creating-continue-packages

Creating Continue Packages

Overview

Continue uses markdown files with YAML frontmatter in .continuerules/*.md or YAML configuration in config.yaml. Rules are context-aware using glob patterns, regex matching, or always-applied globally.

CRITICAL: The name field is REQUIRED in frontmatter (unlike other formats where it's optional).

Quick Reference

Required Frontmatter

---
name: Rule display name (REQUIRED)
---

Optional Frontmatter

description: Description of when rule should be used
globs: "**/*.{ts,tsx}"  # String or array
regex: "^import .* from '.*';$"  # String or array
alwaysApply: true  # true, false, or undefined
version: "1.0.0"
schema: "v1"

AlwaysApply Semantics

Value	Behavior
true	Always included, regardless of context
false	Included if globs match OR agent decides based on description
undefined (default)	Included if no globs exist OR globs match

Creating Rules with Globs

Glob patterns match file paths:

---
name: Documentation Standards
globs: docs/**/*.{md,mdx}
alwaysApply: false
description: Standards for writing and maintaining documentation
---

# Documentation Standards

## Structure

- Follow consistent heading hierarchy starting with h2 (##)
- Include YAML frontmatter with title, description, and keywords
- Use descriptive alt text for images

## Writing Style

- Keep paragraphs concise and scannable
- Use code blocks with appropriate language tags
- Include cross-references to related documentation

Glob Patterns (String or Array)

# Single pattern (string)
globs: "**/*.{ts,tsx}"

# Multiple patterns (array)
globs:
  - "src/**/*.ts"
  - "tests/**/*.ts"

Creating Rules with Regex

Regex patterns match file content:

---
name: React Component Standards
regex: "^import React"
globs: "**/*.{tsx,jsx}"
alwaysApply: false
description: Standards for React component development
---

# React Component Standards

## Component Structure

- Use functional components with hooks
- Keep components under 200 lines
- Extract logic into custom hooks when appropriate
- Co-locate styles with components

## Examples

\`\`\`typescript
// Good: Focused component
function UserProfile({ userId }: Props) {
  const user = useUser(userId);
  return <div>{user.name}</div>;
}
\`\`\`