Allison describes new features for GitHub Copilot, focusing on agent-specific instructions via the excludeAgent property, which enhances control over code review and coding agent behavior for developers.

Agent-Specific Custom Instructions Now Supported in Copilot Code Review and Coding Agent

GitHub Copilot’s latest update enables targeted customization of agent behaviors by introducing the excludeAgent property in .instructions.md files. This feature lets developers define feedback and coding patterns that apply to specific Copilot agents, such as code review or coding agent, providing fine-grained control over repository automation workflows.

Recap: Customizing Copilot with instructions.md

Developers have already been using custom instruction files located in the .github/instructions directory. With the applyTo property, it’s possible to restrict instructions to select directories or files using path globs (e.g., applyTo: "app/models/**/*.rb" for model files).

Introducing Agent-Specific Instructions with excludeAgent

  • The new excludeAgent property in the frontmatter of .instructions.md files allows instructions to be omitted for designated agents.
    • excludeAgent: "code-review" prevents a file from being used in Copilot code review.
    • excludeAgent: "coding-agent" restricts usage from Copilot coding agent.
  • If excludeAgent is not specified, the instructions file applies to all Copilot agents by default.
  • This feature empowers developers to offer focused guidance for each agent, minimizing unwanted overlap and clarifying instructions context.

Screenshot showing how to specify agent-specific instructions in .instructions.md files.

Additional Custom Instruction Improvements

  • A recent bug fix enables Copilot code review to properly read all relevant *.instructions.md files.
  • To learn more about creating custom instruction files and configuring Copilot, consult the Copilot instructions documentation.
  • Join the broader discussion and share feedback via GitHub Community.

Key Takeaways

  • Developers can now control which Copilot agents respond to which instruction files, supporting advanced workflows.
  • Instructions are more precise, reducing ambiguity and improving code review and coding outcomes.
  • The enhancement reflects Copilot’s commitment to collaborative, transparent automation in development teams.

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