# 🚀 START HERE - Project Development Guide

> **Welcome!** This document is your starting point. It will guide you to the right resources based on what you want to do.

---

## 🎯 I'm New to This Project

### If you're the **Project Creator** (Starting from scratch):

1. **📝 Write Your Project Idea First**
   - Open **[PROJECT_IDEA.md](./PROJECT_IDEA.md)**
   - Fill in your project concept, requirements, and architecture ideas
   - This is where you brainstorm and plan
   - **Keep this updated** as your project evolves

2. **🤖 Get AI Help**
   - Open **[AI_START_PROMPT.md](./AI_START_PROMPT.md)**
   - Copy the "Project Kickoff Prompt"
   - Use it with AI assistants (Claude, GPT, etc.)
   - AI will read PROJECT_IDEA.md and help you get started

3. **⚙️ Set Up the Project**
   - Follow **[QUICK_START.md](./QUICK_START.md)** step by step
   - Customize configuration files
   - Initialize Git repository

4. **📚 Learn Best Practices**
   - Read **[AI_CONTEXT.md](./AI_CONTEXT.md)** for development standards
   - Read **[docs/DEVELOPMENT_PHILOSOPHY.md](./docs/DEVELOPMENT_PHILOSOPHY.md)** for methodology

### If you're a **Contributor** (Joining existing project):

1. **📖 Read Project Overview**
   - Start with **[README.md](./README.md)** for project overview
   - Check **[PROJECT_IDEA.md](./PROJECT_IDEA.md)** for current vision and status
   - Review **[CONTRIBUTING.md](./CONTRIBUTING.md)** for contribution guidelines

2. **🔧 Set Up Development Environment**
   - Follow **[QUICK_START.md](./QUICK_START.md)** setup steps
   - Install dependencies
   - Run tests to verify setup

---

## 🤖 I Want AI to Help Me

### **New Project?**
```
Copy this prompt from AI_START_PROMPT.md:

"I'm starting a new project. Please:
1. Read PROJECT_IDEA.md to understand the project vision
2. Read AI_CONTEXT.md for technical standards
3. Help me create an implementation plan
4. Generate starter code based on the architecture"
```

### **Working on Existing Project?**
```
"I'm working on [feature]. Please:
1. Review PROJECT_IDEA.md for context
2. Check AI_CONTEXT.md for coding standards
3. Help me implement [specific requirement]"
```

**👉 See [AI_START_PROMPT.md](./AI_START_PROMPT.md) for more prompt templates**

---

## 📁 File Navigation Guide

### 🌟 Essential Files (Read These First)

| File | When to Read | Purpose |
|------|-------------|---------|
| **[PROJECT_IDEA.md](./PROJECT_IDEA.md)** | 🟢 **Always first!** | Project vision, requirements, architecture |
| **[AI_CONTEXT.md](./AI_CONTEXT.md)** | After PROJECT_IDEA.md | Technical standards, coding guidelines |
| **[README.md](./README.md)** | Project overview | Current project state, quick start |
| **[QUICK_START.md](./QUICK_START.md)** | Setup time | Step-by-step setup instructions |

### 📚 Reference Files (Read When Needed)

| File | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| **[AI_START_PROMPT.md](./AI_START_PROMPT.md)** | Ready-to-use AI prompts |
| **[CONTRIBUTING.md](./CONTRIBUTING.md)** | How to contribute |
| **[CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md](./CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md)** | Community standards |
| **[SECURITY.md](./SECURITY.md)** | Security policy |
| **[CHANGELOG.md](./CHANGELOG.md)** | Version history |

### 🔧 Configuration Files

| File | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| **pyproject.toml** | Python project configuration |
| **.pre-commit-config.yaml** | Pre-commit hooks |
| **release-please-config.json** | Automated versioning |
| **.github/workflows/** | CI/CD automation |

---

## 🎯 Quick Paths by Goal

### ✅ I want to...

| Goal | Action |
|------|--------|
| **Start a new project** | 1. Read PROJECT_IDEA.md
2. Write your ideas there
3. Use AI_START_PROMPT.md
4. Follow QUICK_START.md |
| **Understand the project** | 1. Read PROJECT_IDEA.md
2. Read README.md
3. Check current code |
| **Get AI assistance** | 1. Read PROJECT_IDEA.md first!
2. Use prompts from AI_START_PROMPT.md |
| **Contribute code** | 1. Read CONTRIBUTING.md
2. Read AI_CONTEXT.md (coding standards)
3. Set up environment (QUICK_START.md) |
| **Set up development** | 1. Follow QUICK_START.md
2. Install dependencies
3. Run tests |
| **Update documentation** | 1. Update PROJECT_IDEA.md (if vision changed)
2. Update AI_CONTEXT.md (if standards changed)
3. Update README.md |

---

## 💡 Key Principles

### For Project Development

1. **📝 Write ideas in PROJECT_IDEA.md first**
   - Don't keep ideas only in your head
   - Document decisions and reasoning
   - Keep it updated

2. **🤖 Use AI as your thinking partner**
   - Always point AI to PROJECT_IDEA.md first
   - Use structured prompts from AI_START_PROMPT.md
   - Let AI help with implementation, not just code

3. **🔄 Keep files synchronized**
   - If PROJECT_IDEA.md changes, update AI_CONTEXT.md
   - If architecture changes, update both files
   - Keep README.md current

### For AI Assistants

**🎯 Always start here:**
1. Read **PROJECT_IDEA.md** to understand the vision
2. Read **AI_CONTEXT.md** for technical context
3. Check existing code for current state
4. Suggest/generate based on these files

**❌ Don't start coding without reading PROJECT_IDEA.md!**

---

## 🚨 Common Mistakes to Avoid

### ❌ Don't:
- Start coding without documenting ideas in PROJECT_IDEA.md
- Ask AI for help without providing context (point to PROJECT_IDEA.md)
- Skip reading AI_CONTEXT.md when contributing
- Keep ideas only in your head or scattered across files

### ✅ Do:
- Write down ideas in PROJECT_IDEA.md immediately
- Always reference PROJECT_IDEA.md when working with AI
- Follow the file reading order (PROJECT_IDEA.md → AI_CONTEXT.md → Code)
- Keep PROJECT_IDEA.md updated as the project evolves

---

## 📖 Recommended Reading Order

### First Time (Project Creator):
1. ✅ **START_HERE.md** (this file)
2. ✅ **PROJECT_IDEA.md** (write your ideas)
3. ✅ **AI_START_PROMPT.md** (get AI help)
4. ✅ **QUICK_START.md** (set up project)
5. ✅ **AI_CONTEXT.md** (learn standards)

### First Time (Contributor):
1. ✅ **START_HERE.md** (this file)
2. ✅ **README.md** (project overview)
3. ✅ **PROJECT_IDEA.md** (understand vision)
4. ✅ **CONTRIBUTING.md** (contribution guide)
5. ✅ **QUICK_START.md** (set up environment)
6. ✅ **AI_CONTEXT.md** (coding standards)

### Daily Development:
1. ✅ Check **PROJECT_IDEA.md** for current status
2. ✅ Follow **AI_CONTEXT.md** standards
3. ✅ Update **PROJECT_IDEA.md** as you make decisions

---

## 🔗 Quick Links

- 📝 **[PROJECT_IDEA.md](./PROJECT_IDEA.md)** - Project vision & planning
- 🤖 **[AI_START_PROMPT.md](./AI_START_PROMPT.md)** - AI prompt templates
- ⚙️ **[QUICK_START.md](./QUICK_START.md)** - Setup guide
- 📚 **[AI_CONTEXT.md](./AI_CONTEXT.md)** - Technical standards
- 📖 **[README.md](./README.md)** - Project overview
- 🤝 **[CONTRIBUTING.md](./CONTRIBUTING.md)** - How to contribute

---

## ❓ Still Not Sure?

**Ask yourself:**
- 💭 "What do I want to do?"
- 👆 Check the **"Quick Paths by Goal"** section above
- 📁 Follow the recommended reading order

**Remember:** When in doubt, start with **[PROJECT_IDEA.md](./PROJECT_IDEA.md)** - it's the project's single source of truth!

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**Last Updated**: [Date]  
**Need Help?** Open an issue or check CONTRIBUTING.md

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> 💡 **Pro Tip**: Bookmark this file! It's your navigation hub for the entire project.

