AI-native development · Glossary term

What is Repository Map?

A compact, maintained description of a repository's important directories, ownership boundaries, entry points, build commands, tests, generated files, and local instructions.

Why does Repository Map matter?

It helps a coding agent find the right evidence before loading large files or editing the wrong subsystem.

Repository Map in practice

Generate an index from the tree and manifests, then enrich it with authoritative notes about module boundaries and validation commands.

What is the common confusion about Repository Map?

A raw file tree shows names. A repository map explains which paths matter and how they relate to a task.

Learn Repository Map in the course

Start with

  • Repo Memory and Durable State

    Chat history is volatile. The repo is durable. The workbench stores agent state in versioned files so the next session, the next agent, and the next reviewer all read from the same source of truth.

    Phase 14: Agent Engineering

Taught in Phase 14: Agent Engineering.

  • Coding AgentAn agent specialized for software work that can inspect a repository, edit files, run development tools, and use their outputs to advance…
  • Progressive DisclosureSupplying a person or model with the minimum useful context first, then revealing deeper detail when the task or evidence requires it.
  • Scope ContractA concrete agreement that defines a task's goal, allowed and forbidden surfaces, expected artifacts, verification requirements, and…
  • Context EngineeringDesigning the full information environment supplied to a model at each step, including instructions, selected files, retrieved evidence,…
  • Repository InstructionsVersion-controlled guidance that tells coding agents how a repository is organized, which commands and conventions apply, what boundaries…

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