## Simple - **Definition**: The principle of keeping prompts as simple as possible when using GitHub Copilot. - **Importance**: Simpler prompts reduce the complexity of the task for the AI, leading to more accurate and efficient suggestions. - **Examples**: - **Ghost Text**: The best prompt is one you don't have to write. Rely on AI-generated suggestions whenever possible. - **Simplified Queries**: Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable prompts to avoid overwhelming the AI. ## Specific - **Definition**: The principle of asking specific, open-ended questions to clarify what needs to be done. - **Importance**: Providing specific context reduces the amount of guessing the Copilot needs to do, leading to more precise and relevant suggestions. - **Examples**: - **Use of Contextual Tags**: Utilize tags such as `@workspace`, `#file:`, `#editor`, `#selection`, `#terminalLastCommand`, and `#terminalSelection` to provide clear context for the Copilot. - **Detailed Prompts**: Instead of asking vague questions, specify exactly what you need. For example, instead of "create function", ask "create a C# function to calculate the factorial of a number". ## Short - **Definition**: The principle of keeping prompts brief and to the point when interacting with GitHub Copilot. - **Importance**: Shorter prompts are quicker to type and understand, making the interaction more efficient. Incomplete sentences and minor typos do not hinder the AI's ability to generate useful suggestions. - **Examples**: - **Concise Queries**: Instead of writing, "Can you help me with writing a function that sorts a list in ascending order?", simply write, "Sort list ascending". - **Ignore Typos**: Don't worry about typos or complete sentences. Typing "fn sort lst asc" can be enough for Copilot to understand and provide a suggestion. --- ## Tags #PromptEngineering #GitHubCopilot #3SPrinciple #AIUsage #CodingEfficiency #SoftwareDevelopment #AIInteraction #CodingBestPractices --- ## See Also - [[Microsoft GitHub Copilot]] - Specific information and guides on using GitHub Copilot, a tool developed by Microsoft to assist with coding tasks. - [[AI Assistance]] - General concepts and techniques for utilizing AI in software development. - [[Prompt Design]] - Best practices for designing effective prompts for AI tools. - [[User Interaction]] - Strategies for effective interaction between users and AI systems. - [[GitHub Tools]] - Overview of various tools available within the GitHub ecosystem. - [[Command Line Interfaces]] - Techniques and commands for interacting with systems through command line interfaces. --- ## Parent - [[Software Development]] - The overarching field that encompasses practices, tools, and principles for developing software applications, including the use of AI tools like GitHub Copilot.