Initialize Repository Instructions

Read discovery and retention before choosing a target file. It owns the shared evidence rubric and host-specific loading rules; do not invent a second precedence policy here.

1. Resolve the requested host/scope and existing instruction chain. Prefer the established file and actual loading mechanism. Do not automatically generate both AGENTS.md and CLAUDE.md, a bridge, local overrides, or nested files.
2. Read existing instructions, manifests, commands, workspace boundaries, generated/manual sources, and relevant implementation evidence. Identify mistakes an agent would otherwise make; omit generic advice and directory inventories. Use the repository's own project type and terminology.
3. Draft only supported, actionable rules: actual commands with necessary working-directory/prerequisite details, responsibilities, unusual conventions, generated-file handling, and verified recurring pitfalls. No invented service, branch, deployment, test-creation, or documentation policy.
4. If the requested file is missing and creation is explicitly authorized, create that one file. A request for a draft/proposal returns content without writes. If useful instructions already exist, do not replace or rearrange them to impose a preferred skeleton; propose the smallest update unless editing is already authorized. Do not re-ask permission for the exact approved edit.
5. Read back any authorized edit and inspect the diff. Preserve valuable original rules and headings, omit empty/unverified sections, and report the actual file changed. Describe loading as unverified unless the host really confirmed it.

Use review when the task is primarily to assess an existing file. No ancillary reports, inventories, configuration changes, ready-made file matrix, hooks, or all-purpose “AI-ready” operation are part of initialization.

For repository-specific GitHub Copilot Code Review customization, use copilot-review-customizer. That workflow selects Copilot's review surfaces and uses review/regression history; it does not change this skill's Claude/Codex initialization or instruction-review contract.