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From README to Reality

Teaching an Agent to Bootstrap a UI Theme with Markdown and NuGet

What happens when a smart editor reads your README like an executable script? I tested that question by writing a NuGet package that configures itself—just from markdown. This is the story of how documentation became automation.

• by Mark Hazleton • 6 min read

The Lightbulb Moment

While using Visual Studio Code in agent mode, I pointed it to a NuGet package with a detailed README. It didn't just highlight it—it followed it. It installed the package, registered the services, updated my Program.cs , and made everything work without a manual step. That was the moment I realized:

A well-written README isn't documentation. It's an interface for automation.

What Is GitHub Copilot Agent Mode?

GitHub Copilot's agent mode empowers users to delegate complex tasks to the AI, offering a more autonomous and interactive development experience. It allows Copilot to analyze code, plan changes, execute commands, and even iterate on its output to achieve a desired result.

Key Features and Capabilities:

Autonomous Development

Execute code edits, commands, and planning from high-level prompts.

Iteration and Self-Healing

Identify, fix, and improve code autonomously.

Codebase Analysis

Understands context and navigates project files.

Tool Integration

Supports build/test/run tasks via tools.

How to Use It:

  1. Enable Agent Mode in VS Code under Tools > Options > GitHub > Copilot.
  2. In the Copilot Chat window, select "Ask", then switch mode to "Agent".
  3. Enter a high-level prompt.
  4. Review suggestions and iterate.
  5. Confirm terminal/tool invocations when prompted.
Benefits
  • Increased productivity through automation
  • Faster development cycles
  • Improved code quality with automatic fixes
  • Enhanced onboarding and collaboration for teams

Turning Idea into Action

I set out to prove this could work with something practical. I created WebSpark.Bootswatch , a NuGet package that simplifies adding Bootswatch themes to ASP.NET projects.

The goal was to let any developer (or smart agent) style a site with one command and a few configuration lines—no asset downloads, no layout hacks.

What It Does

  • Adds SCSS support and all Bootswatch themes via CDN
  • Integrates with your layout file for theme switching
  • Provides dynamic theme routing
  • Plays nicely with Vite, PrismJS, and modern dev tooling

Code Sample: Installation

Here's how easy it is to get started with the package:

Package Installation 
dotnet add package WebSpark.Bootswatch
Service Registration 
// In Program.cs
builder.Services.AddBootswatch();

Live Demo

Want to see it in action? Visit the live demo site to explore different Bootswatch themes.

Bootswatch Demo Site

Why This Matters

This is more than packaging styles—it's about writing installation instructions that an AI agent can understand and execute. Instead of codegen or scaffolding, you're giving the system a blueprint.

No Custom Plugins

No need for custom plugins or extensions

README as Script

The README becomes your install script

Self-Deploying Module

The NuGet package becomes a self-deploying module

The GitHub Repository

Full source, examples, and README are available on GitHub. The repository demonstrates the complete implementation and provides detailed documentation for both human and AI consumption.

View on GitHub

Final Thoughts

This project changed how I write READMEs. I now structure them as if they're going to be parsed by someone—or something—that can act on them.

"It's a lightweight, flexible way to guide both human and machine through the installation process."

In an age of AI-assisted development, the best interface might just be your documentation