LearnThatStack Ace your next interview
Context Engineering · question
Question 3 of 50

What kinds of information belong in a project instruction file, and what should stay out?

beginner
← All Context Engineering questions
Re-explain

Include stable facts that affect many tasks. Examples include important directories, standard commands, architectural boundaries, naming rules, approved libraries, and dangerous actions that need approval. Add a concise definition of done, such as running focused tests and reporting any failures.

Leave out secrets, credentials, customer data, temporary task details, and long tutorials. Do not copy information that already has a trusted source; point to that document instead. Avoid vague advice such as “write good code,” because it gives the model no useful action. Also remove rules that tools or linters already enforce unless the assistant needs them to choose an approach. A useful instruction file is a small map and policy guide, not a complete project handbook.

Rewriting in plainer words…

This answer doesn't lend itself to a diagram - it reads best . No credits were charged.

Why there's no diagram: “”

The interactive diagram is below the answer - jump to diagram ↓ · Below it, the related concept . Jump to it ↓

The diagram below the answer is the concept . Jump to it ↓

Tailored explanation · switch back to · ·
What should the new diagram focus on?
How well did you know this?
AI:

Saved in this browser - sign in to keep your review list.

How should your speech become text?

Listening… your words appear above as you speak - tap Stop when you're done.

Recording · cr - tap Stop & transcribe when you're done.

Transcribing with AI…

Voice:

Keep going - a few more words and AI can grade it.

Interview lens

Likely follow-ups, what you can say, and the weak answers to avoid.

Sign in free to open it Free account - the lens opens as soon as you're back.

Want a quick review of the fundamentals? See the Context Engineering cheatsheet.

← Back to all Context Engineering questions
Pro · $10/mo

43 of 50 Context Engineering answers are in Pro.

Full answers, code samples, and AI explanations that go simpler or deeper. Cancel anytime.

  • Full answers + code
  • AI explanations, simpler or deeper
  • 1,000 AI credits / month
  • Cancel anytime