copilot-docs_skill

Overview

This skill helps you configure GitHub Copilot with repository-specific instructions by creating and managing a .github/copilot-instructions.md file. It guides on what to include: project context, code standards, naming conventions, testing and API patterns to steer Copilot suggestions. Use it to enforce consistent AI-generated code behavior across a project.

How this skill works

The skill inspects triggers like references to Copilot instructions, copilot-instructions.md, or GitHub Copilot configuration and proposes a focused instructions document for the repository. It generates concise sections (Project Context, Code Standards, Naming Conventions, Testing, API Patterns, Do's and Don'ts) tailored to your tech stack and workflows. It also validates location and format, reminding you to place the file under .github/copilot-instructions.md.

When to use it

• Setting up Copilot for a new repository
• Standardizing AI suggestions across a team
• Onboarding contributors to project coding standards
• Customizing Copilot behavior for framework or stack specifics
• When repeating Copilot-generated inconsistencies in PRs

Best practices

• Keep project context short and specific: tech versions, folder structure, and runtime expectations
• Prefer concrete examples (file names, snippets, response formats) over vague rules
• Scope instructions to repository-level concerns; avoid personal preferences best kept to individual settings
• Use explicit rules for error handling, testing, and API responses to reduce ambiguity
• Place the file exactly at .github/copilot-instructions.md so Copilot recognizes it

Example use cases

• Create instructions for a Next.js 14 + TypeScript app that enforces Tailwind and App Router conventions
• Add TypeScript and testing rules to reduce type churn and inconsistent tests
• Define API response shapes and validation (Zod) so Copilot suggests compliant handlers
• Establish naming conventions and file layout for consistent imports and refactors
• Prevent unsafe patterns by explicitly forbidding any usage and console.log left in production code