what-context-needed — GitHub Copilot skill: install
This skill asks Copilot which files it needs before answering. Use it when a project question depends on code the agent has not seen.
npx skills add github/awesome-copilot --skill what-context-neededWhat what-context-needed does
what-context-needed changes the first step of a coding question. Copilot lists the files it needs to inspect and separates required context from files that would help complete the answer. It explains why each file matters and records files already seen in the conversation.
The skill also lists uncertainties that remain without more code. After you provide the requested files, you ask the original question again. Install it when Copilot often answers with too little project context; for self-contained questions, it adds an unnecessary step.
What it helps with
- identify files needed for an answer
- separate required context from helpful context
- track files already seen in the conversation
- surface uncertainties before asking again
Example prompts for the agent
- Before answering my question about the project structure, list the files you need to see and explain why each one matters.
- First tell me which files you need to investigate this error, then note which files you have already seen.
- After I provide the files, tell me to ask my question again.
How to install what-context-needed
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add github/awesome-copilot --skill what-context-needed2GitHub CLI
gh skill install github/awesome-copilot what-context-needed3Manually: put the files in place
.github/skills/what-context-needed/SKILL.md1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add github/awesome-copilot --skill what-context-needed -a claude-code2Manually: put the files in place
~/.claude/skills/what-context-needed/SKILL.mdCopy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/what-context-needed/
Manually: put the files in place
.agents/skills/what-context-needed/SKILL.mdFor all projects use ~/.agents/skills/
Manually: put the files in place
.cursor/skills/what-context-needed/SKILL.mdCursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/
Platform CLI
gemini skills install https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot --path skills/what-context-neededManually: put the files in place
.devin/skills/what-context-needed/SKILL.mdThe legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works
Claude.ai
Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills
From the same set554
The whole set →Similar
Questions about what-context-needed
How do I install what-context-needed in GitHub Copilot?
Run npx skills add github/awesome-copilot --skill what-context-needed or gh skill install github/awesome-copilot what-context-needed. The skill is placed at .github/skills/what-context-needed/SKILL.md.
What does what-context-needed do?
It asks Copilot to list the files it needs, explain why each file is relevant, and record files already seen. It also identifies uncertainties that require more code.
What should I do after providing the files?
Ask the original question again after you provide the requested files.
Source text
SKILL.md · MIT
---
name: what-context-needed
description: 'Ask Copilot what files it needs to see before answering a question'
---
# What Context Do You Need?
Before answering my question, tell me what files you need to see.
## My Question
{{question}}
## Instructions
1. Based on my question, list the files you would need to examine
2. Explain why each file is relevant
3. Note any files you've already seen in this conversation
4. Identify what you're uncertain about
## Output Format
```markdown
## Files I Need
### Must See (required for accurate answer)
- `path/to/file.ts` — [why needed]
### Should See (helpful for complete answer)
- `path/to/file.ts` — [why helpful]
### Already Have
- `path/to/file.ts` — [from earlier in conversation]
### Uncertainties
- [What I'm not sure about without seeing the code]
```
After I provide these files, I'll ask my question again.
© github · MIT · github/awesome-copilot