Split the AGENTS.md file into separate self-contained files

[sadamov]

This issue originates from the dev-meeting on 2026-03-23. Recently an AGENTS.md file was added to the repo #416. This first design of an AGENTS file contains some information about the repo, but mostly describes how to CONTRIBUTE. It is therefore preferred to create a new CONTRIBUTING.md file and link that in the AGENTS.md. This way both humans and machines con follow these guidelines. #406 #407 is already implementing such a file and any work on this issue here should coordinate closely with #407.

The preferred outcome would be a complete new CONTRIBUTING.md merged via #407 and a reduced AGENTS.md file linking to that merged in a PR for this issue here.

[sadamov]

Note that there will be further discussion on the Agents.md file and what it should contain in a slack channel in the ml-lam workspace, @leifdenby will create and link it here.

[khushi246135-oss]

Hi, I’m Khushi Gupta.
I’m a beginner contributor and interested in improving documentation. I noticed a small wording improvement in this sentence:
Original:
"This first design of an AGENTS file contains some information about the repository , but mainly explains how to CONTRIBUTE."
Suggested:
"The initial AGENTS.md file contains some repository information , but mainly explains how to contribute."

Please let me know if I can make this change or help with similar improvements.

Thank you!

[sreevatsamurthy-656]

Hi, I’m Sreevatsa. I’m interested in contributing to documentation improvements. I understand that #407 is handling the main CONTRIBUTING.md work—would it be helpful if I assist with refining AGENTS.md (e.g., simplifying content and linking to CONTRIBUTING.md once finalized)?

[sadamov]

@sreevatsamurthy-656 I think we first need some further discussion on what we actually want in both files. Making #407 aware of #516 would certainly be a good first step

[khushi246135-oss]

Ok let ' s discuss