Project Bootstrap

Bootstrap new projects with predictable structure and validation commands.

SKILL: project-bootstrap

Purpose

Initialize a new project with a predictable structure, quality gates (lint/test), and safe configuration defaults.

When to Use

• Starting a new service/app/library.
• Creating a new package inside a monorepo.
• You need a repeatable baseline for contributors/CI.

Inputs

• project_type (required, enum: backend|frontend|library|contract|cli).
• stack (required, string): e.g., “node-ts”, “python-fastapi”, “nextjs”.
• name (required, string): project/package name.
• path (required, string): target directory.
• constraints (optional, string[]): repo rules, linting, deployment constraints.

Steps

1. Confirm target directory and ensure it is safe to create/modify.
2. Select a template that matches repo conventions; prefer minimal dependencies.
3. Scaffold project structure (src/tests/config/docs).
4. Configure:
   • lint/format (if repo uses them)
   • unit test runner
   • env/config examples (.env.example), never real secrets
5. Add a README with:
   • how to run locally
   • how to test
   • key design decisions
6. Run deterministic validation commands (install + test + build).

Validation

• Project builds/runs locally (basic smoke check).
• Tests execute and pass (even if minimal).
• No secrets or machine-specific paths are committed.

Output

• Created file tree
• Commands to run (install, dev, test, build)
• Configuration contract (env vars and defaults)

Safety Rules

• Never modify global tooling on the machine unless explicitly requested.
• Pin versions where the repo requires it.
• Do not auto-deploy; bootstrap is local by default.

Example

Bootstrap a TS backend:

• project_type: backend
• stack: node-ts
• Output: apps/api/ with pnpm test and pnpm dev working.