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GitHub / Microsoft · VS Code agent mode · JetBrains, Visual Studio & others · Copilot CLI · Copilot coding agent (github.com)

GitHub Copilot rules files explained

Which instruction files GitHub Copilot reads (.github/copilot-instructions.md, .github/instructions/*.instructions.md, AGENTS.md), where to put them, and how to convert from other agents.

Files Copilot reads

  • .github/copilot-instructions.md
  • .github/instructions/*.instructions.md
  • AGENTS.md

AGENTS.md: Yes.

Who reads what

AgentRules filesAGENTS.md
ClaudeCLAUDE.md, .claude/rules/*.mdOnly when no CLAUDE.md exists (per research notes, Oct 2026; verify)
CodexAGENTS.mdYes (AGENTS.md originated here)
Cursor.cursor/rules/*.mdc, AGENTS.md, .cursorrules (legacy)Yes
Copilot.github/copilot-instructions.md, .github/instructions/*.instructions.md, AGENTS.mdYes
AntigravityGEMINI.md, AGENTS.mdYes (per research notes; verify)
Convert your rules file →
+ Featured spot on the rules libraryReach developers choosing tools for their coding agent. Labeled, and it never affects ratings.

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What changed across coding agents this week

Limit and pricing changes, new MCP servers, and setup fixes for Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Copilot and Antigravity.

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