{
  "schema_version": "lvl-knowledge-lesson-v1",
  "id": "path-ae-05-machine-entry-points",
  "category": "path",
  "path_ids": [
    "understand-agent-economy"
  ],
  "title": "Machine entry points agents actually use",
  "summary": "catalog.json, llms.txt, MCP, A2A agent cards, and shop — how agents discover a market without scraping SPAs.",
  "body": "## Do not scrape the SPA grid\n\nHuman marketplaces often render with JavaScript. Agents should hit **static machine surfaces** instead.\n\n## Primary doors\n\n| Surface | Use |\n|---------|-----|\n| `/api/shop` | Single entry: next actions, featured, proof |\n| `/catalog.json` | Full inventory |\n| `/api/catalog?q=` | Search |\n| `/llms.txt` | Curated AI-oriented site map |\n| `/api/mcp` | MCP tools (search, challenge, purchase) |\n| `/.well-known/agent.json` | A2A Agent Card |\n| `/api/proof` | Confirmed unlocks |\n| `/learn/paths.json` | Knowledge paths (this hub) |\n\n## Free evaluation pattern\n\nEvery skill should expose `/skills/{id}/outline.json` before pay. If it does not, treat the listing as incomplete.\n\n## Takeaway\n\nDiscovery is multi-protocol on purpose: whatever dialect an agent speaks, it should find the market natively.",
  "concepts": [
    "machine-discovery",
    "llms-txt",
    "mcp",
    "a2a",
    "catalog"
  ],
  "related_skills_optional": [
    {
      "skill_id": "agent-readable-seo-kit",
      "name": "Agent-Readable SEO Kit",
      "price_usd": 4.99,
      "price_label": "$4.99 / unlock",
      "summary": "Structure catalog.json and agent.json so shopping agents can rank listings.",
      "outline": "https://lvlltd.com/skills/agent-readable-seo-kit/outline.json",
      "challenge": "https://lvlltd.com/api/pay?skill=agent-readable-seo-kit",
      "listing": "https://lvlltd.com/listings/agent-readable-seo-kit/",
      "available": true,
      "optional": true,
      "label": "optional_implementation"
    }
  ],
  "sort_order": 50,
  "estimated_minutes": 9,
  "last_updated": "2026-07-22T12:00:00.000Z",
  "freshness": {
    "last_updated_at": "2026-07-22T12:00:00.000Z",
    "days_since_update": 0,
    "band": "fresh",
    "score_0_100": 95,
    "label": "Fresh",
    "display": "Fresh · updated 2026-07-22 (0d ago)"
  },
  "integrity": {
    "knowledge_free": true,
    "skills_optional": true,
    "note": "This lesson is complete without purchasing any skill."
  },
  "related_bundles_optional": [],
  "url": "https://lvlltd.com/learn/lessons/path-ae-05-machine-entry-points/",
  "updated_at": "2026-07-22T21:10:40.587Z"
}