Version: 5.0.0-rc.4 (Pre-release) | Released: 2026-03-05 | License: Dual License (CC BY 4.0 + MIT)
Language-agnostic, framework-agnostic documentation standards for software projects. Ensure consistency, quality, and maintainability across diverse technology stacks with AI-native workflows.
# Install globally (stable)
npm install -g universal-dev-standards
# Initialize your project
uds initLooking for beta or RC versions? See Pre-release Versions.
npx universal-dev-standards initNote: Copying standards alone won't enable AI assistance. Use
uds initto automatically configure your AI tool or manually reference standards in your tool's configuration file.
| I want to... | Command |
|---|---|
| Understand an existing codebase | /discover |
| Build a new feature with specs | /sdd |
| Work with legacy code | /reverse |
| Choose a development methodology | /methodology |
| Make a clean commit | /commit |
Tip: Type
/dev-workflowfor a complete guide to all development phases and available commands.See also: Daily Workflow Guide
| Category | Count | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Core Standards | 32 | Universal development guidelines |
| AI Skills | 29 | Interactive skills |
| Slash Commands | 30 | Quick actions |
| CLI Commands | 6 | list, init, configure, check, update, skills |
What's New in 5.0? See Pre-release Notes for details on new features.
UDS uses a Dual-Layer Execution Model designed for both high-speed interactive development and deep technical compliance.
graph TD
A[AI Agent / Developer] --> B{Action Layer}
B -- "Daily Tasks" --> C[Skills Layer (.ai.yaml)]
B -- "Deep Review" --> D[Standards Layer (.md)]
C --> C1[Token-Efficient]
C --> C2[Interactive Wizards]
D --> D1[Comprehensive Theory]
D --> D2[Tool Configurations]
C1 -. "Fallback" .-> D1
| Aspect | Skills (Execution) | Core Standards (Knowledge) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | YAML-optimized | Full Markdown |
| Goal | High-speed interactive lookup | Deep understanding & Rationale |
| Token Usage | Minimal (AI-Friendly) | Detailed (Reference) |
| AI Tool | Status | Skills | Slash Commands | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claude Code | ✅ Complete | 26 | 30 | CLAUDE.md |
| OpenCode | ✅ Complete | 26 | 30 | AGENTS.md |
| Gemini CLI | 🧪 Preview | 18+ | 20+ | GEMINI.md |
| Cursor | ✅ Complete | Core | Simulated | .cursorrules |
| Cline / Roo Code | 🔶 Partial | Core | Workflow | .clinerules |
| Windsurf | 🔶 Partial | ✅ | Rulebook | .windsurfrules |
Status Legend: ✅ Complete | 🧪 Preview | 🔶 Partial | ⏳ Planned
npm (Recommended)
npm install -g universal-dev-standards
uds init # Interactive initialization
uds check # Check adoption status
uds update # Update to latest version
uds config # Manage preferences (language, mode)
uds uninstall # Remove standards from projectUse uds config to manage your preferences:
| Parameter | Command | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Commit Language | uds config --lang zh-TW |
Set preferred language for AI commits |
| Standards | uds init |
Install all available standards |
| Tool Mode | uds config --mode skills |
Choose between Skills, Standards, or Both |
- Suggest Improvements: Open an issue with problem and solution.
- Add Examples: Submit real-world usage examples.
- Extend Standards: Contribute language/framework extensions.
See CONTRIBUTING.md for detailed guidelines.
| Component | License |
|---|---|
| Documentation | CC BY 4.0 |
| CLI Tool | MIT |
Maintained with ❤️ by the open-source community