what-context-needed

To identify what files an AI assistant needs, you can prompt it to explicitly list the essential and helpful source files required. This clarifies context requirements and notes any already provided documents before it attempts an answer.

AI assistants give inaccurate answers for complex software development queries when they lack sufficient context. By requesting a context list of necessary configuration and documentation files beforehand, you prevent guesswork and improve accuracy.

Before asking an AI assistant to implement authentication, you should provide relevant source files, configuration files, and documentation. Requesting a context list ensures the AI explicitly identifies these necessary files first.

To get Copilot to ask for relevant source files, use a clarification prompt that requests it to list essential files and identify uncertainties. This ensures it reviews the necessary context before answering your technical question.

Yes, you can use an AI assistant to identify missing documentation before solving a technical problem. It can list essential and helpful files while noting already provided documents and highlighting any uncertainties.