Cline Documentation Management Prompt

This prompt enhances Cline (an autonomous AI developer agent) with a comprehensive documentation management system and structured development workflow.

Overview

The prompt adds systematic documentation management capabilities to Cline by introducing:

• A structured documentation folder system
• Standardized document templates and formats
• Clear workflow instructions for documentation maintenance
• Systematic thinking and development steps

Credits

This prompt is based on the original Cline Docs concept by Nick Baumann, with significant modifications to enhance:

• Document management procedures
• Development workflow steps
• Testing and verification processes

Core Features

Essential Documentation Structure

The prompt establishes a cline_docs folder containing four critical documents:

1. projectRoadmap.md

   • Tracks high-level goals and features
   • Records project progress
   • Maintains completion criteria
   • Logs completed tasks with dates

2. currentTask.md

   • Details current objectives
   • Provides context for ongoing work
   • Lists concrete next steps
   • Updates frequently with task progress

3. techStack.md

   • Documents technology choices
   • Records architecture decisions
   • Maintains overview of technical infrastructure
   • Tracks technology changes

4. codebaseSummary.md

   • Provides project structure overview
   • Documents component relationships
   • Tracks significant changes
   • Lists external dependencies
   • Integrates user feedback

Enhanced Development Workflow

The prompt implements a structured development process:

1. Systematic Document Review

   • Enforced reading order for essential documents
   • Conflict resolution procedures
   • Regular documentation updates

2. User-Focused Documentation

   • Detailed instruction creation
   • Step-by-step guides
   • Clear code examples and commands

3. Quality Assurance Integration

   • Regular testing requirements
   • Functionality verification procedures
   • Documentation of test results

Workflow Optimization

The prompt includes mechanisms for continuous improvement:

1. Process Reflection

   • Task efficiency analysis
   • Documentation effectiveness review
   • Workflow optimization suggestions

2. User Feedback Integration

   • Systematic feedback collection
   • Priority-based implementation
   • Impact documentation

Usage

1. Copy the full text of the prompt into Cline's Custom Instructions field in settings
2. Cline will automatically follow the documentation management and development workflow defined in the prompt
3. The system will maintain the cline_docs folder structure and its contents according to the defined templates
4. All development tasks will follow the systematic workflow outlined in the prompt

Key Differences from Original Cline Docs

This version enhances the original concept with:

1. Documentation Management

   • More structured file organization
   • Detailed templates for each document type
   • Clear update frequency guidelines
   • Enhanced conflict resolution procedures

2. Development Process

   • Systematic thinking steps before each task
   • Integrated testing requirements
   • Regular reflection and optimization
   • Clear task completion criteria

3. User Focus

   • Enhanced user feedback integration
   • Detailed instruction creation
   • Impact documentation requirements

Integration with Cline

This prompt works alongside Cline's existing capabilities to:

• Maintain project coherence through documentation
• Ensure systematic development approaches
• Track progress and changes effectively
• Facilitate communication through clear documentation

Benefits

1. Project Management

   • Clear progress tracking
   • Systematic goal achievement
   • Effective change management

2. Development Quality

   • Consistent approach to tasks
   • Regular testing and verification
   • Documented decision-making

3. User Experience

   • Clear communication
   • Systematic feedback integration
   • Detailed user instructions

4. Maintenance

   • Comprehensive project documentation
   • Clear development history
   • Easy onboarding for new contributors