Lost in legacy code? Ask GitHub Copilot for a reading guide
Give Copilot entry files and relevant modules to draft a file-referenced call-flow guide and open questions, then trace the actual code to verify it.
Execution environment and usage
AI / software
GitHub Copilot
Where to operate
GitHub Copilot Chat inside a code editor; VS Code is the suggested starting path.
Getting started
- Install and sign in to GitHub Copilot in VS Code, then open a project copy.
- Supply relevant code context in Copilot Chat and enter the request for code understanding; review the response first.
Setup and plan requirements
Copilot access and a compatible editor. Running tests additionally needs the project runtime, dependencies and test tools. Reading code does not require execution permission.
Prompt portability limits
Reuse sanitized snippets and questions with another coding assistant. Workspace context, tool calls and test environments do not transfer automatically.
Usage limitations
This case does not require Agent mode or automatic shell execution. If you enable an agent separately, review file and terminal permissions.
Environment sources
適用情境 / When to use
Give Copilot entry files and relevant modules to draft a file-referenced call-flow guide and open questions, then trace the actual code to verify it. AI may miss dynamic calls, configuration or runtime differences.
步驟 / Steps
- Provide the entry point, related modules and execution instructions.
- Request a call chain with file and function references.
- Read the referenced code and list uncertainties to verify.
提示詞 / Prompt
Do not modify files yet. Starting from [entry file], trace the data flow for [feature]: inputs, key functions, outputs and side effects, with file locations. Separate directly observable facts from inferences. Finish with the shortest useful reading route.
留意事項 / Cautions
- AI may miss dynamic calls, configuration or runtime differences.
- Verify architecture explanations against code and tests.