init-mode

Initialize a missing `.squad/team.md` via a two-phase proposal and creation workflow.

2|Updated Apr 21, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/elbruno/md-to-slides --skill init-mode-elbruno
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: init-mode
Source: https://github.com/elbruno/md-to-slides/tree/main/.copilot/skills/init-mode
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/elbruno/md-to-slides --skill init-mode-elbruno

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

It prevents premature repo/team file creation by orchestrating a two-phase team initialization that first proposes roles for confirmation, then only creates the required .squad/ structure after approval.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Phase 1 Team Proposal (with confirmation): Identifies the user via git config user.name, proposes a cast (with a casting and persistent naming algorithm), and uses ask_user to confirm the roster before touching the filesystem.
  • Phase 2 Team Creation (guardrailed initialization): Creates .squad/ directories, initializes casting state files (policy.json, registry.json, history.json), seeds agent context, and enforces team.md with the required ## Members header for workflow compatibility.
  • Repo-safety and merge readiness: Adds .gitattributes merge rules for append-only .squad/ files to reduce conflicts across branches.
  • Use Case: Starting a new project where no .squad/team.md exists yet—this skill quickly turns a high-level project description into a ready team structure without risking accidental changes before the user approves.

Quick Start

Use init-mode to initialize .squad/ by first proposing a team roster and then, after you confirm, creating the full project team structure.

Frequently Asked Questions about init-mode

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I initialize a team structure for a new project without accidentally creating files?

Team initialization can be orchestrated safely by first proposing a role cast for user confirmation via an interactive prompt, and only creating the `.squad/` directory structure after explicit approval is granted. This prevents premature repository file creation.

What is the safest way to bootstrap a squad framework in an empty repository?

Bootstrapping a squad framework safely involves a two-phase workflow: proposing team roles based on the git user name, then creating required state files like `policy.json` and `registry.json` only after the roster is confirmed. This ensures controlled project setup.

How do I set up merge-safe agent state files for a multi-branch project?

To set up merge-safe agent state files, initialize the `.squad/` directory and add `.gitattributes` merge rules for append-only files. This reduces cross-branch merge conflicts when team history and registry files are updated.

Do I need a git user name configured before casting team roles for project bootstrapping?

Yes, a git user name is required for project bootstrapping. The initialization workflow runs `git config user.name` to identify the user and propose a cast-based team roster, which you must confirm before any filesystem changes occur.

Can I use this approach to generate a team.md file with specific headers for workflow compatibility?

Yes, this initialization approach creates a `team.md` file within the `.squad/` directory and automatically enforces the required `## Members` header. This ensures immediate compatibility with downstream squad framework workflows.