prompt-show-instructions-used.prompt.md

prompt-show-instructions-used.prompt.md

name	description	agent
show-instructions-used	Require every Copilot Chat response to include an `Instructions used` footer listing any custom instructions used ".github/copilot-instructions.md" plus any matching path-scoped ".github/instructions/*.instructions.md" files or "(no scoped instructions)".	ask

Context

We have a repo with:

• a global Copilot instruction file: .github/copilot-instructions.md
• multiple path-scoped instruction files: .github/instructions/*.instructions.md using applyTo patterns

GitHub Copilot Chat doesn’t natively show which custom instructions and path-scoped instructions were applied for a given response.

Goal

We want Copilot Chat responses to always disclose which instruction files were applied for each response.

Your task

1. Update the repo’s global instruction file: .github/copilot-instructions.md.

2. Add (or update) a mandatory rule that forces Copilot to append an "Instructions used" footer to every response.

   • This footer must appear even for short answers/small talk.
   • Keep it short: 1–4 bullets.

3. Use this exact footer format and wording (verbatim), adjusting only the list items based on what applies:

   • Instructions used
     • .github/copilot-instructions.md
     • <any matching .github/instructions/*.instructions.md based on applyTo + the files/paths discussed or edited>
     • or (no scoped instructions)

4. Avoid duplicates:

   • If the rule already exists, refine it rather than adding a second copy.