Build Agent Validation Checklist (YAML Agents)

Agent Structure Validation

YAML Structure

• [ ] YAML parses without errors
• [ ] agent.metadata includes: id, name, title, icon, module
• [ ] agent.persona exists with role, identity, communication_style, and principles
• [ ] agent.menu exists with at least one item

Core Components

• [ ] metadata.id points to final compiled path: bmad/{{module}}/agents/{{agent}}.md
• [ ] metadata.module matches the module folder (e.g., bmm, bmb, cis)
• [ ] Principles are an array (preferred) or string with clear values

Persona Completeness

• [ ] Role clearly defines primary expertise area (1–2 lines)
• [ ] Identity includes relevant background and strengths (3–5 lines)
• [ ] Communication style gives concrete guidance (3–5 lines)
• [ ] Principles present and meaningful (no placeholders)

Menu Validation

• [ ] Triggers do not start with * (auto-prefixed during build)
• [ ] Each item has a description
• [ ] Handlers use valid attributes (workflow, exec, tmpl, data, action)
• [ ] Paths use {project-root} or valid variables
• [ ] No duplicate triggers

Optional Sections

• [ ] prompts defined when using action: "#id"
• [ ] critical_actions present if custom activation steps are needed
• [ ] Customize file (if created) located at {project-root}/bmad/_cfg/agents/{{module}}-{{agent}}.customize.yaml

Build Verification

• [ ] Run compile to build .md: npm run install:bmad → “Compile Agents” (or bmad install → Compile)
• [ ] Confirm compiled file exists at {project-root}/bmad/{{module}}/agents/{{agent}}.md

Final Quality

• [ ] Filename is kebab-case and ends with .agent.yaml
• [ ] Output location correctly placed in module or standalone directory
• [ ] Agent purpose and commands are clear and consistent

Issues Found

Critical Issues

Warnings

Improvements