Existing Project
How to add the harness to a project that already exists.
Step 1: Audit
/harness-init
The initializer inspects the project without writing files. It discovers:
- Existing instructions.
- Current progress state.
- Verification and startup commands.
- Project stack.
The result is a gap report — what exists, what is missing.
Step 2: Install the minimum viable
For small projects, the useful minimum is:
| Artifact | Why it exists |
|---|---|
Short AGENTS.md | Rules, entry points and security |
feature_list.json or tasks.md | WIP and next units |
| Progress file | Blockers and next action |
| Verification command | Objective baseline |
session-handoff.md | Resume on another day |
Step 3: Or install the full package
/harness-bootstrap
The bootstrap proposes the full package with confirmation. It detects the stack, discovers how to verify the project and shows each file as create, merge or skip.
Step 4: First session with the harness
- Run the discovered verification command.
- If it fails, record the error before creating features.
- Fill in or review the feature list.
- Ensure WIP=1.
- Start every session with
/harness-session-start.
Add the rest of the artifacts only when a real failure mode is observed — do not create bureaucracy without need.