Customizing GitHub Copilot in JetBrains with Custom Instructions

Introduction

Custom Instructions in JetBrains allow you to speed up development while following coding standards and preferences, whether working solo or in a team.

Setting up Custom Instructions

• Ensure you have the latest GitHub Copilot version in JetBrains IDE.
• Go to GitHub Copilot settings and find Custom Instructions.
• Configure custom instructions for the current workspace or as global settings.
• You can also manually create instruction files for workspace or global settings.

Example: Making custom instructions for newly generated code

• Create a workspace-level instruction for a Java class implementing the quicksort algorithm.
• After creating the class, see the custom header automatically added at the top as per the configured instruction.

Example: Customizing git commit messages

• Customize git commit messages based on your needs in GitHub Copilot settings.
• Configure git commit messages for the current workspace or as global settings.
• You can also manually create instruction files for workspace or global settings.

Learn More

• Explore more custom instructions usage in the official documentation.

Feedback

• Your feedback is valuable for improvements. Share your thoughts using in-product feedback or on JetBrains IDE Feedback channels.

Try GitHub Copilot Now

• Experience the benefits of GitHub Copilot for efficient coding.