Prefer In-Distribution Tools
AGENT-PREFER-IN-DISTRIBUTION-TOOLS
Summary
Use standard project commands, supported CLIs, and documented workflows before inventing ad hoc tool paths. Familiar tools reduce misuse and make agent output easier to rerun.
Rule
Prefer in-distribution tools for agent-facing work.
Why
Agents are more reliable with tools that match their trained and tested workflow. For repo operations, prefer standard CLI commands, project scripts, and well-supported formatter or test tools before inventing ad hoc shell pipelines or UI workflows.
Helps
- Reduces tool misuse and makes commands easier for humans to rerun.
Limits
Use specialized tools when they are the project standard or the only reliable way to inspect the artifact. The point is predictable operation, not lowest common denominator tooling.
Agent Instruction
Prefer in-distribution tools for agent-facing work because trained and tested tool paths tend to be
more reliable.Mechanisms
Supported by documented repo commands, just or script wrappers, cargo workflows, jj aliases,
markdownlint, and generated checks.