Smaller prompts, better answers with GitHub Copilot Custom Instructions

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AI Summary

Summary of GitHub Co-Pilot Custom Instructions in VS Code

• Custom Instructions Feature:
  • GitHub Co-Pilot in VS Code allows for custom instructions to fine-tune responses.
  • Custom instructions enable smaller prompts and provide context for each chat request.
• Setting Up Custom Instructions:
  • Create a .github directory and add a markdown file named co-pilot-instructions.md.
  • Add code snippets with standard instructions, such as variable naming conventions and indentation preferences.
  • Commit these instructions to the Git repository for team use.
• Adjusting Co-Pilot Responses:
  • You can adjust tone, humor, accent, and other aspects of Co-Pilot’s responses.
  • Example given of dialing up an Australian accent for fun.
• GitHub Co-Pilot for Commit Messages:
  • Co-Pilot can generate commit messages by summarizing changes.
  • Custom styling instructions can be added to VS Code workspace settings to personalize commit messages, including emojis.
• Custom Instructions for Various Functions:
  • Add a settings.json to the workspace with snippets for code generation, commit messages, code review, and test generation.
  • Override internal VS Code settings with custom instructions for each function.
• Using Custom Instructions in Practice:
  • Code review and test generation can be performed by Co-Pilot using custom instructions.
  • Tests are created using the preferred testing framework and the AAA approach.
• Advanced Custom Instructions:
  • Include detailed documents such as code styles, database styles, and sprint specs in the project.
  • Change settings in settings.json to reference files for tasks like generating SQL schemas.
• Code Generation with Custom Instructions:
  • Co-Pilot can generate and edit files using file references as context.
  • Example given of generating a SQL schema and a Prisma schema with custom instructions.
• Conclusion:
  • Custom instructions in VS Code enhance GitHub Co-Pilot’s effectiveness.
  • They save time and align Co-Pilot’s output with team and project standards.
  • The video encourages exploring and having fun with custom instructions.

Detailed Instructions and URLs

No specific CLI commands, website URLs, or detailed tips were provided in the transcript.