suggest-awesome-github-copilot-instructions
Suggest relevant GitHub Copilot instruction files from the awesome-copilot repository based on current repository context and chat history, avoiding duplicates with existing instructions in this repository, and identifying outdated instructions that need updates.
By github · 8,810 installs
npx skills add github/awesome-copilot --skill suggest-awesome-github-copilot-instructions
Source repository · Upstream listing
Suggest Awesome GitHub Copilot Instructions
Analyze current repository context and suggest relevant copilot instruction files from the [GitHub awesome copilot repository](https://github.com/github/awesome copilot/blob/main/docs/README.instructions.md) that are not already available in this repository.
Process
1. Fetch Available Instructions : Extract instruction list and descriptions from [awesome copilot README.instructions.md](https://github.com/github/awesome copilot/blob/main/docs/README.instructions.md). Must use fetch tool.
2. Scan Local Instructions : Discover existing instruction files in .github/instructions/ folder
3. Extract Descriptions : Read front matter from local instruction files to get descriptions and applyTo patterns
4. Fetch Remote Versions : For each local instruction, fetch the corresponding version from awesome copilot repository using raw GitHub URLs (e.g., https://raw.githubusercontent.com/github/awesome copilot/main/instructions/<filename )
5. Compare Versions : Compare local instruction content with remote versions to identify:
Instructions that are up to date (exact match)
Instructions that are outdated (content differs)
Key differences in outdated instructions (description, applyTo patterns, content)
6. Analyze Context : Review chat history, repository files, and current project needs
7. Compare Existing : Check against instructions already available in this repository
8. Match Relevance : Compare available instructions against identified patterns and requirements
9. Present Options : Display relevant instructions with descriptions, rationale, and availability status including outdated instructions
10. Validate : Ensure suggested instructions would add value not already covered by existing instructions
11. Output : Provide structured table with suggestions, descriptions, and links to both awesome copilot instructions and similar local instructions
AWAIT user request to proceed with installation or updates of specific instructions. DO NOT INSTALL OR UPDATE UNLESS DIRECTED TO DO SO.
12. Download/Update Assets : For requested instructions, automatically:
Download new instructions to .github/instructions/ folder
Update outdated instructions by replacing with latest version from awesome copilot
Do NOT adjust content of the files
Use fetch tool to download assets, but may use curl using runInTerminal tool to ensure all content is retrieved
Use todos tool to track progress
Context Analysis Criteria
🔍 Repository Patterns :
Programming languages used (.cs, .js, .py, .ts, etc.)
Framework indicators (ASP.NET, React, Azure, Next.js, etc.)
Project types (web apps, APIs, libraries, tools)
Development workflow requirements (testing, CI/CD, deployment)
🗨️ Chat History Context :
Recent discussions and pain points
Technology specific questions
Coding standards discussions
Development workflow requirements
Output Format
Display analysis results in structured table comparing awesome copilot instructions with existing repository instructions:
Awesome Copilot Instruction Description Already Installed Similar Local Instruction Suggestion Rationale
[blazor.instructions.md](https://github.com/github/awesome copilot/blob/main/instructions/blazor.instructions.md) Blazor development guidelines ✅ Yes blazor.instructions.md Already covered by existing Blazor instructions
[reactjs.instructions.md](https://github.com/github/awesome copilot/blob/main/instructions/reactjs.instructions.md) ReactJS development standards ❌ No None Would enhance React development with established patterns
[java.instructions.md](https://github.com/github/awesome copilot/blob/main/instructions/java.instructions.md) Java development best practices ⚠️ Outdated java.instructions.md applyTo pattern differs: remote uses ' / .java' vs local ' .java' Update recommended
Local Instructions Discovery Process
1. List all .instructions.md files in the instructions/ directory
2. For each discovered file, read front matter to extract description and applyTo patterns
3. Build comprehensive inventory of existing instructions with their applicable file patterns
4. Use this inventory to avoid suggesting duplicates
Version Comparison Process
1. For each local instruction file, construct the raw GitHub URL to fetch the remote version:
Pattern: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/github/awesome copilot/main/instructions/<filename
2. Fetch the remote version using the fetch tool
3. Compare entire file content (including front matter and body)
4. Identify specific differences:
Front matter changes (description, applyTo patterns)
Content updates (guidelines, examples, best practices)
5. Document key differences for outdated instructions
6. Calculate similarity to determine if update is needed
File Structure Requirements
Based on GitHub documentation, copilot instructions files should be:
Repository wide instructions : .github/copilot instructions.md (applies to entire repository)
Path specific instructions : .github/instructions/NAME.instructions.md (applies to specific file patterns via applyTo frontmatter)
Community instructions : instructions/NAME.instructions.md (for sharing and distribution)
Front Matter Structure
Instructions files in awesome copilot use this front matter format:
Requirements
Use githubRepo tool to get content from awesome copilot repository instructions folder
Scan local file system for existing instructions in .github/instructions/ directory
Read YAML front matter from local instruction files to extract descriptions and applyTo patterns
Compare local instructions with remote versions to detect outdated instructions
Compare against existing instructions in this repository to avoid duplicates
Focus on gaps in current instruction library coverage
Validate that suggested instructions align with repository's purpose and standards
Provide clear rationale for each suggestion
Include links to both awesome copilot instructions and similar local instructions
Clearly identify outdated instructions with specific differences noted
Consider technology stack compatibility and project specific needs
Don't provide any additional information or context beyond the table and the analysis
Icons Reference
✅ Already installed and up to date
⚠️ Installed but outdated (update available)
❌ Not installed in repo
Update Handling
When outdated instructions are identified:
1. Include them in the output table with ⚠️ status
2. Document specific differences in the "Suggestion Rationale" column
3. Provide recommendation to update with key changes noted
4. When user requests update, replace entire local file with remote version
5. Preserve file location in .github/instructions/ directory