A public repository can be hard to assess if it opens to unexplained folders or an outdated setup command. A concise README reduces that friction and lets a reviewer focus on the code and decisions.
Include the essentials
- State what the project does and who it is for.
- List prerequisites and tested setup steps in the order a new contributor should run them.
- Describe key features, known limitations, and how to run tests or view a demo.
Check instructions from a clean start
Follow your own setup steps in a fresh checkout or temporary directory. Replace machine-specific paths, remove private keys and personal data, and make sure commands match the repository's current scripts.
Add a screenshot or architecture note only when it clarifies the experience. A small project with accurate instructions is more useful than a large README full of claims the code does not support.