hve-core-installer

name	hve-core-installer
description	Decision-driven installer for HVE-Core with 6 clone-based installation methods, extension quick-install, environment detection, and agent customization workflows - Brought to you by microsoft/hve-core
compatibility	Requires VS Code or VS Code Insiders. Clone-based methods require git on PATH and network access.
license	MIT
metadata	{"authors":"microsoft/hve-core","spec_version":"1.0","last_updated":"2026-04-01"}

HVE-Core Installer Skill

Decision-driven installer for HVE-Core with environment detection, 6 clone-based installation methods, extension quick-install, validation, MCP configuration, and agent customization workflows.

Role Definition

Operate as two collaborating personas:

• The Installer persona detects the environment, guides method selection, and executes installation steps
• The Validator persona verifies installation success by checking paths, settings, and agent accessibility

The Installer persona handles all detection and execution. After installation completes, switch to the Validator persona to verify success before reporting completion.

Re-run Behavior: Running the installer again validates an existing installation or offers upgrade. Safe to re-run anytime.

Required Phases

Phase	Name	Purpose
1	Environment Detection	Obtain consent and detect user's environment
2	Installation Path Selection	Choose between Extension (quick) or Clone-based installation
3	Environment Detection & Decision Matrix	For clone path: detect environment and recommend method
4	Installation Methods	Execute the selected installation method
5	Validation	Verify installation success and configure settings
6	Post-Installation Setup	Configure gitignore and present MCP guidance
7	Agent Customization	Optional: copy agents for local customization (clone-based only)

Flow paths:

• Extension path: Phase 1 → Phase 2 → Phase 6 → Complete
• Clone-based path: Phase 1 → Phase 2 → Phase 3 → Phase 4 → Phase 5 → Phase 6 → Phase 7 → Complete

Phase 1: Environment Detection

Before presenting options, detect the user's environment to filter applicable installation methods.

Checkpoint 1: Initial Consent

Present the following and await explicit consent:

🚀 HVE-Core Installer

I'll help you install HVE-Core agents, prompts, instructions and skills.

Available content:
• 25+ specialized agents (task-researcher, task-planner, etc.)
• Reusable prompt templates for common workflows
• Technology-specific coding instructions (bash, python, markdown, etc.)
• Domain-specific skills (pr-reference, etc.)

I'll ask 2-3 questions to recommend the best installation method for your setup.

Would you like to proceed?

If user declines, respond: "Installation cancelled. You can invoke this skill anytime to restart."

Upon consent, proceed to Phase 2 to offer the installation path choice.

Phase 2: Installation Path Selection

Present the installation path choice before environment detection. Extension installation does not require shell selection or environment detection.

Checkpoint 2: Installation Path Choice

Present the following choice:

🚀 Choose Your Installation Path

**Option 1: Quick Install (Recommended)**
Install the HVE Core extension from VS Code Marketplace.
• ⏱️ Takes about 10 seconds
• 🔄 Automatic updates
• ✅ No configuration needed

**Option 2: Clone-Based Installation**
Clone HVE-Core repository for customization.
• 🎨 Full customization support
• 📁 Files visible in your workspace
• 🤝 Team version control options

Which would you prefer? (1/2 or quick/clone)

User input handling:

• "1", "quick", "extension", "marketplace" → Execute Extension Installation
• "2", "clone", "custom", "team" → Continue to Phase 3 (Environment Detection)
• Unclear response → Ask for clarification

If user selects Option 1 (Quick Install):

1. Execute extension installation (see Extension Installation Execution below)
2. Validate installation success
3. Display success report or offer fallback options

If user selects Option 2 (Clone-Based):

• Ask: "Which shell would you prefer? (powershell/bash)"
• Shell detection rules:
  • "powershell", "pwsh", "ps1", "ps" → PowerShell
  • "bash", "sh", "zsh" → Bash
  • Unclear response → Windows = PowerShell, macOS/Linux = Bash
• Continue to Prerequisites Check, then Environment Detection Script and Phase 3 workflow

When to choose Clone over Extension:

• Need to customize agents, prompts, instructions, or skills
• Team requires version-controlled HVE-Core
• Offline or air-gapped environment

Prerequisites Check

Before clone-based installation, verify git is available:

• Run: git --version
• If fails: "Git is required for clone-based installation. Install git or choose Extension Quick Install."

Extension Installation Execution

When user selects Quick Install, first ask which VS Code variant they are using:

Which VS Code variant are you using?

  [1] VS Code (stable)
  [2] VS Code Insiders

Your choice? (1/2)

User input handling:

• "1", "code", "stable" → Use code CLI
• "2", "insiders", "code-insiders" → Use code-insiders CLI
• Unclear response → Ask for clarification

Store the user's choice as the code_cli variable for use in validation scripts.

Display progress message:

📥 Installing HVE Core extension from marketplace...

Note: You may see a trust confirmation dialog if this is your first extension from this publisher.

Execute VS Code CLI command:

<code_cli> --install-extension ise-hve-essentials.hve-core

After command execution, proceed to Extension Validation.

Extension Validation

Run the appropriate validation script based on the detected platform (Windows = PowerShell, macOS/Linux = Bash). Use the code_cli value from the user's earlier choice (code or code-insiders).

PowerShell: Run scripts/validate-extension.ps1 with the code_cli variable set.

Bash: Run scripts/validate-extension.sh with the code_cli variable set.

Extension Success Report

Upon successful validation, display:

✅ Extension Installation Complete!

The HVE Core extension has been installed from the VS Code Marketplace.

📦 Extension: ise-hve-essentials.hve-core
📌 Version: [detected version]
🔗 Marketplace: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ise-hve-essentials.hve-core

🧪 Available Agents:
• task-researcher, task-planner, task-implementor, task-reviewer
• github-backlog-manager, adr-creation, doc-ops, pr-review
• prompt-builder, memory, and more!

📋 Configuring optional settings...

After displaying the extension success report, proceed to Phase 6: Post-Installation Setup for gitignore and MCP configuration options.

Extension Error Recovery

If extension installation fails, provide targeted guidance:

Error Scenario	User Message	Recovery Action
Trust dialog declined	"Installation was cancelled. You may have declined the publisher trust prompt."	Offer retry or switch to clone method
Network failure	"Unable to connect to VS Code Marketplace. Check your network connection."	Offer retry or CLI alternative
Organization policy block	"Extension installation may be restricted by your organization's policies."	Provide CLI command for manual installation
Unknown failure	"Extension installation failed unexpectedly."	Offer clone-based installation as fallback

Flow Control After Failure:

If extension installation fails and user cannot resolve:

• Offer: "Would you like to try a clone-based installation method instead? (yes/no)"
• If yes: Continue to Environment Detection Script and Phase 3 workflow
• If no: End session with manual installation instructions

Environment Detection Script

Run the appropriate detection script based on the user's shell:

PowerShell: Run scripts/detect-environment.ps1

Bash: Run scripts/detect-environment.sh

Phase 3: Environment Detection & Decision Matrix

Based on detected environment, ask the following questions to determine the recommended method.

Question 1: Environment Confirmation

Present options filtered by detection results:

### Question 1: What's your development environment?

Based on my detection, you appear to be in: [DETECTED_ENV_TYPE]

Please confirm or correct:

| Option | Description                               |
|--------|-------------------------------------------|
| **A**  | 💻 Local VS Code (no devcontainer)        |
| **B**  | 🐳 Local devcontainer (Docker Desktop)    |
| **C**  | ☁️ GitHub Codespaces only                 |
| **D**  | 🔄 Both local devcontainer AND Codespaces |

Which best describes your setup? (A/B/C/D)

Question 2: Team or Solo

### Question 2: Team or solo development?

| Option   | Description                                                   |
|----------|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Solo** | Solo developer - no need for version control of HVE-Core      |
| **Team** | Multiple people - need reproducible, version-controlled setup |

Are you working solo or with a team? (solo/team)

Question 3: Update Preference

Ask this question only when multiple methods match the environment + team answers:

### Question 3: Update preference?

| Option         | Description                                   |
|----------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| **Auto**       | Always get latest HVE-Core on rebuild/startup |
| **Controlled** | Pin to specific version, update explicitly    |

How would you like to receive updates? (auto/controlled)

Decision Matrix

Use this matrix to determine the recommended method:

Environment	Team	Updates	Recommended Method
Any (simplest)	Any	-	Extension Quick Install (works in all environments)
Local (no container)	Solo	-	Method 1: Peer Clone
Local (no container)	Team	Controlled	Method 6: Submodule
Local devcontainer	Solo	Auto	Method 2: Git-Ignored
Local devcontainer	Team	Controlled	Method 6: Submodule
Codespaces only	Solo	Auto	Method 4: Codespaces
Codespaces only	Team	Controlled	Method 6: Submodule
Both local + Codespaces	Any	Any	Method 5: Multi-Root Workspace
HVE-Core repo (Codespaces)	-	-	Method 4: Codespaces (already configured)

Method Selection Logic

After gathering answers:

1. Match answers to decision matrix
2. Present recommendation with rationale
3. Offer alternative if user prefers different approach

## 📋 Your Recommended Setup

Based on your answers:
* **Environment**: [answer]
* **Team**: [answer]
* **Updates**: [answer]

### ✅ Recommended: Method [N] - [Name]

**Why this fits your needs:**
* [Benefit 1 matching their requirements]
* [Benefit 2 matching their requirements]
* [Benefit 3 matching their requirements]

Would you like to proceed with this method, or see alternatives?

Phase 4: Installation Methods

Execute the installation workflow based on the method selected via the decision matrix. For detailed documentation, see the installation methods documentation.

Method Configuration

Method	Documentation	Target Location	Settings Path Prefix	Best For
1. Peer Clone	peer-clone.md	../hve-core	../hve-core	Local VS Code, solo developers
2. Git-Ignored	git-ignored.md	.hve-core/	.hve-core	Devcontainer, isolation
3. Mounted*	mounted.md	/workspaces/hve-core	/workspaces/hve-core	Devcontainer + host clone
4. Codespaces	codespaces.md	/workspaces/hve-core	/workspaces/hve-core	Codespaces
5. Multi-Root	multi-root.md	Per workspace file	Actual clone path	Local VS Code, best IDE integration
6. Submodule	submodule.md	lib/hve-core	lib/hve-core	Team version control

*Method 3 (Mounted) is for advanced scenarios where host already has hve-core cloned. Most devcontainer users should use Method 2.

Common Clone Operation

Generate a script for the user's shell (PowerShell or Bash) that:

1. Determines workspace root via git rev-parse --show-toplevel
2. Calculates target path based on method from table
3. Checks if target already exists
4. Clones if missing: git clone https://github.com/microsoft/hve-core.git <target>
5. Reports success with ✅ or skip with ⏭️

$ErrorActionPreference = 'Stop'
$hveCoreDir = "<METHOD_TARGET_PATH>"  # Replace per method

if (-not (Test-Path $hveCoreDir)) {
    git clone https://github.com/microsoft/hve-core.git $hveCoreDir
    Write-Host "✅ Cloned HVE-Core to $hveCoreDir"
} else {
    Write-Host "⏭️ HVE-Core already exists at $hveCoreDir"
}

For Bash: Use set -euo pipefail, test -d for existence checks, and echo for output.

Settings Configuration

After cloning, update .vscode/settings.json with entries for each collection subdirectory. Replace <PREFIX> with the settings path prefix from the method table. Do not use ** glob patterns in paths because chat.*Locations settings do not support them.

Enumerate each collection subdirectory under .github/agents/, .github/prompts/, and .github/instructions/ from the cloned HVE-Core directory. Create one entry per subdirectory. For .github/agents/, also check each collection folder for a subagents/ subfolder and include it when present (e.g., hve-core/subagents). For .github/skills/, list only the collection-level folders directly under .github/skills/ (e.g., shared); do not enumerate deeper subfolders (individual skill directories like shared/pr-reference/ are not listed). Exclude the installer collection from chat.agentSkillsLocations because it is the installer skill itself and not intended for end-user settings.

Any folder named experimental under any artifact type (agents, prompts, instructions, or skills) must not be included without first asking the user whether they want experimental features. If the user opts in, add the experimental entries (and experimental/subagents for agents when that subfolder exists).

{
  "chat.agentFilesLocations": {
    "<PREFIX>/.github/agents/ado": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/agents/coding-standards": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/agents/data-science": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/agents/design-thinking": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/agents/github": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/agents/hve-core": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/agents/hve-core/subagents": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/agents/project-planning": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/agents/security": true
  },
  "chat.promptFilesLocations": {
    "<PREFIX>/.github/prompts/ado": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/prompts/coding-standards": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/prompts/design-thinking": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/prompts/github": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/prompts/hve-core": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/prompts/security": true
  },
  "chat.instructionsFilesLocations": {
    "<PREFIX>/.github/instructions/ado": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/instructions/coding-standards": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/instructions/design-thinking": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/instructions/github": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/instructions/hve-core": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/instructions/shared": true
  },
  "chat.agentSkillsLocations": {
    "<PREFIX>/.github/skills": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/skills/shared": true,
    "<PREFIX>/.github/skills/coding-standards": true
  }
}

Method-Specific Instructions

Method 1: Peer Clone

Clone to parent directory: Split-Path $workspaceRoot -Parent | Join-Path -ChildPath "hve-core"

Method 2: Git-Ignored

Additional steps before cloning:

1. Create .hve-core/ directory
2. Add .hve-core/ to .gitignore (create if missing)
3. Clone into .hve-core/

Method 3: Mounted Directory

Requires host-side setup and container rebuild:

Step 1: Display pre-rebuild instructions:

📋 Pre-Rebuild Setup Required

Clone hve-core on your HOST machine (not in container):
  cd <parent-of-your-project>
  git clone https://github.com/microsoft/hve-core.git

Step 2: Add mount to devcontainer.json:

{
  "mounts": [
    "source=${localWorkspaceFolder}/../hve-core,target=/workspaces/hve-core,type=bind,readonly=true,consistency=cached"
  ]
}

Step 3: After rebuild, validate mount exists at /workspaces/hve-core

Method 4: postCreateCommand (Codespaces)

Add to devcontainer.json:

{
  "postCreateCommand": "[ -d /workspaces/hve-core ] || git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/microsoft/hve-core.git /workspaces/hve-core",
  "customizations": {
    "vscode": {
      "settings": {
        "chat.agentFilesLocations": {
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/agents/ado": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/agents/coding-standards": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/agents/data-science": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/agents/design-thinking": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/agents/github": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/agents/hve-core": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/agents/hve-core/subagents": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/agents/project-planning": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/agents/security": true
        },
        "chat.promptFilesLocations": {
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/prompts/ado": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/prompts/coding-standards": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/prompts/design-thinking": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/prompts/github": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/prompts/hve-core": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/prompts/security": true
        },
        "chat.instructionsFilesLocations": {
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/instructions/ado": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/instructions/coding-standards": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/instructions/design-thinking": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/instructions/github": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/instructions/hve-core": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/instructions/shared": true
        },
        "chat.agentSkillsLocations": {
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/skills": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/skills/shared": true,
          "/workspaces/hve-core/.github/skills/coding-standards": true
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

Optional: Add updateContentCommand for auto-updates on rebuild.

Method 5: Multi-Root Workspace

Create hve-core.code-workspace file with folders array pointing to both project and HVE-Core.

Use the actual clone path (not the folder display name) as the settings prefix. Folder display names in chat.*Locations settings do not resolve reliably.

[!IMPORTANT] The dev container spec has no workspaceFile property. Codespaces and devcontainers always open in single-folder mode. The user must manually open the .code-workspace file after the container starts (File > Open Workspace from File... or code <path>.code-workspace). For Codespaces, Method 4 is usually more convenient because it configures settings automatically without requiring a workspace switch.

Local VS Code: use a relative clone path from the workspace file's directory.

{
  "folders": [
    { "name": "My Project", "path": "." },
    { "path": "../hve-core" }
  ],
  "settings": { /* Same as settings template with ../hve-core prefix */ }
}

User opens the .code-workspace file instead of the folder.

Method 6: Submodule

Use git submodule commands instead of clone:

git submodule add https://github.com/microsoft/hve-core.git lib/hve-core
git submodule update --init --recursive
git add .gitmodules lib/hve-core
git commit -m "Add HVE-Core as submodule"

Team members run git submodule update --init --recursive after cloning.

Optional devcontainer.json for auto-initialization:

{
  "onCreateCommand": "git submodule update --init --recursive",
  "updateContentCommand": "git submodule update --remote lib/hve-core || true"
}

Phase 5: Validation (Validator Persona)

After installation completes, switch to the Validator persona and verify the installation.

[!IMPORTANT] After successful validation, proceed to Phase 6 for post-installation setup, then Phase 7 for optional agent customization (clone-based methods only).

Checkpoint 3: Settings Authorization

Before modifying settings.json, present the following:

⚙️ VS Code Settings Update

I will now update your VS Code settings to add HVE-Core paths.

Changes to be made:
• [List paths based on selected method]

⚠️ Authorization Required: Do you authorize these settings changes? (yes/no)

If user declines: "Installation cancelled. No settings changes were made."

Validation Workflow

Run validation based on the selected method. Set the base path variable before running:

Method	Base Path
1	../hve-core
2	.hve-core
3, 4	/workspaces/hve-core
5	Check workspace file
6	lib/hve-core

PowerShell: Run scripts/validate-installation.ps1 with the method and basePath variables set.

Bash: Run scripts/validate-installation.sh with the method number and base path as arguments.

Success Report

Upon successful validation, display:

✅ Core Installation Complete!

Method [N]: [Name] installed successfully.

📍 Location: [path based on method]
⚙️ Settings: [settings file or workspace file]
📖 Documentation: https://github.com/microsoft/hve-core/blob/main/docs/getting-started/methods/[method-doc].md

🧪 Available Agents:
• task-researcher, task-planner, task-implementor, task-reviewer
• github-backlog-manager, adr-creation, doc-ops, pr-review
• prompt-builder, memory, and more!

📋 Configuring optional settings...

After displaying the success report, proceed to Phase 6 for post-installation setup.

Phase 6: Post-Installation Setup

This phase applies to all installation methods (Extension and Clone-based). Both paths converge here for consistent post-installation configuration.

Checkpoint 4: Gitignore Configuration

🛡️ Configuring gitignore...

Check and configure gitignore entries based on the installation method. Different methods may require different gitignore entries.

Method-Specific Gitignore Entries

Method	Gitignore Entry	Reason
2 (Git-Ignored)	.hve-core/	Excludes the local HVE-Core clone
All methods	.copilot-tracking/	Excludes AI workflow artifacts

Detection: Check if .gitignore exists and contains the required entries.

For Method 2 (Git-Ignored): If .hve-core/ is not in .gitignore, it should have been added during Phase 4 installation. Verify it exists.

For all methods: Check if .copilot-tracking/ should be added to .gitignore. This directory stores local AI workflow artifacts (plans, changes, research notes) that are typically user-specific and not meant for version control.

• If pattern found → Skip this checkpoint silently
• If .gitignore missing or pattern not found → Present the prompt below

📋 Gitignore Recommendation

The `.copilot-tracking/` directory stores local AI workflow artifacts:
• Plans and implementation tracking
• Research notes and change records
• User-specific prompts and handoff logs

These files are typically not meant for version control.

Would you like to add `.copilot-tracking/` to your .gitignore? (yes/no)

User input handling:

• "yes", "y" → Add entry to .gitignore
• "no", "n", "skip" → Skip without changes
• Unclear response → Ask for clarification

Modification: If user approves:

• If .gitignore exists: Append the following at the end of the file
• If .gitignore missing: Create it with the content below

# HVE-Core AI workflow artifacts (local only)
.copilot-tracking/

Report: "✅ Added .copilot-tracking/ to .gitignore"

After the gitignore checkpoint, proceed to Checkpoint 5 (MCP Configuration).

Checkpoint 5: MCP Configuration Guidance

After the gitignore checkpoint (for any installation method), present MCP configuration guidance. This helps users who want to use agents that integrate with Azure DevOps, GitHub, or documentation services.

📡 MCP Server Configuration (Optional)

Some HVE-Core agents integrate with external services via MCP (Model Context Protocol):

| Agent                  | MCP Server               | Purpose                              |
|------------------------|--------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| ado-prd-to-wit         | ado                      | Azure DevOps work items              |
| github-backlog-manager | github                   | GitHub backlog management            |
| task-researcher        | context7, microsoft-docs | Documentation lookup                 |
| dt-coach               | figma                    | FigJam board export for DT artifacts |

Would you like to configure MCP servers? (yes/no)

User input handling:

• "yes", "y" → Ask which servers to configure (see MCP Server Selection below)
• "no", "n", "skip" → Proceed to Final Completion Report
• Enter, "continue", "done" → Proceed to Final Completion Report
• Unclear response → Proceed to Final Completion Report (non-blocking)

MCP Server Selection

If user chooses to configure MCP, present:

Which MCP servers would you like to configure?

| Server         | Purpose                   | Recommended For                  |
|----------------|---------------------------|----------------------------------|
| github         | GitHub issues and repos   | GitHub-hosted repositories       |
| ado            | Azure DevOps work items   | Azure DevOps repositories        |
| context7       | SDK/library documentation | All users (optional)             |
| microsoft-docs | Microsoft Learn docs      | All users (optional)             |
| figma          | FigJam & Figma design     | Design Thinking collection users |

⚠️ Suggest EITHER github OR ado based on where your repo is hosted, not both.

Enter server names separated by commas (e.g., "github, context7"):

Parse the user's response to determine which servers to include.

MCP Configuration Templates

Create .vscode/mcp.json using ONLY the templates below. Use HTTP type with managed authentication where available.

[!IMPORTANT] These are the only correct configurations. Do not use stdio/npx for servers that support HTTP.

github server (HTTP with managed auth)

{
  "github": {
    "type": "http",
    "url": "https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/"
  }
}

ado server (stdio with inputs)

{
  "inputs": [
    {
      "id": "ado_org",
      "type": "promptString",
      "description": "Azure DevOps organization name (e.g. 'contoso')",
      "default": ""
    },
    {
      "id": "ado_tenant",
      "type": "promptString",
      "description": "Azure tenant ID (required for multi-tenant scenarios)",
      "default": ""
    }
  ],
  "servers": {
    "ado": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@azure-devops/mcp", "${input:ado_org}", "--tenant", "${input:ado_tenant}", "-d", "core", "work", "work-items", "search", "repositories", "pipelines"]
    }
  }
}

context7 server (stdio)

{
  "context7": {
    "type": "stdio",
    "command": "npx",
    "args": ["-y", "@upstash/context7-mcp"]
  }
}

microsoft-docs server (HTTP)

{
  "microsoft-docs": {
    "type": "http",
    "url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/api/mcp"
  }
}

figma server (HTTP with managed auth)

{
  "figma": {
    "type": "http",
    "url": "https://mcp.figma.com/mcp"
  }
}

MCP File Generation

When creating .vscode/mcp.json:

1. Create .vscode/ directory if it does not exist
2. Combine only the selected server configurations into a single JSON object
3. Include inputs array only if ado server is selected
4. Merge all selected servers under a single servers object

Example combined configuration for "github, context7":

{
  "servers": {
    "github": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/"
    },
    "context7": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@upstash/context7-mcp"]
    }
  }
}

After creating the file, display:

✅ Created .vscode/mcp.json with [server names] configuration

📖 Full documentation: https://github.com/microsoft/hve-core/blob/main/docs/getting-started/mcp-configuration.md

Final Completion Report

After gitignore and MCP checkpoints complete, display the final completion message:

✅ Setup Complete!

▶️ Next Steps:
1. Reload VS Code (Ctrl+Shift+P → "Reload Window")
2. Open Copilot Chat (`Ctrl+Alt+I`) and click the agent picker dropdown
3. Select an agent to start working

💡 Select `task-researcher` from the picker to explore HVE-Core capabilities

For Extension installations, also include:

---
📝 Want to customize HVE-Core or share with your team?
Run this skill again and choose "Clone-Based Installation" for full customization options.

For Clone-based installations, proceed to Phase 7 for optional agent customization.

Phase 7: Agent Customization (Optional)

[!IMPORTANT] Generated scripts in this phase require PowerShell 7+ (pwsh). Windows PowerShell 5.1 is not supported.

After Phase 6 completes, offer users the option to copy agent files into their target repository. This phase ONLY applies to clone-based installation methods (1-6), NOT to extension installation.

Skip Condition

If user selected Extension Quick Install (Option 1) in Phase 2, skip Phase 7 entirely. Extension installation bundles agents automatically.

Checkpoint 6: Agent Copy Decision

Present the agent selection prompt:

📂 Agent Customization (Optional)

HVE-Core includes specialized agents for common workflows.
Copying agents enables local customization and offline use.

🔬 RPI Core (Research-Plan-Implement workflow)
  • task-researcher - Technical research and evidence gathering
  • task-planner - Implementation plan creation
  • task-implementor - Plan execution with tracking
  • task-reviewer - Implementation review and validation
  • rpi-agent - RPI workflow coordinator

📋 Planning & Documentation
  • adr-creation, agile-coach, brd-builder, doc-ops, prd-builder
  • product-manager-advisor, security-planner, ux-ui-designer

⚙️ Generators
  • arch-diagram-builder, gen-data-spec, gen-jupyter-notebook, gen-streamlit-dashboard

✅ Review & Testing
  • pr-review, prompt-builder, test-streamlit-dashboard

🧠 Utilities
  • memory - Conversation memory and session continuity

🔗 Platform-Specific
  • ado-prd-to-wit (Azure DevOps)
  • github-backlog-manager (GitHub)

Options:
  [1] Install RPI Core only (recommended)
  [2] Install by collection
  [3] Skip agent installation

Your choice? (1/2/3)

User input handling:

• "1", "rpi", "rpi core", "core" → Copy RPI Core bundle only
• "2", "collection", "by collection" → Proceed to Collection Selection sub-flow
• "3", "skip", "none", "no" → Skip to success report
• Unclear response → Ask for clarification

Collection Selection Sub-Flow

When the user selects option 2, read collection manifests to present available collections.

Step 1: Read collections and build collection agent counts

Read collections/*.collection.yml from the HVE-Core source (at $hveCoreBasePath). Derive collection options from collection id and name. For each selected collection, count agent items where kind equals agent and effective item maturity is stable (item maturity omitted defaults to stable; exclude experimental and deprecated).

Step 2: Present collection options

🎭 Collection Selection

Choose one or more collections to install agents tailored to your role, more to come in the future.

| # | Collection | Agents | Description                     |
|---|------------|--------|---------------------------------|
| 1 | Developer  | [N]    | Software engineers writing code |

Enter collection number(s) separated by commas (e.g., "1"):

Agent counts [N] include agents matching the collection with stable maturity.

User input handling:

• Single number (e.g., "1") → Select that collection
• Multiple numbers (e.g., "1, 3") → Combine agent sets from selected collections
• Collection name (e.g., "developer") → Match by identifier
• Unclear response → Ask for clarification

Step 3: Build filtered agent list

For each selected collection identifier:

1. Iterate through items in the collection manifest
2. Include items where kind is agent AND maturity is stable
3. Deduplicate across multiple selected collections

Step 4: Present filtered agents for confirmation

📋 Agents for [Collection Name(s)]

The following [N] agents will be copied:

  • [agent-name-1] - tags: [tag-1, tag-2]
  • [agent-name-2] - tags: [tag-1, tag-2]
  ...

Proceed with installation? (yes/no)

User input handling:

• "yes", "y" → Proceed with copy using filtered agent list
• "no", "n" → Return to Checkpoint 6 for re-selection
• Unclear response → Ask for clarification

[!NOTE] Collection filtering applies to agents only. Copying of related prompts, instructions, and skills based on collection is planned for a future release.

Agent Bundle Definitions

Bundle	Agents
hve-core	task-researcher, task-planner, task-implementor, task-reviewer, rpi-agent
collection:<id>	Stable agents matching the collection

Collision Detection

Before copying, check for existing agent files with matching names.

PowerShell: Run scripts/collision-detection.ps1 with the hveCoreBasePath, selection, and optional collectionAgents variables set.

Bash: Run scripts/collision-detection.sh with the HVE-Core base path and file list as arguments.

Collision Resolution Prompt

If collisions are detected, present:

⚠️ Existing Agents Detected

The following agents already exist in your project:
  • [list collision files]

Options:
  [O] Overwrite with HVE-Core version
  [K] Keep existing (skip these files)
  [C] Compare (show diff for first file)

Or for all conflicts:
  [OA] Overwrite all
  [KA] Keep all existing

Your choice?

User input handling:

• "o", "overwrite" → Overwrite current file, ask about next
• "k", "keep" → Keep current file, ask about next
• "c", "compare" → Show diff, then re-prompt
• "oa", "overwrite all" → Overwrite all collisions
• "ka", "keep all" → Keep all existing files

Agent Copy Execution

After selection and collision resolution, execute the copy operation.

PowerShell: Run scripts/agent-copy.ps1 with the required variables set.

Bash: Run scripts/agent-copy.sh with the HVE-Core base path, collection ID, and file list as arguments.

Agent Copy Success Report

Upon successful copy, display:

✅ Agent Installation Complete!

Copied [N] agents to .github/agents/
Created .hve-tracking.json for upgrade tracking

📄 Installed Agents:
  • [list of copied agent names]

🔄 Upgrade Workflow:
  Run this installer again to check for agent updates.
  Modified files will prompt before overwriting.
  Use 'eject' to take ownership of any file.

Proceeding to final success report...

Phase 7 Upgrade Mode

When .hve-tracking.json already exists, Phase 7 operates in upgrade mode.

Upgrade Detection

At Phase 7 start, check for existing manifest.

PowerShell: Run scripts/upgrade-detection.ps1 with the hveCoreBasePath variable set.

Bash: Run scripts/upgrade-detection.sh with the HVE-Core base path as an argument.

Upgrade Prompt

If upgrade mode with version change:

🔄 HVE-Core Agent Upgrade

Source: microsoft/hve-core v[SOURCE_VERSION]
Installed: v[INSTALLED_VERSION]

Checking file status...

File Status Check

Compare current files against manifest.

PowerShell: Run scripts/file-status-check.ps1.

Bash: Run scripts/file-status-check.sh to compare files against the manifest.

Upgrade Summary Display

Present upgrade summary:

📋 Upgrade Summary

Files to update (managed):
  ✅ .github/agents/hve-core/task-researcher.agent.md
  ✅ .github/agents/hve-core/task-planner.agent.md

Files requiring decision (modified):
  ⚠️ .github/agents/hve-core/task-implementor.agent.md

Files skipped (ejected):
  🔒 .github/agents/custom-agent.agent.md

For modified files, choose:
  [A] Accept upstream (overwrite your changes)
  [K] Keep local (skip this update)
  [E] Eject (never update this file again)
  [D] Show diff

Process file: task-implementor.agent.md?

Diff Display

When user requests diff:

─────────────────────────────────────
File: .github/agents/hve-core/task-implementor.agent.md
Status: modified
─────────────────────────────────────

--- Local version
+++ HVE-Core version

@@ -10,3 +10,5 @@
 ## Role Definition

-Your local modifications here
+Updated behavior with new capabilities
+
+New section added in latest version
─────────────────────────────────────

[A] Accept upstream / [K] Keep local / [E] Eject

Status Transitions

After user decision, update manifest:

Decision	Status Change	Manifest Update
Accept	modified → managed	Update hash, version
Keep	modified → modified	No change (skip file)
Eject	* → ejected	Add ejectedAt timestamp

Eject Implementation

When user ejects a file:

PowerShell: Run scripts/eject.ps1 with the FilePath parameter.

Bash: Run scripts/eject.sh with the file path as an argument.

Upgrade Completion

After processing all files:

✅ Upgrade Complete!

Updated: [N] files
Skipped: [M] files (kept local or ejected)
Version: v[OLD] → v[NEW]

Proceeding to final success report...

Error Recovery

Provide targeted guidance when steps fail:

Error	Troubleshooting
Not in git repo	Run from within a git workspace; verify git --version
Clone failed	Check network to github.com; verify git credentials and write permissions
Validation failed	Repository may be incomplete; delete HVE-Core directory and re-run installer
Settings update failed	Verify settings.json is valid JSON; check permissions; try closing VS Code

Rollback

To remove a failed or unwanted installation:

Method	Cleanup
Extension	VS Code → Extensions → HVE Core → Uninstall
1 (Peer Clone)	rm -rf ../hve-core
2 (Git-Ignored)	rm -rf .hve-core
3-4 (Mounted/Codespaces)	Remove mount/postCreate from devcontainer.json
5 (Multi-Root)	Delete .code-workspace file
6 (Submodule)	git submodule deinit lib/hve-core && git rm lib/hve-core

Then remove HVE-Core paths from .vscode/settings.json.

If you used Phase 7 agent copy, also delete .hve-tracking.json and optionally .github/agents/ if you no longer need copied agents.

Authorization Guardrails

Never modify files without explicit user authorization. Always explain changes before making them. Respect denial at any checkpoint.

Checkpoints requiring authorization:

1. Initial Consent (Phase 1) - before starting detection
2. Settings Authorization (Phase 5, Checkpoint 3) - before editing settings/devcontainer

Output Format Requirements

Progress Reporting

Use these exact emojis for consistency:

In-progress indicators (always end with ellipsis ...):

• "📂 Detecting environment..."
• "🔍 Asking configuration questions..."
• "📋 Recommending installation method..."
• "📥 Installing HVE-Core..."
• "🔍 Validating installation..."
• "⚙️ Updating settings..."
• "🛡️ Configuring gitignore..."
• "📡 Configuring MCP servers..."

Completion indicators:

• "✅ [Success message]"
• "❌ [Error message]"
• "⏭️ [Skipped message]"

Success Criteria

Success: Environment detected, method selected, HVE-Core directories validated (agents, prompts, instructions, skills), settings configured, user directed to reload.

Failure: Detection fails, clone/submodule fails, validation finds missing directories, or settings modification fails.

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🤖 Crafted with precision by ✨Copilot following brilliant human instruction, then carefully refined by our team of discerning human reviewers.