What every README must include

README Structure That Works

A README is the front door to your project. Most developers decide within 30 seconds whether a project is worth their time. Your README must answer five questions immediately: What does it do? Why should I use it? How do I install it? How do I use it? Is it maintained?

Required Sections

• Title and description — One paragraph. What it does, who it's for. No jargon on first contact.
• Badges — Build status, version, license. Signal that the project is alive and production-ready.
• Installation — Copy-paste commands. Every prerequisite listed explicitly.
• Usage — The most common use case, working code, real output.
• Contributing — How to report bugs, submit PRs, and run tests locally.
• License — One line. Don't make developers guess.

The First Paragraph Test

Cover your project name and read only the first paragraph. A stranger should be able to answer: what problem does this solve? If they can't, rewrite the description. Use plain language. Save the architecture overview for an explanation doc.

Order Matters

Put the most important information first. Developers scan top to bottom and stop when they find what they need. Never bury the installation command or the core usage example below long background sections.