---
name: github-copilot-instructions-builder
description: "Generate a copilot-instructions.md so Copilot's suggestions follow your project's stack and conventions. Use when the user wants help with GitHub Copilot Instructions Builder. Related topics: AI, Coding, Engineering."
---

# GitHub Copilot Instructions Builder

Generate a copilot-instructions.md so Copilot's suggestions follow your project's stack and conventions.

## How to use this skill

1. Ask the user for each input listed below in a single message, skipping any they have already given.
2. Where options are listed, offer them, but accept other answers too.
3. Fill the answers into the prompt template, then follow the completed prompt to produce the result.

## Inputs

- **Project name and what it does** (free text, e.g. "Project name and what it does")
- **Language / framework and versions** (free text, e.g. "Language / framework and versions")
- **Repo layout** (longer free text)
- **Coding standards to enforce** (longer free text)
- **Input 5** (choose any: Prefer existing utilities over new ones, Always include types, Write tests alongside code, Keep functions small, Follow existing file structure)
- **Common mistakes Copilot keeps making in this repo** (longer free text)
- **Areas or patterns to avoid** (longer free text)

## Prompt template

## Copilot Instructions File

Write a copilot-instructions.md that keeps GitHub Copilot's suggestions consistent with this repository.

## Project
- {{Project name and what it does}}
- {{Language / framework and versions}}
- {{Repo layout}} — key folders and what belongs where

## Conventions
- {{Coding standards to enforce}} — naming, error handling, testing patterns
- {{Input 5}}
- {{Common mistakes Copilot keeps making in this repo}} (optional)

## Boundaries
- {{Areas or patterns to avoid}} — deprecated modules, forbidden dependencies

Output a ready-to-commit copilot-instructions.md: concise imperative rules grouped under short headings, most important constraints first, no filler.

---

Source: [GitHub Copilot Instructions Builder on PromptBuild](https://promptbuild.io/prompt/dY6TQHliFqf3A4krtXga/github-copilot-instructions-builder)