (AGENTS.md + CLAUDE.md) integrity (since v4.83.0).
+    // Stale = missing, still a legacy symlink, or drifted vs the current
+    // skeleton / overlay / config. A handwritten file is surfaced separately
+    // (needs interactive adoption) and is NOT auto-regenerated.
+    state.rootPrimitivesStale = [];
+    state.rootPrimitivesAdoptable = [];
+    try {
+      if (state.frameworkPresent) {
+        const rp = require('../utils/root-primitives');
+        for (const name of rp.PRIMITIVES) {
+          if (name === 'CLAUDE') {
+            const toolsEnabled = (config && !config.__malformed && config.tools && Array.isArray(config.tools.enabled))
+              ? config.tools.enabled : ['claude'];
+            if (!toolsEnabled.includes('claude')) continue;
+          }
+          const st = rp.rootPrimitiveStatus({ cwd, name, cfg: config && !config.__malformed ? config : undefined });
+          if (st.state === 'handwritten') state.rootPrimitivesAdoptable.push({ name, reason: st.reason });
+          else if (st.stale) state.rootPrimitivesStale.push({ name, reason: st.reason });
+        }
+      }
+    } catch (_) { /* never block doctor on probe */ }
+
     // `.framework/` is a git subtree — gitignore matching it breaks every
     // future `git add` under that path (the failure mode that hit v3.13.0
     // consumers during push). Detect any gitignore rule that catches the
@@ -861,6 +883,49 @@ function planActions(state) {
     });
   }
 
+  // Root primitives integrity (since v4.83.0). Regenerates AGENTS.md / CLAUDE.md
+  // from the versioned skeleton + config + overlay when missing, still a legacy
+  // symlink, or drifted. Offline + idempotent. A handwritten file is NOT touched
+  // here — it needs interactive adoption (reported below, not auto-run).
+  if (state.rootPrimitivesStale && state.rootPrimitivesStale.length > 0) {
+    const names = state.rootPrimitivesStale.map((r) => `${r.name}.md`).join(', ');
+    actions.push({
+      key: 'regenerate-root-primitives',
+      label: `Regenerate root primitive(s): ${names}`,
+      why: `These root files are out of date vs the shipped skeleton / your overlay / baldart.config.yml (${state.rootPrimitivesStale.map((r) => `${r.name}: ${r.reason}`).join('; ')}). They are BALDART-generated — edit .baldart/overlays/<name>.md, not the file itself.`,
+      autoOk: true,
+      run: async () => {
+        const cfg = loadConfig(process.cwd());
+        const enabledTools = (cfg && !cfg.__malformed
+          && cfg.tools && Array.isArray(cfg.tools.enabled))
+          ? cfg.tools.enabled : ['claude'];
+        const res = require('../utils/root-primitives').writeRootPrimitives({ cwd: process.cwd(), tools: enabledTools });
+        UI.success(`Regenerated root primitives: ${(res.written || []).map((w) => `${w.name}.md`).join(', ') || '(none changed)'}`);
+      },
+    });
+  }
+
+  // Handwritten AGENTS.md/CLAUDE.md that predate BALDART's ownership — offer a
+  // zero-loss adoption (preserve verbatim into an overlay, then generate). Never
+  // auto-run: mutating a hand-authored file must be an explicit choice.
+  if (state.rootPrimitivesAdoptable && state.rootPrimitivesAdoptable.length > 0) {
+    const names = state.rootPrimitivesAdoptable.map((r) => `${r.name}.md`).join(', ');
+    actions.push({
+      key: 'adopt-root-primitives',
+      label: `Adopt handwritten ${names} into overlay(s)`,
+      why: `${names} are hand-authored files with no BALDART marker. Adoption preserves them verbatim into .baldart/overlays/<name>.md (zero loss) and regenerates the root as skeleton + your overlay. Review afterwards — cross-tool rules belong in the AGENTS.md overlay.`,
+      autoOk: false,
+      run: async () => {
+        const cfg = loadConfig(process.cwd());
+        const enabledTools = (cfg && !cfg.__malformed
+          && cfg.tools && Array.isArray(cfg.tools.enabled))
+          ? cfg.tools.enabled : ['claude'];
+        const res = require('../utils/root-primitives').writeRootPrimitives({ cwd: process.cwd(), tools: enabledTools, autonomous: false });
+        for (const a of (res.adopted || [])) UI.success(`Adopted ${a.name}.md → ${a.overlay} (verbatim). Review & re-file when convenient.`);
+      },
+    });
+  }
+
   if (state.lspEnabled && state.lspBroken && state.lspBroken.length > 0) {
     actions.push({
       key: 'lsp-fix',

package/src/commands/migrate.js

@@ -75,6 +75,17 @@ async function migrate() {
     UI.warning(`Found .claude/skills.backup with ${entries.length} entries (from a prior failed update).`);
   }
 
+  // Root primitives (since v4.83.0): AGENTS.md moved from a bulk symlink to a
+  // generated real file, and CLAUDE.md is now shipped. Report a legacy symlink.
+  const agentsMdPath = path.join(cwd, 'AGENTS.md');
+  let agentsMdLegacySymlink = false;
+  try {
+    if (fs.lstatSync(agentsMdPath).isSymbolicLink()) {
+      agentsMdLegacySymlink = true;
+      UI.warning('AGENTS.md is a legacy bulk symlink → will become a generated real file.');
+    }
+  } catch (_) { /* absent or real file — nothing to report here */ }
+
   // --- Plan ---------------------------------------------------------------
 
   const actions = [];
@@ -88,6 +99,11 @@ async function migrate() {
   if (backupPresent) {
     actions.push('Restore user skills from .claude/skills.backup into .claude/skills/ (no overwrites).');
   }
+  if (agentsMdLegacySymlink) {
+    actions.push('Convert legacy AGENTS.md symlink into a generated real file (skeleton + config + overlay).');
+  } else {
+    actions.push('Generate/refresh root primitives AGENTS.md + CLAUDE.md (handwritten files are adopted into overlays, zero-loss).');
+  }
   actions.push('Record any name collisions in .baldart/skill-conflicts.json.');
 
   UI.section('Planned actions');
@@ -133,6 +149,20 @@ async function migrate() {
   symlinks.mergeCommands({ tools: enabledTools });
   UI.info(`Linked ${mergeResult.linked.length} framework skills, kept ${mergeResult.skipped.length} as-is, ${mergeResult.conflicts.length} conflict(s).`);
 
+  // --- Step 2b: root primitives (v4.83.0) --------------------------------
+  // Converts a legacy AGENTS.md symlink → generated real file, ships CLAUDE.md,
+  // and adopts any handwritten root file into an overlay (interactive, zero-loss).
+  UI.section('Step 2b: root primitives (AGENTS.md + CLAUDE.md)');
+  try {
+    const res = require('../utils/root-primitives').writeRootPrimitives({ cwd, tools: enabledTools, autonomous: false });
+    for (const a of (res.adopted || [])) UI.success(`Adopted ${a.name}.md → ${a.overlay} (verbatim, zero-loss). Review & re-file later.`);
+    const wrote = (res.written || []).map((w) => `${w.name}.md (${w.from})`);
+    UI.info(wrote.length ? `Root primitives written: ${wrote.join(', ')}.` : 'Root primitives already up to date.');
+    for (const b of (res.blockers || [])) UI.warning(`Root primitive ${b.name}: ${b.reason}`);
+  } catch (err) {
+    UI.warning(`Root primitives step skipped: ${err.message}`);
+  }
+
   // --- Step 3: restore user skills from .backup --------------------------
 
   if (backupPresent) {

package/src/commands/update.js

@@ -123,6 +123,7 @@ function scaffoldOverlaysForCommits(commits) {
 const BALDART_MANAGED_PATTERNS = [
   /^\.framework(\/|$)/,
   /^AGENTS\.md$/,
+  /^CLAUDE\.md$/,
   /^agents(\.backup)?(\/|$)/,
   /^\.claude\/(agents|commands|skills|workflows|hooks|routines|settings\.json)(\/|$)/,
   /^\.baldart(\/|$)/,
@@ -137,6 +138,28 @@ function isBaldartManagedPath(p) {
   return BALDART_MANAGED_PATTERNS.some((rx) => rx.test(p));
 }
 
+// Re-generate the root primitives (AGENTS.md + CLAUDE.md) from the versioned
+// skeletons + baldart.config.yml + overlays. Idempotent + byte-stable, so it is
+// safe to call on both the aligned-install and post-pull paths. Never throws —
+// a failure here must not abort an otherwise-successful update. Adoption of a
+// handwritten file is interactive-gated inside the writer (a CI/autonomous run
+// surfaces a blocker and leaves the file untouched rather than mutating it).
+function reconcileRootPrimitives(cwd, tools, autonomous) {
+  try {
+    const res = require('../utils/root-primitives').writeRootPrimitives({ cwd, tools, autonomous });
+    for (const a of (res.adopted || [])) {
+      UI.info(`Adopted existing ${a.name}.md → ${a.overlay} (verbatim, zero-loss). Review & re-file when convenient.`);
+    }
+    for (const b of (res.blockers || [])) {
+      UI.warning(`Root primitive ${b.name}: ${b.reason}`);
+    }
+    const wrote = (res.written || []).map((w) => `${w.name}.md`);
+    if (wrote.length) UI.info(`Root primitives updated: ${wrote.join(', ')}.`);
+  } catch (err) {
+    UI.warning(`Root primitives step skipped: ${err.message}`);
+  }
+}
+
 // Real preview (v4.8.0+) — the old `git log HEAD..FETCH_HEAD -- .framework/`
 // is always empty under subtree-squash, so the user never saw what changed.
 // Instead, read the UPSTREAM CHANGELOG and return every entry above the
@@ -912,6 +935,10 @@ async function update(options = {}, unknownArgs = []) {
       if (reconciled > 0) {
         UI.info(`Reconciled ${reconciled} newly-shipped item(s) into per-tool dir(s) — payload drift from a prior CLI-skew update, now healed.`);
       }
+      // Re-generate the root primitives too (AGENTS.md + CLAUDE.md): a primitive
+      // version bump or a slot/overlay change must land even on an aligned install.
+      // --json is programmatic → force autonomous so a handwritten file is never mutated.
+      reconcileRootPrimitives(process.cwd(), alignedTools, options && options.json === true ? true : undefined);
       UI.success(`Already up to date! (v${status.installedVersion})`);
       emitUpdateJson({ ok: true, action: 'already-current',
         installed_before: status.installedVersion,
@@ -1242,6 +1269,10 @@ async function update(options = {}, unknownArgs = []) {
       symlinks.mergeOutputStyles({ tools: enabledTools });
     }
 
+    // Re-generate the root primitives (AGENTS.md + CLAUDE.md) after the pull so
+    // a primitive/slot/overlay change lands. Idempotent + byte-stable.
+    reconcileRootPrimitives(process.cwd(), enabledTools, options && options.json === true ? true : undefined);
+
     // Routines wizard (since v2.1.0) — surfaces routines added in the new framework version
     try {
       const routinesCmd = require('./routines');