Make the boundary testable
A structured rule can say which files are active, when the agent must ask and which external actions always require a human.
Structured behavior
YAML rules for AI agents
Use YAML when a rule needs explicit fields, limits and tests. Keep explanation in readable notes and authority in structured policy.
Keep proposed rules reviewable
An agent may suggest a rule after a clarification, but the suggestion stays proposed until the teacher approves it.
Prefer narrow rules
One precise correction is easier to test and retire than a large policy that mixes unrelated decisions.
The practical rule