Copier Bootstrap Skill

python scripts/list_templates.py

Present the options and ask the user to choose.

Step 2: Get Template URL

Read references/templates.md to find the template URL for the chosen project type. The file contains a table mapping project types to their template repositories.

Step 3: Determine Destination Path

Ask the user for the destination path, or suggest a sensible default based on:

• Project type (e.g., ./my-fastapi-service)
• Any naming conventions the user mentions
• Current working directory context

Step 4: Bootstrap the Project

Run copier using the provided script:

python scripts/run_copier.py <template-url> <destination-path>

The script automatically:

• Uses --trust to allow Jinja extensions
• Uses --defaults to accept default answers
• Creates the project with sensible defaults

If the user provides an answers file:

python scripts/run_copier.py <template-url> <destination-path> --answers-file answers.yml

If the user wants to override specific values:

python scripts/run_copier.py <template-url> <destination-path> --data project_name=my-service --data author=Mike

Step 5: Read Template Conventions

After successful bootstrapping, immediately read the generated project's AGENTS.md file:

cat <destination-path>/AGENTS.md

This file contains:

• Project-specific conventions
• Naming patterns
• Architecture guidance
• Development workflows
• Testing approaches

Apply these conventions in any subsequent modifications or additions to the project.

Step 6: Initial Customization

If the user requested specific customization during creation:

• Follow the conventions from AGENTS.md
• Make changes that align with the template's structure
• Maintain consistency with the template's patterns

Maintaining Templates

The templates registry is stored in references/templates.md. To update:

1. Edit the table to add/modify template URLs
2. Ensure each template has an AGENTS.md file for conventions
3. Test the template by bootstrapping a sample project

Scripts Reference

scripts/run_copier.py

Main script for running copier with proper arguments.

Features:

• Automatic --trust flag for Jinja extensions
• Default answers mode for quick bootstrapping
• Support for answers files
• Inline data overrides

scripts/list_templates.py

Display available project types from the registry.

Usage:

python scripts/list_templates.py

Common Patterns

Quick Bootstrap with Defaults

# User: "Create a new FastAPI project"
python scripts/list_templates.py  # Verify template exists
python scripts/run_copier.py gh:darkflib/fastapi-template ./my-service
cat ./my-service/AGENTS.md  # Read conventions

Bootstrap with Custom Answers

# User provides answers file
python scripts/run_copier.py gh:darkflib/fastapi-template ./my-service --answers-file my-answers.yml

Interactive Template Selection

# User: "Create a new project"
python scripts/list_templates.py  # Show options
# User selects type
python scripts/run_copier.py <template-url> ./my-project

Error Handling

If copier fails:

1. Check that copier is installed: pip install copier
2. Verify template URL is accessible
3. Ensure destination path is valid
4. Check for network connectivity (for remote templates)

If AGENTS.md is missing:

• Proceed with generic Python/Node conventions
• Suggest adding AGENTS.md to the template

Template Requirements

For optimal use, templates should include:

• AGENTS.md - Conventions for AI agents
• copier.yml - Template configuration
• Sensible defaults for all questions
• Working initial state that can be tested immediately