Readfirst

Readfirst is a command-line tool providing repo maps and context for developers and coding agents before editing files.

Readfirst is a developer tool that provides repository maps and context for developers and coding agents before they modify files. It stores team knowledge and instructions in a map file next to the code and dispenses it file by file when changes are about to occur. It operates locally with no server, account, or model calls required, reading from a local git checkout and a JSON map file. It supports any language and requires Node 20 or higher. The tool includes a CLI, git hook, Model Context Protocol server, and GitHub Action. It is available under the MIT license with free local use and a Pro tier for automated map maintenance.

Readfirst at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: CLI, API
Pricing: Free CLI, hook, MCP server, and Action; Pro plan for GitHub App updates and pull request comments.
Released: November 2026
Category: AI coding tool
Website: github.com/jeonghun917/readfirst

Key features

Stores repository maps and context next to the code
Provides file-specific context before edits
Integrates with coding agents and AI workflows
Runs locally with no server or model calls
Includes a command-line interface and git hook
Supports Model Context Protocol for agents
Includes a GitHub Action and GitHub App

Use it for

Providing context to coding agents before file changes
Storing team notes and rules next to the codebase
Checking lines whose results are thrown away for bugs
Maintaining map files across merges and pull requests

Alternatives to Readfirst

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AGENTS.md — It separates agent-specific instructions from human-focused README files.
Repomix — Packages entire codebases into single files for AI context.
Sonah — Verifies agent tasks and decisions against the actual code changes.
Command Code — Repairs open model tool calls and learns developer patterns automatically.
guides.show — Explains code diffs in order of importance through portable, encrypted links
Personal Context Manager — Manages global and project-specific coding rules in a Git repository.
Entire CLI — Mirrors Git repositories globally to increase cloning speeds for AI agents.
Weft — It enables safe parallel coding agent work without file locks.

All Readfirst alternatives