update-llms
github/awesome-copilot
Keeps your repo's llms.txt navigation file accurate and spec-compliant as docs evolve.
What is update-llms?
This skill updates an existing root-level llms.txt file so it stays accurate as a repository's documentation, specs, and structure evolve, following the llms.txt specification at llmstxt.org. Use it after adding, removing, or reorganizing docs/specs to keep the LLM-facing navigation file current and spec-compliant.
- Reviews the existing llms.txt against the current repository structure
- Detects new or changed README, docs, spec, config, and example files
- Plans and applies additions, removals, and reorganizations to keep entries accurate
- Maintains the required H1/blockquote/H2-section link-list format per llmstxt.org
- Validates link correctness and continued specification compliance
How to install update-llms
npx skills add https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot --skill update-llms- An existing llms.txt file at the repository root that this skill will update
How to use update-llms
- 1.Ensure an llms.txt file already exists at the repository root
- 2.Invoke the skill to analyze the current llms.txt against the live repository structure and the llmstxt.org spec
- 3.Let it identify new docs, specs, examples, or config files, and any outdated/moved references
- 4.Review the proposed update plan covering additions, removals, and reorganization
- 5.Apply the updated llms.txt content, keeping the H1/blockquote/H2-section link-list format
- 6.Validate the result for spec compliance, valid relative links, and clear LLM-friendly navigation
Use cases
- After adding new documentation or specification files, update llms.txt to include them
- After removing or relocating files, clean up stale references in llms.txt
- Periodically auditing llms.txt for compliance with the llmstxt.org specification
- Reorganizing a growing repository's llms.txt into clearer sections (Documentation, Specifications, Examples, Configuration, Optional)
- Repository maintainers managing LLM-facing documentation
- Developers who maintain an llms.txt file alongside evolving docs/specs
- Teams using AI coding agents that rely on llms.txt for repo context
update-llms FAQ
It's a file placed at the repository root that follows the llms.txt specification (https://llmstxt.org/) to give LLMs high-level guidance on where to find relevant documentation and specs in a repository.
No, it updates an existing llms.txt file in the repository root to keep it accurate as documentation or repo structure changes.
An H1 project name header, an optional blockquote summary, optional context paragraphs, and H2 sections containing markdown lists of links in the form [name](relative-url): description.
Yes, the skill's process includes detecting removed/relocated files and updating or removing outdated references, as well as removing sections that become empty.
Full instructions (SKILL.md)
Source of truth, from github/awesome-copilot.
name: update-llms description: 'Update the llms.txt file in the root folder to reflect changes in documentation or specifications following the llms.txt specification at https://llmstxt.org/'
Update LLMs.txt File
Update the existing llms.txt file in the root of the repository to reflect changes in documentation, specifications, or repository structure. This file provides high-level guidance to large language models (LLMs) on where to find relevant content for understanding the repository's purpose and specifications.
Primary Directive
Update the existing llms.txt file to maintain accuracy and compliance with the llms.txt specification while reflecting current repository structure and content. The file must remain optimized for LLM consumption while staying human-readable.
Analysis and Planning Phase
Before updating the llms.txt file, you must complete a thorough analysis:
Step 1: Review Current File and Specification
- Read the existing
llms.txtfile to understand current structure - Review the official specification at https://llmstxt.org/ to ensure continued compliance
- Identify areas that may need updates based on repository changes
Step 2: Repository Structure Analysis
- Examine the current repository structure using appropriate tools
- Compare current structure with what's documented in existing
llms.txt - Identify new directories, files, or documentation that should be included
- Note any removed or relocated files that need to be updated
Step 3: Content Discovery and Change Detection
- Identify new README files and their locations
- Find new documentation files (
.mdfiles in/docs/,/spec/, etc.) - Locate new specification files and their purposes
- Discover new configuration files and their relevance
- Find new example files and code samples
- Identify any changes to existing documentation structure
Step 4: Create Update Plan
Based on your analysis, create a structured plan that includes:
- Changes needed to maintain accuracy
- New files to be added to the llms.txt
- Outdated references to be removed or updated
- Organizational improvements to maintain clarity
Implementation Requirements
Format Compliance
The updated llms.txt file must maintain this exact structure per the specification:
- H1 Header: Single line with repository/project name (required)
- Blockquote Summary: Brief description in blockquote format (optional but recommended)
- Additional Details: Zero or more markdown sections without headings for context
- File List Sections: Zero or more H2 sections containing markdown lists of links
Content Requirements
Required Elements
- Project Name: Clear, descriptive title as H1
- Summary: Concise blockquote explaining the repository's purpose
- Key Files: Essential files organized by category (H2 sections)
File Link Format
Each file link must follow: [descriptive-name](relative-url): optional description
Section Organization
Organize files into logical H2 sections such as:
- Documentation: Core documentation files
- Specifications: Technical specifications and requirements
- Examples: Sample code and usage examples
- Configuration: Setup and configuration files
- Optional: Secondary files (special meaning - can be skipped for shorter context)
Content Guidelines
Language and Style
- Use concise, clear, unambiguous language
- Avoid jargon without explanation
- Write for both human and LLM readers
- Be specific and informative in descriptions
File Selection Criteria
Include files that:
- Explain the repository's purpose and scope
- Provide essential technical documentation
- Show usage examples and patterns
- Define interfaces and specifications
- Contain configuration and setup instructions
Exclude files that:
- Are purely implementation details
- Contain redundant information
- Are build artifacts or generated content
- Are not relevant to understanding the project
Execution Steps
Step 1: Current State Analysis
- Read the existing
llms.txtfile thoroughly - Examine the current repository structure completely
- Compare existing file references with actual repository content
- Identify outdated, missing, or incorrect references
- Note any structural issues with the current file
Step 2: Content Planning
- Determine if the primary purpose statement needs updates
- Review and update the summary blockquote if needed
- Plan additions for new files and directories
- Plan removals for outdated or moved content
- Reorganize sections if needed for better clarity
Step 3: File Updates
- Update the existing
llms.txtfile in the repository root - Maintain compliance with the exact format specification
- Add new file references with appropriate descriptions
- Remove or update outdated references
- Ensure all links are valid relative paths
Step 4: Validation
- Verify continued compliance with https://llmstxt.org/ specification
- Check that all links are valid and accessible
- Ensure the file still serves as an effective LLM navigation tool
- Confirm the file remains both human and machine readable
Quality Assurance
Format Validation
- ✅ H1 header with project name
- ✅ Blockquote summary (if included)
- ✅ H2 sections for file lists
- ✅ Proper markdown link format
- ✅ No broken or invalid links
- ✅ Consistent formatting throughout
Content Validation
- ✅ Clear, unambiguous language
- ✅ Comprehensive coverage of essential files
- ✅ Logical organization of content
- ✅ Appropriate file descriptions
- ✅ Serves as effective LLM navigation tool
Specification Compliance
- ✅ Follows https://llmstxt.org/ format exactly
- ✅ Uses required markdown structure
- ✅ Implements optional sections appropriately
- ✅ File located at repository root (
/llms.txt)
Update Strategy
Addition Process
When adding new content:
- Identify the appropriate section for new files
- Create clear, descriptive names for links
- Write concise but informative descriptions
- Maintain alphabetical or logical ordering within sections
- Consider if new sections are needed for new content types
Removal Process
When removing outdated content:
- Verify files are actually removed or relocated
- Check if relocated files should be updated rather than removed
- Remove entire sections if they become empty
- Update cross-references if needed
Reorganization Process
When restructuring content:
- Maintain logical flow from general to specific
- Keep essential documentation in primary sections
- Move secondary content to "Optional" section if appropriate
- Ensure new organization improves LLM navigation
Example structure for llms.txt:
# [Repository Name]
> [Concise description of the repository's purpose and scope]
[Optional additional context paragraphs without headings]
## Documentation
- [Main README](README.md): Primary project documentation and getting started guide
- [Contributing Guide](CONTRIBUTING.md): Guidelines for contributing to the project
- [Code of Conduct](CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md): Community guidelines and expectations
## Specifications
- [Technical Specification](spec/technical-spec.md): Detailed technical requirements and constraints
- [API Specification](spec/api-spec.md): Interface definitions and data contracts
## Examples
- [Basic Example](examples/basic-usage.md): Simple usage demonstration
- [Advanced Example](examples/advanced-usage.md): Complex implementation patterns
## Configuration
- [Setup Guide](docs/setup.md): Installation and configuration instructions
- [Deployment Guide](docs/deployment.md): Production deployment guidelines
## Optional
- [Architecture Documentation](docs/architecture.md): Detailed system architecture
- [Design Decisions](docs/decisions.md): Historical design decision records
Success Criteria
The updated llms.txt file should:
- Accurately reflect the current repository structure and content
- Maintain compliance with the llms.txt specification
- Provide clear navigation to essential documentation
- Remove outdated or incorrect references
- Include new important files and documentation
- Maintain logical organization for easy LLM consumption
- Use clear, unambiguous language throughout
- Continue to serve both human and machine readers effectively
Related skills
More from github/awesome-copilot and the wider catalog.
git-commit
Execute semantic git commits with conventional message analysis and intelligent staging.
excalidraw-diagram-generator
Generate Excalidraw diagrams from natural language descriptions.
documentation-writer
Create structured technical documentation using the Diátaxis framework for tutorials, how-to guides, references, and explanations.
gh-cli
GitHub CLI comprehensive reference for repositories, issues, PRs, Actions, projects, releases, and all GitHub operations from the command line.
prd
Generate comprehensive Product Requirements Documents with executive summaries, user stories, technical specs, and risk analysis.
refactor
Surgical code refactoring to improve maintainability without changing behavior.