Copilot Multi-File Edit Skill

Description

## Copilot Multi-File Edit Skill

### Overview
Master Copilot Edits (multi-file editing) to make coordinated changes across your codebase efficiently.

### Setting Up Edits Mode
1. Open Copilot Edits panel: `Ctrl+Shift+I` / `Cmd+Shift+I`
2. Add files to the working set by clicking `+` or dragging from explorer
3. Describe the change you want in natural language
4. Review proposed changes across all files before accepting

### Effective Multi-File Prompts

**Adding a New Feature:**
```
Add a "lastLogin" field to the User model, include it in the API response DTO,
add a database migration, and update the login service to set it on successful authentication.
```

**Renaming Across Codebase:**
```
Rename the "getUsers" function to "listUsers" everywhere it is referenced:
service, controller, routes, and tests.
```

**Adding Error Handling:**
```
Add proper error handling to all API endpoints in the users controller:
wrap each handler in try-catch, log errors with the request ID,
and return appropriate HTTP status codes with error messages.
```

### Working Set Strategy
- Include all files that need to change for the feature
- Add interface/type files so Copilot understands the contracts
- Include test files to get test updates alongside implementation
- Add related files for context even if they do not change

### Reviewing Multi-File Edits
- Review each file's diff individually before accepting
- Check that imports are updated in all affected files
- Verify type consistency across the changed files
- Look for missed references: search for the old name/pattern
- Test incrementally: accept changes file by file if unsure

### Common Multi-File Patterns

**New API Endpoint (5 files):**
1. Model/Entity: add new fields if needed
2. DTO: create request and response types
3. Service: add business logic method
4. Controller: add endpoint handler
5. Tests: add test cases for the new endpoint

**Database Schema Change (4 files):**
1. Entity model: add/modify field
2. EF Configuration: update fluent API config
3. Migration: generate and review migration
4. Seed data: update if affected

**Component Refactor (3+ files):**
1. Component: restructure and split
2. Parent components: update usage and imports
3. Tests: update selectors and assertions

### Tips for Best Results
- Be specific about what changes in each file
- Mention file names when targeting specific files
- Break very large changes into 2-3 sequential edit sessions
- Use `@workspace` to give Copilot project-wide context

Free to copy and use. Compatible with GitHub Copilot, GPT-5.

How to Use This Skill

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