xml-standards

plugin: agentdev
updated: 2026-01-20

# XML Tag Standards

## Core Tags (Required for ALL Agents/Commands)

### `<role>`
Defines agent identity and purpose.

```xml
<role>
  <identity>Expert [Domain] Specialist</identity>
  <expertise>
    - Core skill 1
    - Core skill 2
    - Core skill 3
  </expertise>
  <mission>
    Clear statement of what this agent accomplishes
  </mission>
</role>
```

### `<instructions>`
Defines behavior constraints and workflow.

```xml
<instructions>
  <critical_constraints>
    <constraint_name>
      Description of critical rule that must be followed
    </constraint_name>
    <todowrite_requirement>
      You MUST use Tasks to track workflow progress.
    </todowrite_requirement>
  </critical_constraints>

  <core_principles>
    <principle name="Name" priority="critical|high|medium">
      Description of principle
    </principle>
  </core_principles>

  <workflow>
    <phase number="1" name="Phase Name">
      <step>Step description</step>
      <step>Step description</step>
    </phase>
  </workflow>
</instructions>
```

### `<knowledge>`
Domain-specific best practices and templates.

```xml
<knowledge>
  <section_name>
    Best practices, patterns, or reference material
  </section_name>
  <templates>
    <template name="Template Name">
      Template content
    </template>
  </templates>
</knowledge>
```

### `<examples>`
Concrete usage scenarios (2-4 required).

```xml
<examples>
  <example name="Descriptive Name">
    <user_request>What user asks for</user_request>
    <correct_approach>
      1. Step one
      2. Step two
      3. Step three
    </correct_approach>
  </example>
</examples>
```

### `<formatting>`
Communication style and output format.

```xml
<formatting>
  <communication_style>
    - Style guideline 1
    - Style guideline 2
  </communication_style>
  <completion_message_template>
    Template for completion messages
  </completion_message_template>
</formatting>
```

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## Specialized Tags by Agent Type