# AGENTS.md

This file provides guidance to Claude Code (claude.ai/code) when working with code in this repository.

## TDD Requirements

Test-first development is mandatory:
1. **RED** - Write failing test first
2. **GREEN** - Minimal implementation to pass
3. **REFACTOR** - Clean up while green

## Key Patterns

Find the simplest solution that meets all acceptance criteria.
Use third party libraries whenever there's a well-maintained, active, and widely adopted solution (for example, date-fns for TS date math)
Build extensible pieces of logic that can easily be integrated with other pieces.
DRY principles should be loosely held.
Architecture MUST be clear and well thought-out. Ask the user for clarification whenever ambiguity is discovered around architecture, or you think a better approach than planned exists.

---

## Third-Party Library Usage

If you aren't 100% sure how to use a third-party library, **SEARCH ONLINE** to find the latest documentation and mid-2025 best practices.

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## Gitlore Robot Mode

The `lore` CLI has a robot mode optimized for AI agent consumption with structured JSON output, meaningful exit codes, and TTY auto-detection.

### Activation

```bash
# Explicit flag
lore --robot issues -n 10

# JSON shorthand (-J)
lore -J issues -n 10

# Auto-detection (when stdout is not a TTY)
lore issues | jq .

# Environment variable
LORE_ROBOT=1 lore issues
```

### Robot Mode Commands

```bash
# List issues/MRs with JSON output
lore --robot issues -n 10
lore --robot mrs -s opened

# Show detailed entity info
lore --robot issues 123
lore --robot mrs 456 -p group/repo

# Count entities
lore --robot count issues
lore --robot count discussions --for mr

# Search indexed documents
lore --robot search "authentication bug"

# Check sync status
lore --robot status

# Run full sync pipeline
lore --robot sync

# Run ingestion only
lore --robot ingest issues

# Check environment health
lore --robot doctor

# Document and index statistics
lore --robot stats
```

### Response Format

All commands return consistent JSON:

```json
{"ok":true,"data":{...},"meta":{...}}
```

Errors return structured JSON to stderr:

```json
{"error":{"code":"CONFIG_NOT_FOUND","message":"...","suggestion":"Run 'lore init'"}}
```

### Exit Codes

| Code | Meaning |
|------|---------|
| 0 | Success |
| 1 | Internal error |
| 2 | Config not found |
| 3 | Config invalid |
| 4 | Token not set |
| 5 | GitLab auth failed |
| 6 | Resource not found |
| 7 | Rate limited |
| 8 | Network error |
| 9 | Database locked |
| 10 | Database error |
| 11 | Migration failed |
| 12 | I/O error |
| 13 | Transform error |

### Best Practices

- Use `lore --robot` or `lore -J` for all agent interactions
- Check exit codes for error handling
- Parse JSON errors from stderr
- Use `-n` / `--limit` to control response size
- TTY detection handles piped commands automatically