Bmad Init

If the script returns JSON vars — store them as {var-name} and return to the calling skill. Done.

If the script returns an error or init_required — proceed to the Init Path below.

Init Path — First-Time Setup

When the fast path fails (config missing for a module), run this init flow.

Step 1: Check what needs setup

Run bmad_init.py with the check subcommand, passing --module {module_code}, --skill-path {calling_skill_path}, and --project-root.

The response tells you what's needed:

• "status": "ready" — Config is fine. Re-run load.
• "status": "no_project" — Can't find project root. Ask user to confirm the project path.
• "status": "core_missing" — Core config doesn't exist. Must ask core questions first.
• "status": "module_missing" — Core exists but module config doesn't. Ask module questions.

The response includes:

• core_module — Core module.yaml questions (when core setup needed)
• target_module — Target module.yaml questions (when module setup needed, discovered from --skill-path or _bmad/{module}/)
• core_vars — Existing core config values (when core exists but module doesn't)

Step 2: Ask core questions (if core_missing)

The check response includes core_module with header, subheader, and variable definitions.

1. Show the header and subheader to the user
2. For each variable, present the prompt and default
3. For variables with single-select, show the options as a numbered list
4. For variables with multi-line prompt (array), show all lines
5. Let the user accept defaults or provide values

Step 3: Ask module questions (if module was requested)

The check response includes target_module with the module's questions. Variables may reference core answers in their defaults (e.g., {output_folder}).

1. Resolve defaults by running bmad_init.py with the resolve-defaults subcommand, passing --module {module_code}, --core-answers '{core_answers_json}', and --project-root
2. Show the module's header and subheader
3. For each variable, present the prompt with resolved default
4. For single-select variables, show options as a numbered list

Step 4: Write config

Collect all answers and run bmad_init.py with the write subcommand, passing --answers '{all_answers_json}' and --project-root.

The --answers JSON format:

{
  "core": {
    "user_name": "BMad",
    "communication_language": "English",
    "document_output_language": "English",
    "output_folder": "_bmad-output"
  },
  "bmb": {
    "bmad_builder_output_folder": "_bmad-output/skills",
    "bmad_builder_reports": "_bmad-output/reports"
  }
}

Note: Pass the raw user answers (before result template expansion). The script applies result templates and {project-root} expansion when writing.

The script:

• Creates _bmad/core/config.yaml with core values (if core answers provided)
• Creates _bmad/{module}/config.yaml with core values + module values (result-expanded)
• Creates any directories listed in the module.yaml directories array

Step 5: Return vars

After writing, re-run bmad_init.py with the load subcommand (same as the fast path) to return resolved vars. Store returned vars as {var-name} and return them to the calling skill.