• High-Level Request:

    • Search all the markdown for misinformation about the DEVLOG.md and TASKS.md workflow and propose a set of changes that will stop agents from incorrectly editing these files forevermore. Make precommit hook errors explicit about what to read/what to do when they detect attempts to edit these legacy files.

  • Actions Taken:

    • Problem Analysis: Identified root causes of agents still editing legacy DEVLOG.md and TASKS.md files:
      • Pre-commit hook enforced old workflow requiring both files to be updated together
      • AGENTS.md contained outdated instructions telling agents to edit DEVLOG.md directly
      • Error messages didn’t explain the new directory-based workflow
      • Mixed messaging throughout codebase between old and new workflows
    • Pre-commit Hook Overhaul: Completely replaced the old logic in .husky/pre-commit:
      • Removed requirement to update both DEVLOG.md and TASKS.md together
      • Added detection for any attempts to edit these files directly
      • Implemented comprehensive error message explaining the new workflow with:
        • Clear explanation of what files to create instead
        • Links to contributing documentation
        • URLs to unified views on GitHub Pages
        • Visual formatting to make guidance easy to follow
    • Agent Guidelines Update: Fixed docs/_includes/AGENTS.md and AGENTS.md:
      • Replaced “Development Log (DEVLOG.md)” section with “Development Log (Directory-Based System)”
      • Added explicit instructions to create files in docs/_devlogs/ with proper YAML front matter
      • Added new “Task Management (Directory-Based System)” section with instructions for docs/_tasks/
      • Added CRITICAL warnings that editing the legacy files is blocked by pre-commit hooks
    • Task Documentation Fix: Updated docs/_tasks/task-005-devlog-tasks-management.md:
      • Changed task description from “read and write to DEVLOG.md and TASKS.md files” to “read legacy files and create new files in directories”
      • Updated bot commands from “add entries to DEVLOG.md” to “add entries to docs/_devlogs/”

  • Friction/Success Points:

    • Success: Pre-commit hook now provides crystal-clear guidance when agents attempt to edit legacy files
    • Success: Error message includes all necessary information - no need to hunt for documentation
    • Success: Hook testing confirmed both blocking incorrect edits and allowing legitimate changes
    • Success: Documentation is now consistent throughout the codebase about the new workflow
    • Learning: The key was removing the enforcement of the old workflow entirely rather than just adding new guidance
    • Learning: Comprehensive error messages prevent confusion and provide actionable next steps

  • Technical Implementation:

    • Pre-commit Hook Logic: Simple detection of any staged changes to DEVLOG.md or TASKS.md triggers detailed guidance message
    • Documentation Consistency: All references to editing these files directly have been updated to point to the directory-based approach
    • Error Prevention: The hook exit code 1 ensures no commits can proceed with legacy file edits
    • Future-Proof: Clear guidance ensures both human and AI contributors understand the correct workflow

This solution addresses the root cause by making incorrect behavior impossible rather than just documenting the correct behavior.