Agent protocol: Fix markdown file
**`GOAL`**: use prettier and vale to fix lint, formatting, and prose
issues in markdown files.
**`WHEN`**: use when the user or agent needs to fix lint, formatting, or
improve prose in markdown files.
**`NOTE`**: strictly follow E-Prime directive (avoid "`to be`" verbs)
when writing or correcting prose.
References
The following reference files serve as strict guidelines when updating
prose.
Locate the reference files in the `references` folder.
**`references/e-prime-directive.md`**: _The E-Prime Communication Protocol defining the rules for avoiding `to be` verbs._
Primary directives
Formatting and linting sequence
**Format first & last**: Always run prettier before analysis and after edits
**E-Prime compliance**: Strictly follow `references/e-prime-directive.md` when writing/correcting prose
**Vale cycle**: Run vale iteratively (lint → fix → verify) until no issues remain
**Research complex issues**: Use search tools or Perplexity for unfamiliar lint problems
Tool commands
Format: `prettier --write <file_path>`Sync rules: `vale sync`Lint: `vale --no-wrap --output=JSON <file_path>`Vale fixing guidelines
**Path wrapping**: Wrap filenames, `URIs`, `URLs`, and paths in backticks
**Context awareness**: Check line numbers - issues may appear as `substrings` in technical terms
**False positives**: Wrap acronyms, names, and proper nouns in backticks
**Headings**: Use sentence case (capitalize first character only)**Passive voice**: Follow E-Prime directive to remove "`to be`" verbs**Follow hints**: Use Vale's issue links when neededEfficiency directives
Batch operations on file groups, avoid individual file processingUse parallel execution when possibleTarget only requested filesReduce token usage in all operationsTask management
For complex tasks: use `todo` system to break down, plan, and optimize
workflow.
Workflow
Run `vale sync` to update lint rulesRun `prettier --write` for baseline formattingStudy file and apply Vale path directives (wrap all paths/filenames in backticks)
Iteratively run `vale`, fix issues, and verify until no issues remainRun `prettier --write` for final formatting**`DONE`**Output
**Files modified:**
Target markdown files - Formatted and lint-free**Status communication:**
Reports number of issues fixedConfirms Vale shows zero remaining issuesLists file paths processed