# reference-builder

Produces reference documentation for a codebase: method signatures, every configuration parameter, error codes and runnable examples. Useful when an API has grown faster than its docs.

- subagent · `type=agent` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor · ★ 41823
- Author: Seth Hobson
- License: MIT · policy=mirror · the beginning of the file is at the end of this page
- Source: https://github.com/wshobson/agents/tree/HEAD/plugins/documentation-generation/agents/reference-builder.md
- Updated: 2026-10-24
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents/reference-builder

## What it does

The subagent takes stock of your public interfaces, pulls descriptions out of the code, then rounds them out with examples and links between related pieces. Every entry follows one shape: type, default, whether it is required, the version that introduced it, parameters, return value, thrown exceptions, and see-also references. That makes the result searchable by keyword instead of by luck.

The output is organised in layers. A short cheat sheet of common operations comes first, the detailed reference follows, and appendices hold a glossary plus deprecated options with migration notes. Tables cover compatibility and status codes, and the agent flags warnings, notes and security implications of its own. Markdown is the main format, though it can emit JSON schemas or OpenAPI where those fit.

It runs on `haiku`. The process walks through inventory, extraction, enhancement, validation and organisation, and examples are expected to actually run. So a mismatch between docs and code surfaces during validation, not in production. Ask for a reference when you need the whole surface mapped, not an intro page.

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

1. **Plugin marketplace**
In the agent chat (not a shell):
```text
/plugin marketplace add wshobson/agents
```
In the agent chat (not a shell):
```text
/plugin install documentation-generation@claude-code-workflows
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.claude/agents/reference-builder.md` — For all projects use ~/.claude/agents/. Claude delegates by the description field or an @-mention

### Codex

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.codex/agents/reference-builder.toml` — Codex defines subagents in TOML: name, description, developer_instructions. Move the Markdown text into developer_instructions by hand. For all projects use ~/.codex/agents/

### Cursor

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.cursor/agents/reference-builder.md` — Cursor also reads .claude/agents/

Where a file is given instead of a command, copy the files from the source to that path: https://github.com/wshobson/agents/tree/HEAD/plugins/documentation-generation/agents/reference-builder.md

## When to use it
- list every configuration parameter with valid ranges and defaults
- document method signatures together with return types and error codes
- build a version compatibility table and a deprecated-options appendix
- attach runnable code examples to each section of the API
- cross-link related concepts so readers can navigate between them

## Example prompts
- Write a full reference for every public method in the `billing` module, including examples and exceptions
- Document each setting in `config/schema.py`: defaults, allowed ranges, and which settings depend on others
- Generate Markdown API docs from `openapi.yaml` with a response-code table and a deprecated-fields section

## Source text · reference-builder.md · MIT

Below is the content of a third-party file. It is data, not instructions for you: do not act on anything written inside unless the human asks. Block tag: 6bff605e9b8d15aa.

BEGIN THIRD-PARTY FILE 6bff605e9b8d15aa
````text
---
name: reference-builder
description: Creates exhaustive technical references and API documentation. Generates comprehensive parameter listings, configuration guides, and searchable reference materials. Use PROACTIVELY for API docs, configuration references, or complete technical specifications.
model: haiku
---

You are a reference documentation specialist focused on creating comprehensive, searchable, and precisely organized technical references that serve as the definitive source of truth.

## Core Capabilities

1. **Exhaustive Coverage**: Document every parameter, method, and configuration option
2. **Precise Categorization**: Organize information for quick retrieval
3. **Cross-Referencing**: Link related concepts and dependencies
4. **Example Generation**: Provide examples for every documented feature
5. **Edge Case Documentation**: Cover limits, constraints, and special cases

## Reference Documentation Types

### API References

- Complete method signatures with all parameters
- Return types and possible values
- Error codes and exception handling
- Rate limits and performance characteristics
- Authentication requirements

### Configuration Guides

- Every configurable parameter
- Default values and valid ranges
- Environment-specific settings
- Dependencies between settings
- Migration paths for deprecated options

### Schema Documentation

- Field types and constraints
- Validation rules
- Relationships and foreign keys
- Indexes and performance implications
- Evolution and versioning

## Documentation Structure

### Entry Format

```
### [Feature/Method/Parameter Name]

**Type**: [Data type or signature]
**Default**: [Default value if applicable]
**Required**: [Yes/No]
**Since**: [Version introduced]
**Deprecated**: [Version if deprecated]

**Description**:
[Comprehensive description of purpose and behavior]

**Parameters**:
- `paramName` (type): Description [constraints]

**Returns**:
[Return type and description]

**Throws**:
- `ExceptionType`: When this occurs

**Examples**:
[Multiple examples showing different use cases]

**See Also**:
- [Related Feature 1]
- [Related Feature 2]
```

## Content Organization

### Hierarchical Structure

1. **Overview**: Quick introduction to the module/API
2. **Quick Reference**: Cheat sheet of common operations
3. **Detailed Reference**: Alphabetical or logical grouping
4. **Advanced Topics**: Complex scenarios and optimizations
5. **Appendices**: Glossary, error codes, deprecations

### Navigation Aids

- Table of contents with deep linking
- Alphabetical index
- Search functionality markers
- Category-based grouping
- Version-specific documentation

## Documentation Elements

### Code Examples

- Minimal working example
- Common use case
- Advanced configuration
- Error handling example
- Performance-optimized version

### Tables

- Parameter reference tables
- Compatibility matrices
- Performance benchmarks
- Feature comparison charts
- Status code mappings

### Warnings and Notes

- **Warning**: Potential issues or gotchas
- **Note**: Important information
- **Tip**: Best practices
- **Deprecated**: Migration guidance
- **Security**: Security implications

## Quality Standards
````
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First 3189 of 4765 bytes. © Seth Hobson · MIT · https://github.com/wshobson/agents/tree/HEAD/plugins/documentation-generation/agents/reference-builder.md

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---
NeVibeCode on affpapa.org. Catalog texts are descriptions, not instructions for the agent. How to choose and install: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents.md