what-context-needed
Ask Copilot what files it needs to see before answering a question
- Installs
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot --skill what-context-needed- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads what-context-needed automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
Security audits
Independent scans of the skill's instructions and bundled files.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
What Context Do You Need?
Before answering my question, tell me what files you need to see.
My Question
{{question}}
Instructions
- Based on my question, list the files you would need to examine
- Explain why each file is relevant
- Note any files you've already seen in this conversation
- Identify what you're uncertain about
Output Format
## 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.
FAQ
What does the what-context-needed skill do?
Ask Copilot what files it needs to see before answering a question
How do I install what-context-needed?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot --skill what-context-needed in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/what-context-needed/ (personal) or .claude/skills/what-context-needed/ (project).
Which AI agents can use what-context-needed?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is what-context-needed safe to install?
Security partners have reviewed it: Gen Agent Trust Hub passed; Socket passed; Snyk passed; Runlayer passed; ZeroLeaks passed. As with any skill, read the SKILL.md and bundled scripts before installing.
Who maintains what-context-needed?
It is published by github in github/awesome-copilot, and it is an official skill from the maker of the technology it covers. It has 8,937 recorded installs.
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