Instruction file imported from w4r10ck8/koffee (.github/instructions/askquestions-contract.instructions.md). Copyright stays with the author.

askQuestions Contract

Shared rules for agents that use the vscode/askQuestions tool (frontmatter declaration) or #tool:askQuestions (body invocation).

When to Use

• Clarifying questions and scoping decisions
• Decision points, workflow gates, and session exits
• Any yes/no or multi-choice decision

never render decision menus as plain text lists. Hard rule.

When NOT to Use

• Open-ended questions where presets don't make sense (freeform only)

Rules

• Group related questions into a single askQuestions call (up to 3–4 questions).
• Provide 2–4 predefined options per question; mark the most likely as recommended.
• Always allow freeform input alongside options.
• Use concise headers (max 50 chars) and short question text (one sentence).
• For yes/no decisions, provide explicit "Yes" / "No" options.

Vocabulary Note

This file uses neutral terms ("decision point", "workflow gate", "session exit"). Individual agents define their own context-specific vocabulary (e.g., @planner uses "CHECKPOINT", @sprint-lead uses "EXIT POINT"). The shared rules apply regardless of local terminology.