linkedin.asisaga.com github-instructions.instructions.md

Instruction Files Standards

Purpose

Instruction files in .github/instructions/ are path-activated coding standards that auto-load when editing files matching their applyTo glob patterns.

File Format

YAML Frontmatter (required):

---
applyTo: "glob/pattern/**"
description: "Brief description for agent discovery"
---

Requirements

• applyTo: Specific glob pattern targeting exact file types
• description: One-line purpose (helps agents discover context)
• Body: Minimal coding standards, reference specs/docs for details

Content Guidelines

✅ DO Include:

• File format requirements
• Coding standards specific to the file type
• Tool integration commands (npm scripts, validation scripts)
• References to specs/docs for detailed patterns

❌ DON'T Include:

• Detailed specifications (belong in .github/specs/)
• Implementation guides (belong in .github/docs/)
• Duplicate content from copilot-instructions.md
• Overly broad applyTo patterns

Example Structure

---
applyTo: "**/*.example"
description: "Standards for example files"
---

# Example Files Instructions

## File Format
[Format requirements]

## Tool Integration
```bash
npm run validate

References

→ Specification: .github/specs/example-spec.md

## Validation

Before committing:
1. YAML frontmatter is valid
2. applyTo pattern is specific and focused
3. Content references specs/docs, doesn't duplicate
4. No overlap with other instruction files

## Related Documentation

→ **Instructions spec**: `.github/specs/instructions.md` - Detailed instruction file specification
→ **Framework**: `.github/docs/agent-intelligence-framework.md` - Complete system specification
→ **Path-specific instructions**: `.github/docs/path-specific-instructions.md` - How glob patterns work

---

**Version**: 1.1 - Added spec references for dogfooding  
**Last Updated**: 2026-02-14