Explain My BuildREADME
Last updated: July 26, 2026
A README is a short text file at the top of a code repository, usually named README.md, that tells developers what the project does, how to install it, and how to run it. It's the first thing an engineer reads. It is not, and should not be handed to, the people who use your app.
What is a README?
A README is a plain-text file that lives at the root of a code repository and introduces the project to developers. On GitHub it's shown automatically when someone opens the repo, which makes it the first point of contact for anyone reading the code.
It's usually written in Markdown (hence README.md) and typically contains: what the project does, how to install and run it, how to configure it, and who to contact. It's short by design, a front door, not a manual.
What does a README contain?
A typical README covers a developer's first questions:
- What this is — a one-paragraph description of the project.
- Install / setup — the commands to get it running locally.
- Usage — how to start it and the main commands or entry points.
- Configuration — which environment variables or settings are needed.
- Contact / status — who maintains it and whether it's active.
Notice every item is about running the code, not about using the app.
Why isn't a README an end-user guide?
A README isn't an end-user guide because it's written for the wrong reader. It assumes you can open a terminal, install dependencies and read code. Your customers can't, and shouldn't have to.
| Question | README | End-user guide |
|---|---|---|
| Who reads it? | Developers | Your customers |
| Assumes coding skill? | Yes | No |
| Talks about buttons and screens? | No | Yes |
| Talks about install commands? | Yes | No |
| Safe to send a paying user? | No | Yes |
If you hand a customer your README, they'll see install commands and give up. They need an end-user guide.
Why it matters if you built with AI
AI builders often generate a README automatically, which can lull you into thinking your app is "documented." It isn't, at least not for your users. The README documents the code for developers; it says nothing about how a customer signs up or completes a task.
You actually need three things: the auto-generated README for developers, a founder runbook so you can operate the app, and an end-user guide for the people who use it. Explain My Build produces the last two from your code.
From README to the guides you actually need
Explain My Build reads your whole codebase, not just the README, and produces the founder runbook and the end-user guide the README can't. Start at document your AI-built app, or read the difference in full at end-user guide vs developer docs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a README file?
A README is a short file at the top of a code repository, usually named README.md, that tells developers what the project does, how to install it, and how to run it. It's the first thing an engineer reads.
Is a README the same as a user guide?
No. A README is written for developers and assumes coding skill. An end-user guide is written for your customers and talks about buttons and screens, not install commands.
My AI tool generated a README. Am I documented?
For developers, partly. For your customers, no. A README documents the code; it doesn't tell a user how to sign up or complete a task. You still need a founder runbook and an end-user guide.
Turn your app into a guide your users can follow.
Paste a public GitHub link and get your founder runbook + fix-list free in about a minute — no sign-up. Private code runs entirely in your browser.