agent-customization

VS Code custom agents are ignored when configuration files have invalid YAML frontmatter or non-discoverable description fields. Troubleshooting involves checking the .agent.md file configuration, validating YAML syntax, and ensuring the applyTo patterns correctly match your intended scope.

Creating custom Copilot instructions involves managing .instructions.md and .prompt.md files to package domain knowledge. You define specialized workflows by writing markdown files with proper YAML frontmatter, placing them in the correct directory to guide the AI coding environment.

An .agent.md file defines custom VS Code agents by packaging domain knowledge into specialized workflows. It uses YAML frontmatter for configuration, allowing you to specify tool restrictions, applyTo patterns, and discoverable descriptions for your AI coding assistant.

Fixing YAML syntax errors in agent configuration requires validating the frontmatter of .agent.md and SKILL.md files. Check for correct indentation, proper quoting of string values, and ensure the description and applyTo fields are properly formatted to prevent ignored configurations.

Yes, you can restrict tools for custom VS Code Copilot agents by defining tool restrictions in the YAML frontmatter of your .agent.md file. This configuration management ensures your specialized workflows only access permitted tools, packaging domain knowledge securely.

ApplyTo patterns in SKILL.md files specify the scope where custom instructions apply, ensuring your VS Code agent customization targets the correct contexts. Configuring these patterns correctly prevents your custom agent from being ignored during AI coding sessions.