instruction-creator

name	instruction-creator
description	Create and manage high-quality custom instruction files for GitHub Copilot. Use when you need to define new project-specific guidelines, workflows, or coding standards in the instructions/ directory.

Instruction Creator

This skill guides the creation of effective custom instruction files that help GitHub Copilot follow project conventions and domain-specific logic.

Workflow

1. Define Scope: Identify the purpose and the files the instructions should apply to (e.g., **/*.ts).
2. Initialize: Use the scripts/init_instruction.py script to create the boilerplate.

   python skills/instruction-creator/scripts/init_instruction.py "my-new-instruction" --description "Description here" --applyTo "**/*.ext"
   

3. Draft Content: Follow the guidelines to fill in the sections.
4. Use Templates: Refer to templates for standard structures.
5. Semantic Linking: Ensure you link to relevant Skills in the Workflow section.
   • Example: To perform [Task], execute the [Skill Name](skills/<skill-name>/SKILL.md).
6. Validate: Test the instructions with Copilot to ensure they are clear and actionable.

Core Principles

• Policy Maker: Instructions define the "What" and "How" (decision logic and standards).
• The 5 Sections: Effective instructions include: Overview, Tech Stack, Structure, Guidelines, and Resources.
• Concise & focused: Avoid fluff; use imperative language. Limit files to ~500 lines.
• Actionable: Provide concrete "Good" and "Bad" code examples and clear steps.
• Linked: Connect instructions to the skills that execute them and internal automation scripts.

Resources

• Guidelines: Detailed rules for frontmatter, style, and linking.
• Templates: Ready-to-use markdown structures.
• scripts/init_instruction.py: Automation for creating new files.