your-first-prompt-file.md

title	Your first prompt file
intro	Create your first {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} prompt file with this simple code explanation example that works for any programming language.
versions	feature copilot
category	Prompt files Getting started Configure Copilot Scale institutional knowledge
complexity	Simple
octicon	copilot
contentType	tutorials

{% data reusables.copilot.prompt-files-preview-note %}

About customizations

You can customize {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}'s responses using two types of files:

• Custom instructions provide ongoing guidance for how {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} should behave across all your interactions. For an introductory example, see AUTOTITLE.
• Prompt files (public preview) define reusable prompts for specific tasks that you can invoke when needed. {% data reusables.copilot.prompt-files-available-in-editors %}

Your first prompt file

Start with this simple prompt file that helps you write clear, well-documented code explanations.

Code explanation prompt

---
agent: 'agent'
description: 'Generate a clear code explanation with examples'
---

Explain the following code in a clear, beginner-friendly way:

Code to explain: ${input:code:Paste your code here}
Target audience: ${input:audience:Who is this explanation for? (e.g., beginners, intermediate developers, etc.)}

Please provide:

* A brief overview of what the code does
* A step-by-step breakdown of the main parts
* Explanation of any key concepts or terminology
* A simple example showing how it works
* Common use cases or when you might use this approach

Use clear, simple language and avoid unnecessary jargon.

Test it out

1. Save the prompt file above as explain-code.prompt.md in your .github/prompts folder.

2. In {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, display the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} view and enter /explain-code.

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} will switch to agent mode, if this is not already selected, and will prompt you to enter some code and an audience type.

3. Enter:

   The code is `function fibonacci(n) { return n <= 1 ? n : fibonacci(n-1) + fibonacci(n-2); }`. The audience is beginners.
   

{% data reusables.copilot.prompt-files-further-reading %}