Configure Copilot Instructions For Your Repository

Hey guys! Ever wondered how to get the most out of Copilot in your projects? One of the coolest things you can do is set up specific instructions for your repository. This helps Copilot understand your project better, leading to smarter and more relevant suggestions. Let's dive into how you can do this, using a real-world Laravel project as an example. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of configuring Copilot instructions, ensuring that Copilot becomes an invaluable part of your development workflow. By tailoring Copilot's behavior to your project's specific needs, you can enhance its ability to provide contextually relevant suggestions, ultimately boosting your productivity and code quality. Let's explore the best practices for setting up Copilot instructions and how they can significantly improve your coding experience.

Understanding the Importance of Copilot Instructions

Before we jump into the how-to, let's quickly chat about why this is important. Think of Copilot as a super-smart but slightly naive coding buddy. It knows a lot, but it doesn't know your project inside and out. That’s where instructions come in! These instructions act like a cheat sheet, giving Copilot the context it needs to make better suggestions. By providing clear and concise instructions, you ensure that Copilot understands the project's architecture, conventions, and specific requirements. This understanding allows Copilot to offer more accurate and relevant code completions, reducing the need for manual corrections and improving overall efficiency. Effective Copilot instructions can significantly enhance the quality of code suggestions, making the development process smoother and more intuitive. So, investing time in setting up these instructions is an investment in the long-term productivity and maintainability of your project. Ultimately, well-crafted instructions transform Copilot from a general-purpose coding assistant into a project-aware partner, capable of providing targeted and highly valuable support. Let's get started!

Example Repository: A Laravel 12 Project

For our example, we’ll use a Laravel 12 project running on PHP 8.2. This project has a few key characteristics that make it a great example for setting up Copilot instructions. It adheres to Laravel conventions and best practices, which is something we want Copilot to recognize and respect. We also want to ensure that Copilot doesn't suggest adding new dependencies unless they are absolutely necessary. This Laravel project is structured into several distinct elements, each serving a specific purpose within the application. Understanding these components is crucial for configuring Copilot effectively, as it allows Copilot to provide context-aware suggestions that align with the project's architecture and goals. Let's take a closer look at the key directories and their roles in the project, which will help us formulate precise instructions for Copilot. By clearly defining the structure and purpose of each component, we can guide Copilot to offer suggestions that are not only technically sound but also in harmony with the project's overall design. This detailed understanding will ensure that Copilot becomes an integral part of the development process, contributing to a more cohesive and maintainable codebase.

Project Structure & Key Components

Our project is neatly organized into several directories, each with a specific role:

• / directory: This is your standard Laravel application, making use of Sanctum, Fortify, and Jetstream for authentication and scaffolding. Copilot should understand that this is a typical Laravel setup and suggest code that fits within this framework. This directory is the heart of the application, containing all the core logic, models, controllers, and views that define its functionality. By recognizing this as a standard Laravel application, Copilot can leverage its knowledge of Laravel conventions and best practices to provide relevant suggestions. This includes understanding the role of various components such as Eloquent models for database interaction, controllers for handling HTTP requests, and views for rendering the user interface. Furthermore, the use of Sanctum, Fortify, and Jetstream indicates a specific approach to authentication and user management, which Copilot should also take into account when suggesting code. Therefore, clear instructions emphasizing the Laravel nature of this directory will enable Copilot to offer more accurate and contextually appropriate assistance throughout the development process. This ensures that Copilot's suggestions align seamlessly with the project's overall architecture and coding standards.
• /api-client directory: Here’s where things get interesting! This directory contains an automatically generated TypeScript API client. The golden rule here is: never touch these files directly. They are auto-generated, and any manual changes will be overwritten. This is a critical instruction for Copilot, as it needs to understand that this directory is off-limits for manual editing. The API client is generated to facilitate interaction with the Laravel application's API, providing a type-safe and efficient way to consume API endpoints from TypeScript-based frontends. The generation process is triggered by the composer ci-openapi-doc command, which wraps the generation of the OpenAPI specification and the TypeScript API client package. This automated approach ensures that the API client remains consistent with the API definition, reducing the risk of integration issues and improving overall development efficiency. Users are encouraged to utilize this TypeScript API client package for interacting with the API, as it offers a streamlined and reliable method for data exchange. Therefore, Copilot should be instructed to avoid suggesting modifications within this directory and instead focus on providing assistance in areas where developers interact with the API client, such as in frontend components or services. This distinction is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the auto-generated code and preventing accidental overwrites.
  • The client can be regenerated using composer ci-openapi-doc. This command takes care of generating the OpenAPI specification (docs/_openapi/api.json) and the TypeScript API client package. This ensures that the API client remains up-to-date with any changes to the API. By automating the generation process, the project maintains a consistent and reliable interface between the backend and frontend. This reduces the risk of integration issues and simplifies the development workflow. The command ensures that the API documentation and client code are always in sync, which is particularly important in larger projects where API changes are frequent. Therefore, Copilot should be aware of this regeneration process and should not suggest manual modifications to the client code, as these would be overwritten the next time the command is run. Instead, Copilot can provide valuable assistance by suggesting improvements to the API specification or by helping developers utilize the generated client in their code.
  • The TypeScript API client package is built under /api-client/ and is published on GitHub Package: @metanull/inventory-app-api-client (private). This package provides a convenient way for other parts of the application, or even other applications, to interact with the API. Publishing the package on GitHub Package allows for versioning and easy distribution. The private nature of the package ensures that it is only accessible to authorized users and applications. This setup is common in microservices architectures where different components need to communicate with each other via well-defined APIs. Copilot should be aware of the location and publication details of this package, as it can provide more relevant suggestions when developers are working with the API client. For example, it could suggest importing specific types or functions from the package or help with handling API responses. Understanding the role and context of this package is crucial for Copilot to provide effective assistance in the project.
  • It can be published using .\scripts\publish-api-client.ps1 -Credential (Get-Credential -UserName pat -Message "Provide your Personal Access Token"), or via a (not yet tested) GitHub workflow. This PowerShell script automates the process of publishing the API client package to GitHub Package. The script uses a personal access token (PAT) for authentication, ensuring that only authorized users can publish new versions of the package. This is a common practice for securing the publication process and preventing unauthorized updates. The mention of a potential GitHub workflow suggests that the project is aiming to further automate this process, which would streamline the release cycle and reduce the risk of manual errors. Copilot can assist with this process by suggesting improvements to the script or the workflow configuration. For instance, it could help with error handling, logging, or version management. Understanding the publication process is important for Copilot to provide comprehensive assistance related to the API client package.
• /docs directory: This is where our project documentation lives! It’s a separate application powered by Jekyll (Ruby) and generates our project documentation website. This documentation site is deployed on GitHub Pages via CI/CD workflows. This directory is a self-contained application that is responsible for generating the project's documentation. The use of Jekyll, a static site generator, allows for easy creation and maintenance of the documentation website. By deploying the site on GitHub Pages, the project benefits from free hosting and seamless integration with the GitHub repository. The CI/CD workflows ensure that the documentation is automatically updated whenever changes are made to the codebase or documentation files. This keeps the documentation current and reduces the manual effort required to maintain it. Copilot should recognize this directory as a separate application and provide suggestions that are relevant to Jekyll and documentation generation. For example, it could help with writing Markdown content, configuring Jekyll settings, or troubleshooting build issues. Understanding the purpose and technology stack of this directory is crucial for Copilot to provide effective assistance with the project's documentation efforts.
  • The /docs directory contains both auto-generated elements (like Git commit history) and manually maintained documentation pages (e.g., /docs/index.md, /docs/guidelines/*.md). The auto-generated elements are typically managed by CI/CD workflows, ensuring that they are always up-to-date. The manually maintained pages contain the core documentation content, such as guides, tutorials, and API references. These pages are written in Markdown and transformed into static HTML by Jekyll. This combination of auto-generated and manually maintained content allows for a comprehensive and dynamic documentation site. Copilot can assist with both aspects of this process. It can help with writing and formatting Markdown content for the manually maintained pages and provide suggestions for improving the clarity and organization of the documentation. For the auto-generated elements, Copilot can help with troubleshooting CI/CD workflows and ensuring that the generated content is accurate and complete. Understanding the distinction between these two types of content is important for Copilot to provide contextually relevant suggestions.
• /resources/js directory: This directory houses a sample SPA frontend application built using Vue 3, TypeScript, and Pinia. This application demonstrates how to use the TypeScript API client package to interact with the Laravel backend. The key thing to remember here is that this frontend is completely independent of the main Laravel application’s frontend. This SPA serves as a practical example of how to consume the API client, providing developers with a reference implementation for their own frontend applications. By using Vue 3, TypeScript, and Pinia, the application leverages modern frontend technologies to create a reactive and maintainable user interface. The independence from the main Laravel application allows for a clear separation of concerns and facilitates the development of decoupled frontend and backend components. Copilot can provide valuable assistance in this directory by suggesting code for interacting with the API client, handling data in Pinia stores, and building Vue components. Understanding the technology stack and the purpose of this application is crucial for Copilot to provide effective and contextually relevant suggestions. This helps developers understand how to integrate the API client into their projects and build robust frontend applications.
  • This SPA never interacts directly with the backend API. Instead, it exclusively uses the TypeScript API client package. This is a crucial point for Copilot to understand, as it should not suggest any code that bypasses the API client. The API client acts as an intermediary, providing a type-safe and consistent way to interact with the backend. This approach promotes a clean separation of concerns and reduces the risk of introducing errors. By enforcing the use of the API client, the project ensures that all communication with the backend adheres to a well-defined contract. Copilot can assist with this pattern by suggesting the correct usage of the API client, such as calling specific methods and handling responses. It can also help with troubleshooting issues related to API communication by providing insights into the API client's behavior. Understanding this constraint is essential for Copilot to provide accurate and relevant suggestions within this directory.

Key Web Routes and Components

The Laravel application exposes several components through distinct classes of routes:

• /api route: This is the REST API backend. The goal here is to keep this a pure API backend, with no frontend code mixed in. This route serves as the primary interface for external applications and services to interact with the Laravel application. By adhering to RESTful principles, the API provides a predictable and scalable way to access and manipulate data. The emphasis on a pure API backend means that this route should not contain any code related to rendering user interfaces. This separation of concerns allows for greater flexibility and maintainability, as the backend can evolve independently of the frontend. Copilot should understand this design principle and provide suggestions that align with a RESTful API architecture. For example, it could help with defining API endpoints, implementing resource controllers, and handling authentication and authorization. Understanding the role and constraints of this route is crucial for Copilot to provide effective assistance.
• /web route: This is the user interface of the application, a server-rendered Blade frontend using Livewire, Alpine.js, and Tailwind CSS. This is where the magic happens for the user-facing part of the application! This route delivers the main user interface of the application, leveraging server-side rendering with Blade templates for performance and SEO benefits. The use of Livewire, Alpine.js, and Tailwind CSS provides a modern and reactive user experience. Livewire allows for building dynamic interfaces with minimal JavaScript, while Alpine.js adds interactivity and behavior to the DOM. Tailwind CSS provides a utility-first approach to styling, enabling rapid UI development. Copilot can assist with all aspects of building this frontend, from writing Blade templates to implementing Livewire components and styling with Tailwind CSS. It can suggest code snippets, help with debugging, and provide guidance on best practices for these technologies. Understanding the technology stack and the server-rendered nature of this frontend is crucial for Copilot to provide relevant and effective assistance.
  • CRITICAL: The /web route never uses the API backend. All data interactions are done directly via Laravel models and controllers. This is a key architectural decision that Copilot must understand. Bypassing the API for internal interactions within the application can improve performance and reduce complexity. By directly accessing Laravel models and controllers, the frontend can interact with the database and application logic without the overhead of making API requests. This approach is suitable for applications where the frontend and backend are tightly coupled and share the same codebase. Copilot should respect this constraint and avoid suggesting any code that attempts to use the API backend from within this route. Instead, it should focus on providing suggestions for interacting with Laravel models and controllers directly. Understanding this design pattern is essential for Copilot to provide accurate and contextually relevant assistance.
• /cli route: This route exposes the sample "api client" SPA frontend implementation. The primary goal here is to demonstrate how to use the TypeScript API client package from within a SPA frontend application. This route serves as a practical example for developers who want to integrate the API client into their own frontend projects. By providing a working example, the project makes it easier for users to understand how to consume the API from a SPA environment. This route is distinct from the main /web route, as it focuses solely on demonstrating the API client. Copilot can assist with this route by suggesting code for interacting with the API client, handling data in the SPA, and building UI components. Understanding the purpose and technology stack of this route is crucial for Copilot to provide effective guidance.
  • This SPA is totally independent from the main frontend. This reinforces the idea that the SPA is a self-contained demonstration and not part of the core application's user interface. This separation allows for greater flexibility in terms of technology choices and development workflows. The SPA can be updated and deployed independently of the main application, which can improve the overall development process. Copilot should recognize this independence and provide suggestions that are specific to the SPA environment. For example, it might suggest using different libraries or frameworks than those used in the main frontend. Understanding this separation is important for Copilot to provide accurate and contextually relevant assistance.
  • CRITICAL: This SPA never interacts directly with the backend API; instead, it uses exclusively the TypeScript API client package to interact with the API. This is a fundamental principle of the SPA's architecture. By enforcing the use of the API client, the project ensures a consistent and type-safe way to interact with the backend. This also allows for easier maintenance and testing, as the API client acts as a single point of contact for all API interactions. Copilot should adhere to this constraint and avoid suggesting any code that bypasses the API client. Instead, it should focus on providing suggestions for using the API client effectively. Understanding this principle is crucial for Copilot to provide accurate and helpful assistance within this route.
• /api/docs route: This route hosts an auto-generated static page powered by swagger-ui that exposes the API's OpenAPI documentation. This is a valuable resource for developers who want to understand the API's capabilities and how to use it. The swagger-ui provides an interactive interface for exploring the API endpoints and schemas. By automatically generating this documentation, the project ensures that it is always up-to-date with the latest API changes. This reduces the risk of errors and makes it easier for developers to integrate with the API. Copilot can assist with this route by suggesting improvements to the OpenAPI specification, helping with troubleshooting swagger-ui issues, and providing guidance on how to use the documentation effectively. Understanding the purpose and technology stack of this route is important for Copilot to provide comprehensive assistance related to the API.

Crafting Copilot Instructions

Okay, now that we have a solid understanding of the project, let’s talk about how to translate this into Copilot instructions. Here’s what we want to tell Copilot:

1. General Laravel Goodness: “This is a Laravel 12 project. Follow Laravel conventions and best practices.” This sets the tone and ensures Copilot suggests Laravel-idiomatic code.
2. API Client Caveat: “Do not directly modify files in the /api-client/ directory. These files are auto-generated. Use the composer ci-openapi-doc command to regenerate them.” This is crucial to prevent accidental breakage.
3. SPA Frontend Focus: “The /resources/js directory contains a sample SPA frontend that uses the @metanull/inventory-app-api-client package. It interacts with the API exclusively through this package.” This guides Copilot to suggest API client usage in the frontend.
4. Web Route Directness: “The /web route serves a server-rendered Blade frontend. It interacts with Laravel models and controllers directly, not the API.” This ensures Copilot doesn’t suggest API calls in the main frontend.

Turning Instructions into a File

These instructions can be placed in a copilot-instructions.md file at the root of your repository. Copilot will automatically pick up these instructions and use them to guide its suggestions. Creating this file is a simple yet powerful way to tailor Copilot's behavior to your project's specific needs and conventions. By placing the instructions in a dedicated file, you ensure that they are easily accessible and maintainable. This also allows for version control, making it easy to track changes to the instructions over time. The copilot-instructions.md file serves as a central repository for all project-specific guidance for Copilot, ensuring that it remains aligned with the project's architecture and goals. By taking the time to craft clear and concise instructions, you can significantly enhance Copilot's effectiveness and make it an invaluable part of your development workflow. This file acts as a contract between the development team and Copilot, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding the project's conventions and best practices.

Conclusion

Setting up Copilot instructions is a fantastic way to make Copilot a more effective coding partner. By giving it context about your project, you’ll get better suggestions and a smoother development experience. So, give it a try, guys! You might be surprised at how much it helps. Remember, a well-configured Copilot is like having an extra pair of (very smart) hands on your project. By investing a little time in setting up instructions, you can reap significant benefits in terms of productivity, code quality, and overall development efficiency. This proactive approach ensures that Copilot becomes a seamless extension of your development team, contributing to a more collaborative and effective coding environment. So, take the plunge, experiment with different instructions, and watch Copilot transform from a generic code assistant into a project-aware partner that truly understands your needs and goals. The journey to a well-configured Copilot is a journey to a more streamlined and enjoyable development experience.