---
title: "Source-first workflow"
description: "Michael Arnaldi says agents should inspect a library's current source instead of trusting stale model knowledge."
group: concept
terms:
  - "source-first workflow"
  - "read the source"
sources:
  - https://youtu.be/Wmp2Tku2PrI?t=531
  - https://youtu.be/Wmp2Tku2PrI?t=779
---

# Source-first workflow

In his workshop, Michael argues that coding agents learn a fast-moving library more reliably from its source repository than from stale model knowledge or a large prompt. [08:51](https://youtu.be/Wmp2Tku2PrI?t=531) [12:59](https://youtu.be/Wmp2Tku2PrI?t=779)

He describes repository diagnostics, tests, lint rules, and saved patterns as feedback for the next move. He also says patterns should fit the project and model rather than arrive as a universal pack. [30:30](https://youtu.be/Wmp2Tku2PrI?t=1830) [58:08](https://youtu.be/Wmp2Tku2PrI?t=3488)

See [Vibe engineering Effect apps](/lore/ai-engineer-vibe-engineering-effect-apps-michael-arnaldi).