> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.hak5.org/bash-bunny/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.hak5.org/bash-bunny/writing-payloads/payload-development-basics.md).

# Payload Development Basics

Bash Bunny payloads are written in Bash + DuckyScript and can be written in any standard text editor, such as notepad, vi or nano. \
\
When the Bash Bunny boots with its switch in position 1 or 2, the `payload.txt` file within the corresponding switch folder is executed.  **Payloads** **must be named** `payload.txt`.\
\
You will find more specific details describing DuckyScript on the Bash  Bunny further on in this documentation; additionally, it may be beneficial to further familiarize yourself with Bash if you're interested in taking full advantage of the tools of the language and bringing your payloads to the next level! There are plenty of useful guides you can find with a simple web search.

## Arming Mode

Payloads can be loaded onto the device simply by moving them to the appropriate switch folder when the Bash Bunny is in arming mode (switch position 3 – closest to the USB plug) – mounted to the host computer as Mass Storage.

{% hint style="danger" %}
[Bash Bunny Mark II Considerations](/bash-bunny/getting-started/considerations-for-mark-ii.md)
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://documentation.hak5.org/bash-bunny/writing-payloads/payload-development-basics.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.