GitHub Copilot Chat Modes

This repository contains specialized chat mode configurations for GitHub Copilot to provide focused, expert-level assistance in different development contexts, plus a VS Code extension that makes these modes available as native chat participants.

🚀 VS Code Extension: Custom Copilot Chat Modes

Extension Name: Custom Copilot Chat Modes
Extension ID: yseneor.custom-copilot-chat-modes
Publisher: yseneor
Current Version: 1.3.0
Status: ✅ Published on VS Code Marketplace

What's New in v1.3.0 🎉

• 🔍 Enhanced Workspace Context Awareness: AI can now analyze your actual files and repository structure
• 📁 Intelligent File Discovery: Automatically finds and analyzes source files, test files, and configuration files
• 🎯 Context-Aware Recommendations: Provides specific suggestions based on your actual codebase
• 📊 Project Structure Analysis: Understands your project type, dependencies, and existing patterns
• 🔧 Improved Code Generation: Generates code that fits your project's architecture and conventions
• 📝 Better Error Handling: More robust context gathering with detailed logging
• ⚡ Performance Optimizations: Faster context loading and better memory management

No Setup Required

The extension works immediately after installation with embedded instructions. No need to copy files!

Key Features (v1.3.0)

• ✨ Embedded Instructions: Zero setup required - all instructions built into extension
• 🧠 Smart Context Awareness: Analyzes your workspace, files, and project structure automatically
• ⚡ Instant Usage: Install and use @tdd, @testing, @instructions right away
• 🎯 Slash Commands: Enhanced functionality with /cycle, /strategy, /optimize commands
• 🔄 Dual Mode Support: Built-in instructions + optional custom instructions
• 📦 Standalone Operation: Works in any workspace, no file dependencies
• 🚀 Professional Ready: Optimized for marketplace distribution
• Zero Configuration: Works in any workspace, even without repo files
• 📊 Repository Analysis: Provides recommendations based on actual code patterns

Installing the Extension

From VS Code Marketplace

The extension is now live on the VS Code Marketplace! Simply:

1. Open VS Code Extensions panel (Cmd + Shift + X)
2. Search for "Custom Copilot Chat Modes"
3. Click Install
4. Reload VS Code
5. Start using @tdd, @testing, @instructions immediately!

Alternative Installation Methods

• VS Code Extensions Panel: Press Cmd + Shift + X and search for "Custom Copilot Chat Modes"
• Publisher Search: Search for "yseneor" in VS Code Extensions
• Marketplace URL: Extension Page
• Command Line: code --install-extension yseneor.custom-copilot-chat-modes

Extension Usage Examples

# TDD Mode with slash commands
@tdd /cycle help me implement a calculator function
@tdd /test write a failing test for user authentication
@tdd /implement make my failing test pass
@tdd /refactor improve this code while keeping tests green

# Testing Mode with specialized commands
@testing /strategy create a testing plan for my API
@testing /framework recommend testing tools for React
@testing /coverage analyze my test coverage gaps
@testing /e2e guide me through end-to-end testing

# Instructions Mode for AI optimization
@instructions /optimize improve this AI prompt
@instructions /context help set proper context for coding tasks
@instructions /template create a reusable prompt template

How the Extension Works

Option 1: Embedded Instructions (Default - No Setup Required)

✅ Works immediately after installation
✅ Built-in instructions for all three modes
✅ No files to copy or configure
✅ Works in any workspace

Option 2: Custom Instructions (Advanced Users)

If you want to customize the chat mode instructions:

1. Copy the .github/chatmodes/ folder from this repository to your project
2. Modify the markdown files to fit your specific needs
3. Extension automatically detects and uses your custom files when available

The extension will load from:

• .github/chatmodes/tdd-mode.md
• .github/chatmodes/testing-mode.md
• .github/chatmodes/copilot-instructions.md

Available Chat Modes

🤖 Copilot Instructions

Expert guidance on creating effective AI prompts and instructions for coding assistants.

• Use when: Creating or optimizing AI prompts
• Expertise: Prompt engineering, AI instruction crafting
• Key features: Template patterns, best practices, troubleshooting

🔴 TDD Mode

Specialized mentor for Test-Driven Development workflows.

• Use when: Following TDD methodology
• Expertise: Red-Green-Refactor cycle, test-first development
• Key features: Step-by-step TDD guidance, framework recommendations

🧪 Testing Mode

Comprehensive testing expert covering all testing aspects.

• Use when: Planning or implementing testing strategies
• Expertise: Unit, integration, E2E testing, test automation
• Key features: Framework comparisons, testing patterns, CI/CD integration

How to Use

1. Choose the appropriate mode based on your current development task
2. Reference the mode when chatting with GitHub Copilot
3. Follow the guidelines provided in each mode for best results

Mode Selection Guide

Contributing

When adding new chat modes:

1. Follow the established structure and formatting
2. Include metadata section with version and date
3. Add table of contents for navigation
4. Include prerequisites and troubleshooting sections
5. Provide cross-references to related modes
6. Update this README with the new mode

Version History

• v1.2.1 (August 19, 2025): Enhanced extension with embedded instructions

  • ✨ Zero setup required - all instructions embedded in extension
  • 🔄 Dual-mode support: embedded instructions + optional custom files
  • 📦 Standalone operation in any workspace
  • ⚡ Enhanced user experience with no configuration needed
  • 🚀 Published on VS Code Marketplace

• v1.1.0 (August 19, 2025): Extension enhancements

  • 🎯 Added slash command support (/help, /examples, /best-practices)
  • 🔧 Enhanced chat participant functionality
  • 📝 Improved instruction loading system

• v1.0.0 (August 19, 2025): Initial release with three core modes

  • 🎉 Copilot Instructions mode
  • 🧪 TDD mode
  • 🔬 Testing mode
  • 🚀 VS Code extension with chat participants