README Crafting

Software development skill, available on Zeplik

README Crafting is a ready-to-run software development skill on Zeplik. Not for full technical docs (use technical-documentation). Ask in plain language and Zeplik applies the skill's method for you inside the conversation, on whichever AI model you prefer.

The README Crafting skill loads automatically when your request matches it, or you can invoke it directly by typing /crafting-effective-readmes in any chat. It works with attachments, connectors, and any model that supports the task, so you get the same expert method every time without setting anything up.

What the README Crafting skill can do

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Pick a prompt to open it in the Zeplik app. If you are not signed in yet, your prompt is waiting for you the moment you do.

How the README Crafting skill works

/crafting-effective-readmes

READMEs answer questions your audience will have. Different audiences need different information: a contributor to an OSS project needs different context than future-you opening a config folder. For deep technical documentation beyond the README (API refs, architecture docs, guides), use technical-documentation.

Always ask: Who will read this, and what do they need to know?

Process

Step 1: Identify the Task

Ask: "What README task are you working on?"

TaskWhen
CreatingNew project, no README yet
AddingNeed to document something new
UpdatingCapabilities changed, content is stale
ReviewingChecking if README is still accurate

Step 2: Task-Specific Questions

Creating an initial README:

  1. What type of project? (see Project Types below)
  2. What problem does this solve in one sentence?
  3. What is the quickest path to "it works"?
  4. Anything notable to highlight?

Adding a section:

  1. What needs documenting?
  2. Where should it go in the existing structure?
  3. Who needs this info most?

Updating existing content:

  1. What changed?
  2. Read the current README (ask the user to paste it if not available), identify stale sections
  3. Propose specific edits

Reviewing/refreshing:

  1. Read the current README
  2. Check against the actual project state (package.json, main files, etc.)
  3. Flag outdated sections
  4. Update the "Last reviewed" date if present

Step 3: Always Ask

After drafting, ask: "Anything else to highlight or include that I might have missed?"

Project Types

TypeAudienceKey SectionsTemplate
Open SourceContributors, users worldwideInstall, Usage, Contributing, Licensereferences/templates/oss.md
PersonalFuture you, portfolio viewersWhat it does, Tech stack, Learningsreferences/templates/personal.md
InternalTeammates, new hiresSetup, Architecture, Runbooksreferences/templates/internal.md
ConfigFuture you (confused)What's here, Why, How to extend, Gotchasreferences/templates/xdg-config.md

Ask the user if unclear. Don't assume OSS defaults for everything.

Essential Sections (All Types)

Every README needs at minimum:

  1. Name -- self-explanatory title
  2. Description -- what + why in 1-2 sentences
  3. Usage -- how to use it (examples help)

References

  • references/section-checklist.md -- which sections to include by project type
  • references/style-guide.md -- common README mistakes and prose guidance
  • references/templates/ -- ready-to-fill templates per project type

Usage

/crafting-effective-readmes $ARGUMENTS

How to use the README Crafting skill

  1. Sign in to Zeplik

    Create a free Zeplik account or sign in. New accounts start with free credits, so you can try the README Crafting skill right away.

  2. Describe your software development task

    Ask in plain language, or type /crafting-effective-readmes to invoke the skill directly. Zeplik recognizes the README Crafting skill and applies its method.

  3. Review and refine the result

    Zeplik returns a clear, structured answer. Ask follow-ups in the same chat to refine it or take the next step.

Source and credit

Author
davila7
License
MIT

Adapted from the open-source davila7/claude-code-templates project and tuned to run natively on Zeplik. View source on GitHub.

Frequently asked questions

What is the README Crafting skill?
README Crafting is a ready-to-run software development skill on Zeplik. Not for full technical docs (use technical-documentation). Ask in plain language and Zeplik applies the skill's method for you inside the conversation, on whichever AI model you prefer.
How do I use README Crafting on Zeplik?
Sign in to Zeplik and ask in plain language, or type /crafting-effective-readmes in any chat to invoke it directly. The skill applies its method and returns a result you can refine in the same conversation.
Which AI model does the README Crafting skill use?
Any model you choose. Zeplik works across every model in one chat, so the README Crafting skill runs on your preferred model for the task.
Where does the README Crafting skill come from?
The README Crafting skill is adapted from the open-source davila7/claude-code-templates project (MIT) and tuned to run natively on Zeplik. The original source is linked on this page.
How much does the README Crafting skill cost?
Using the skill is free to start. You only spend Zeplik credits when the assistant runs, and new accounts begin with free credits.

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