How to Write a GitHub Project README

30 Oct 2026

A README turns a repository into something another person can evaluate. It should be short enough to read and complete enough to run the project without guessing.

Recommended sections

  1. Project purpose and screenshot or demo
  2. Features and user roles
  3. Technology stack
  4. Requirements and setup steps
  5. Environment variables without real secrets
  6. Test or example commands
  7. Known limitations and future improvements

Keep it trustworthy

Do not paste tokens, passwords or private datasets. State which parts are yours in a team project. Make sure commands work from a clean checkout and remove placeholder claims that the code does not support.

Link the repository beside the project in your resume.

Common questions

Should a README include screenshots?

A relevant screenshot or demo link can help, especially for interface projects, but it does not replace setup instructions.

Can I use a README template?

Yes, as long as you replace every section with accurate project-specific information.

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