Understanding llms.txt and llms-full.txt Files for AI-Compatible Projects

June 10, 2025 by TweeLabs Admin

As artificial intelligence tools such as large language models (LLMs) become more deeply integrated into developer workflows, it is increasingly important to help these tools understand your code. To bridge the gap between source code and AI interpretation, two simple yet powerful files are gaining traction across the development community: llms.txt and llms-full.txt.

These files provide structured information about your project so that AI tools, integrated development environments, and code assistants can offer more accurate support, suggestions, and documentation insights. Whether you are building a WordPress plugin, a full-stack application, or a microservice, these files can help AI better serve your development needs.

What Is `llms.txt`

The llms.txt file is a lightweight, human-readable summary of your software project. It is typically placed in the root directory of your codebase and provides a high-level overview that includes the project name, purpose, main files, languages used, and key functions or APIs.

This file helps AI tools quickly understand what your project does without needing to analyze every file. As a result, you get faster and more relevant code completions, better debugging suggestions, and improved contextual awareness when working in AI-enabled environments.

Sample `llms.txt`

Here is a basic example of what an llms.txt file might contain:

This kind of summary can be created for any project, including plugins, libraries, and applications in PHP, Python, JavaScript, or other languages.

What Is `llms-full.txt`

The llms-full.txt file is a more detailed companion to llms.txt. It expands on the summary by providing a comprehensive list of functions, classes, file paths, REST API endpoints, and documentation links. This file enables large language models and coding agents to deeply understand your entire codebase structure, which is especially useful for larger projects with many interconnected parts.

This file can be created manually or automatically through scripts or code-aware tools. It is designed to be readable both by humans and machines.

Sample `llms-full.txt`

project: Content Scheduler Plugin

language: PHP

version: 2.1.0

entry_point: content-scheduler.php

includes:

- includes/scheduler-core.php

- includes/post-type-handler.php

functions:

- schedule_post(post_id, datetime): schedules a post for publishing

- cancel_schedule(post_id): cancels scheduled publication

classes:

- SchedulerEngine

- PostHandler

endpoints:

- /wp-json/scheduler/v1/create

- /wp-json/scheduler/v1/cancel

docs:

- https://developer.wordpress.org/

- https://example.com/docs/scheduler

This level of detail allows AI systems to generate highly relevant answers, code suggestions, and even auto-documentation.

Use Cases in WordPress Development

For WordPress developers, these files are particularly helpful. A WordPress plugin or theme may include dozens of files, hooks, shortcodes, and REST endpoints. Without llms.txt or llms-full.txt, an AI tool may misinterpret function relationships or overlook important hooks.

Including these files helps the AI:

Understand your plugin or theme’s main functionality
Accurately trace function usage
Recognize entry points and included files
Offer context-aware suggestions within IDEs

Even theme developers or site builders can use these files to explain custom blocks, functions, or integrations.

Use Cases Outside WordPress

These files are not limited to WordPress. They are valuable in any of the following situations:

Microservices or RESTful APIs
React or Vue single-page applications
Python scripts and automation tools
Full-stack applications with multiple components
Libraries and SDKs meant for public or internal use

Anywhere you want AI tools to assist with your code, adding llms.txt and llms-full.txt can improve performance, reduce misunderstandings, and enhance developer experience.

Why These Files Matter

Including llms.txt and llms-full.txt in your codebase creates an AI-ready environment. It reduces the need for the AI to scan and guess your code’s structure, saving time and increasing accuracy. These files make your code more accessible to AI-powered tools, new team members, and documentation systems.

It is a future-forward way to keep your projects compatible with AI ecosystems that are becoming standard in modern software development.

Best Practices

Place both files in the root directory of your code repository
Keep them updated as the code evolves
Link to full documentation where possible
Use a consistent structure to make it readable and predictable
If needed, create scripts to auto-generate these files from your code

The llms.txt and llms-full.txt files are simple yet powerful tools that can drastically improve the way AI interacts with your codebase. By offering clear, structured insights into your project, these files help large language models assist you more effectively — whether you are building in WordPress, Laravel, Node.js, or any other framework.

These files are not a trend; they are part of the new AI-first development standard. Start using them today to make your code smarter, your team faster, and your tools more intelligent.

What Is llms.txt

Sample llms.txt

What Is llms-full.txt

Sample llms-full.txt