Skip to content
Skillpedia
Prompts & LLMs40k · #5420

what-context-needed

Makes your agent ask for additional information. It asks what files or context are needed to answer a question completely.

What it does

This tool helps the AI ask for the right files before answering your question. It lists which documents are needed and why, so the AI can give you a more accurate response.

When to use it

  • ✓When you have a complex code-related question.
  • ✓When the AI seems to lack information.
  • ✓Before asking a question to ensure the AI has the necessary context.

Example of what to ask your AI

“What files do you need to see to help me with [your question here]?”

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/what-context-needed/SKILL.md

Ready-to-paste message

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

The AI analyzes your question and identifies the types of files that contain the relevant information. It then lists these files, explaining why each one is important for answering your query.

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 what-context-needed

Or download just the file:

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

Original text by the author, straight from GitHub.

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

## 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

Why does the AI need files?

To answer questions about code, the AI needs to 'read' the code itself. Just like a human would read a book to answer a question about it.

What do 'Must See' and 'Should See' mean?

'Must See' are essential files for a correct answer. 'Should See' are files that help provide a more complete answer but aren't strictly necessary.

What does the AI do if it has seen a file before?

It notes files that have already been discussed in the current conversation, so it doesn't ask for them again and knows what's already in its 'knowledge'.

Details

Original description by the author

Ask Copilot what files it needs to see before answering a question

repo: github/awesome-copilot

Popularity

GitHub stars
40k
Ranking position
#5420
License
MIT
Updated
10/15/2026

Is this skill useful?

0

Sign in to vote.

Comments

  • …

More skills from this repository

Similar skills