Randy Pagels explains why developers should manage AI prompts like code—using Git, code reviews, and clear documentation for continuous improvement.

Treat Your AI Prompts Like Code

Author: Randy Pagels
Posted on Oct 17, 2025

Managing AI prompt files (such as .prompt.md and copilot-instructions.md) as part of your codebase ensures they are easily tracked, collaboratively refined, and kept in sync across your team. This approach improves both prompt quality and developer productivity.

Why Version Control for Prompts?

  • Prompts are not static; they evolve as requirements change or as the team learns what works best.
  • Storing prompts in Git allows for full history and accountability—every change is tracked alongside source code.
  • Reviewing prompt changes ensures consistency and quality, just like code reviews for logic changes.

Best Practices for Prompt Management

1. Version Your Prompt Files

  • Keep .prompt.md and copilot-instructions.md at the root of your repository.
  • Treat changes to these files as seriously as you would source code—use descriptive commit messages documenting improvements or bugfixes (e.g., “Refine unit test prompt for better error handling”).

2. Use Pull Requests for Editing Prompts

  • Refine and review prompts through pull requests (PRs) to enable peer review and discussion.
  • Utilize tools like Copilot Chat to summarize or assist in reviewing prompt changes (e.g., # Summarize the changes in this .prompt.md update).

3. Document the Why Behind Changes

  • In PR descriptions, explain the reason for each prompt edit—such as shifting a refactoring prompt’s focus from JavaScript to TypeScript.

4. Iterate Based on Feedback

  • Encourage team discussions to review and improve prompts continuously.
  • Ask Copilot or teammates to suggest refinements or flag inconsistencies. Example: # Check this .prompt.md for clarity and duplication

Watch Out for Prompt Drift

  • If you have multiple repositories, pro-actively align standards for prompts to prevent divergence.
  • Regularly review prompt libraries for consistency.

Key Takeaway

Prompts are a fundamental part of your software development workflow. By treating them like code—versioning, reviewing, and documenting changes—you build a reliable, evolving resource for your team.

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