Module · Copilot Engineer
Customising the Assistant
Instruction files, prompt files and the tools you wire in - the difference between a generic assistant and yours.
TOPIC 01
Instruction Files
The file the assistant reads before every suggestion.
What you'll practice
- Write the Instruction File — guided · beginner
- Scope the Instructions — practice · intermediate
A command you'll meet
cat ~/copilot/custom/instructions.mdOne file, read every time, is the highest leverage thing you can set up. Open the task below for the full walkthrough.
Hands-On Tasks in This Topic (2)
Write the Instruction File
The instruction file is read before every suggestion, so it should hold the few things that are always true. Write yours.
Scope the Instructions
The instructions that fit one service do not fit the whole company. Write the layering that keeps them relevant.
TOPIC 02
Prompt Files & Tools
The saved prompts, and the tools you wire in for the jobs the assistant cannot guess.
What you'll practice
- Save the Prompts You Reuse — practice · intermediate
- Wire In a Tool for the Job — challenge · advanced
A command you'll meet
cat ~/copilot/custom/prompt-files.mdA prompt you type every week belongs in a file. Open the task below for the full walkthrough.
Hands-On Tasks in This Topic (2)
Save the Prompts You Reuse
The prompt you type every week should be a file. Write the catalogue of the ones your team reuses.
Wire In a Tool for the Job
The assistant cannot open your issue tracker, and guessing is worse than not knowing. Write the case for connecting a tool - and the rules for connecting it safely.