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context-map

Has your agent create a map of all important files before making changes. This ensures nothing is missed during work.

What it does

This tool creates a visual map of all important files in a programming project before you make any changes. It helps you understand which parts of the code are connected and what might be affected.

When to use it

  • ✓When starting a new programming task.
  • ✓Before fixing a bug.
  • ✓When you need to understand a project's structure.

Example of what to ask your AI

“Create a context map for the task of adding a new login button.”

Want more? Open the sections below.

How to use

The easiest way: copy the message below and paste it into Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor or any AI. It reads the skill and follows the instructions.

Skill link

https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot/blob/main/skills/context-map/SKILL.md

Ready-to-paste message

Use this skill to help me: https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot/blob/main/skills/context-map/SKILL.md Read the SKILL.md file at that link and follow its instructions for my task.
How it works

The tool searches for files related to your task, identifies how they connect (imports/exports), finds associated tests, and looks for similar examples in the code. The result is an organized report showing which files to modify, which dependencies might change, which tests are relevant, and patterns to follow.

Installation

Easiest way: copy the skill link and paste it into Claude, ChatGPT or Cursor asking it to follow the instructions.

In the terminal (Claude Code, Codex, Cursor), in your project folder:

npx skills add github/awesome-copilot --skill context-map

Or download just the file:

curl -L https://raw.githubusercontent.com/github/awesome-copilot/main/skills/context-map/SKILL.md -o SKILL.md
Technical content (original SKILL.md)

Original text by the author, straight from GitHub.

Context Map

Before implementing any changes, analyze the codebase and create a context map.

Task

{{task_description}}

Instructions

  1. Search the codebase for files related to this task
  2. Identify direct dependencies (imports/exports)
  3. Find related tests
  4. Look for similar patterns in existing code

Output Format

## Context Map

### Files to Modify
| File | Purpose | Changes Needed |
|------|---------|----------------|
| path/to/file | description | what changes |

### Dependencies (may need updates)
| File | Relationship |
|------|--------------|
| path/to/dep | imports X from modified file |

### Test Files
| Test | Coverage |
|------|----------|
| path/to/test | tests affected functionality |

### Reference Patterns
| File | Pattern |
|------|---------|
| path/to/similar | example to follow |

### Risk Assessment
- [ ] Breaking changes to public API
- [ ] Database migrations needed
- [ ] Configuration changes required

Do not proceed with implementation until this map is reviewed.

FAQ

Why do I need a context map?

It prevents you from changing something without knowing the impact on other parts of the code, preventing errors and saving time.

What do 'dependencies' mean?

These are other files or code parts that use or are used by the code you are going to modify.

What is 'risk assessment'?

It's a checklist to warn about potential serious issues your changes might cause, like breaking existing features or requiring database changes.

Details

Original description by the author

Generate a map of all files relevant to a task before making changes

repo: github/awesome-copilot

Popularity

GitHub stars
40k
Ranking position
#5062
License
MIT
Updated
10/15/2026

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