Plan Issue Skill
When to Use
Activate when the user wants to:
- •Plan a new feature with research and technical analysis
- •Structure a bug report into an actionable issue
- •Create a detailed issue document with implementation phases
- •Transform an idea into a well-researched development plan
User Preferences
Before planning, resolve the user's Profile:
- •Check for
.github/copilot-preferences.ymlor.vscode/copilot-preferences.ymlin the workspace. - •Apply any custom issue templates, labeling conventions, or planning standards.
Workflow
1. Repository Research & Context Gathering
Run these research tasks in parallel:
- •Analyze repository structure and conventions
- •Research industry best practices related to the feature
- •Look up framework documentation for relevant capabilities
Reference Collection:
- •Document all findings with specific file paths
- •Include URLs to documentation and best practices
- •Note team conventions from
copilot-instructions.mdor documentation
2. Issue Planning & Structure
Title & Categorization:
- •Draft a clear, searchable title using conventional format (
feat:,fix:,docs:) - •Identify appropriate labels
- •Determine issue type: enhancement, bug, refactor
Stakeholder Analysis:
- •Identify who will be affected (end users, developers, operations)
- •Consider implementation complexity and required expertise
3. Choose Detail Level
📄 MINIMAL (Quick Issue)
Best for simple bugs, small improvements. Includes problem statement, basic acceptance criteria, essential context.
📋 MORE (Standard Issue)
Best for most features. Adds background, technical considerations, success metrics, dependencies, implementation suggestions.
📚 A LOT (Comprehensive Issue)
Best for major features, architectural changes. Adds phased implementation plan, alternatives considered, technical specs, resource requirements, risk mitigation.
4. Issue Creation & Formatting
- •Use clear headings with proper hierarchy
- •Include code examples with syntax highlighting
- •Use task lists for trackable items
- •Add collapsible sections for lengthy content
- •Cross-reference related issues and PRs
- •Link to code using permalink format
5. Final Review
- •Title is searchable and descriptive
- •Labels accurately categorize the issue
- •All template sections are complete
- •Acceptance criteria are measurable
- •File names are included in code examples
Guardrails
- •Do not start implementation — this skill only plans.
- •Include ERD mermaid diagrams for model changes when applicable.
- •Account for AI-accelerated development when estimating effort.