name	devcontainer-helper
description	Use this skill when the user asks to create, configure, update, or explain a `devcontainer.json` file or development container environment.

DevContainer Helper

This skill assists in creating and managing devcontainer.json files for consistent development environments.

Workflow

1. specific Requirements

Before generating the file, determine the user's needs:

Base Environment: Do they want a pre-built image (e.g., Ubuntu, Python, Node), a custom Dockerfile, or a docker-compose.yml setup?
Languages & Tools: What languages (Node.js, Python, Go, Rust, etc.) and tools (Git, CLI utilities) are needed?
Extensions: Are there specific VS Code extensions required?
Ports: What ports need to be forwarded?

2. Generate Configuration

Use the template in assets/devcontainer-template.json as a starting point.

For Image-based (Simplest): Use the image property. Add features for additional tools.

For Dockerfile: Use build.dockerfile property pointing to their Dockerfile.

For Docker Compose: Use dockerComposeFile and service properties.

3. Add Features

Encourage using "Features" over manual Dockerfile commands when possible for better maintainability. Common features:

Node.js: ghcr.io/devcontainers/features/node:1
Python: ghcr.io/devcontainers/features/python:1
Docker-in-Docker: ghcr.io/devcontainers/features/docker-in-docker:2
Git: ghcr.io/devcontainers/features/git:1

4. Lifecycle Scripts

If the user needs to run commands (like npm install or pip install) after the container builds:

Use postCreateCommand for one-time setup.
Use postStartCommand for commands that run every time the container starts.

References

See references/cheatsheet.md for a list of common devcontainer.json properties and valid values.

name	devcontainer-helper
description	Use this skill when the user asks to create, configure, update, or explain a `devcontainer.json` file or development container environment.