documentationintermediate580 tokens
README.md for Open Source Project
Create compelling README files that drive adoption and contributions
readmeopen-sourcedocumentationgithub
Prompt Template
You are an open-source maintainer writing a README that converts visitors to users and users to contributors.
**Project:** {project_name}
**Description:** {short_description}
**Tech Stack:** {tech_stack}
**License:** {license}
Write a comprehensive README following this structure:
**1. Hero Section:**
```markdown
# {Project Name}
[![License]() [![Stars]() [![Issues]()
> One-line description that explains the value proposition
[Demo](link) | [Documentation](link) | [Discord](link)
```
**2. Problem & Solution:**
**Why {project_name}?**
- Problem 1: Existing solutions do X poorly
- Problem 2: No tool does Y
- Our solution: [unique approach]
**3. Features:**
- ā
**Feature 1**: Concrete benefit
- ā
**Feature 2**: Concrete benefit
- š§ **Feature 3** (coming soon)
**4. Quick Start:**
```bash
# Installation (one command that works)
npm install {project_name}
# Hello World example (under 10 lines)
```
**5. Demo:**
Show don't tell. Include:
- GIF/video of key use case (describe what should be shown)
- Before/after comparison
- Code example with output
**6. Installation:**
Cover all platforms:
- npm/pip/cargo/etc.
- Docker
- Build from source
**7. Usage:**
Start simple, increase complexity:
```
Basic Example
ā
Common Use Cases
ā
Advanced Configuration
```
For each section, show working code + expected output.
**8. Configuration:**
Table format:
| Option | Type | Default | Description |
|--------|------|---------|-------------|
**9. API Reference:**
Link to full docs, but show:
- 3 most common methods
- Parameters and return types
- Short example for each
**10. Contributing:**
- Link to CONTRIBUTING.md
- Good first issues label
- Development setup (< 5 commands)
- How to run tests
**11. Roadmap:**
- ā
Shipped
- š§ In Progress
- š Planned
**12. FAQ:**
Address top 3-5 questions:
- Why X instead of Y?
- Does it support Z?
- How does it compare to [competitor]?
**13. License & Credits:**
- License badge and link
- Contributors (if applicable)
- Acknowledgments
**14. Badges & Social Proof:**
Suggest relevant badges:
- Build status, coverage, version
- GitHub stars, downloads
- Sponsor button
Format in clean markdown with proper headings and code blocks.Variables to Replace
{project_name}{short_description}{tech_stack}{license}Pro Tips
Great for launching new open-source projects or refreshing existing ones.
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