What is the copilot-instructions.md file and how does it affect Copilot CLI behaviour?

The copilot-instructions.md file is a repository-level configuration file that provides Copilot with persistent custom instructions about your project - such as build commands, test procedures, architecture notes, and coding conventions. Copilot CLI reads this file automatically on startup.

# Generate copilot-instructions.md for your project
/init
# Copilot scans the repo and proposes content covering:
# - Build, test, and lint commands
# - High-level architecture overview
# - Conventions and project-specific notes

# If the file already exists, /init suggests improvements
# You can accept or reject individual suggestions

# Suppress the startup message if you don't want the file
/init suppress

# Example copilot-instructions.md content:
# ## Build
# npm run build
#
# ## Test
# npm test
#
# ## Architecture
# This is a React frontend with a Node.js Express backend...

What it typically documents:

• Build, test, and lint commands
• High-level architecture description
• Key directories and their purpose
• Coding conventions and style guidelines
• Deployment notes

Startup behaviour: if no copilot-instructions.md is found, Copilot CLI displays: 💡 No copilot instructions found. Run /init to generate a copilot-instructions.md file for this project. You can permanently suppress this message with /init suppress.

Invest now in Acorns!!! 🚀
Join Acorns and get your $5 bonus!

Acorns is a micro-investing app that automatically invests your "spare change" from daily purchases into diversified, expert-built portfolios of ETFs. It is designed for beginners, allowing you to start investing with as little as $5. The service automates saving and investing. Disclosure: I may receive a referral bonus.

Invest now!!! Get Free equity stock (US, UK only)!

Use Robinhood app to invest in stocks. It is safe and secure. Use the Referral link to claim your free stock when you sign up!.

The Robinhood app makes it easy to trade stocks, crypto and more.

Webull! Receive free stock by signing up using the link: Webull signup.