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Version: Classic 2.1.0

Context Overview

The key to good AI responses is giving the right context - not too much, not too little. RepoPrompt gives you precise control over what context your AI sees.

What is RepoPrompt for? — Context Overview documentation illustration What is RepoPrompt for? Overview of context building fundamentals

The Anatomy of a RepoPrompt​

Every prompt you create in RepoPrompt is assembled from several components:

  • Your instructions: What you want the AI to do
  • File tree: Project structure for navigation context
  • Codemaps: Structural summaries of your code
  • Selected files: Full content of files you're working with
  • Slices: Specific line ranges from large files

Try the interactive Prompt Anatomy demo →

Multi-Root Workspaces​

RepoPrompt supports opening multiple root folders in a single workspace. All features work across roots:

  • Cross-project context: Select files from your codebase and a third-party library to evaluate integration
  • Code + docs: Work with your code and documentation site together to improve docs
  • Monorepos: Navigate related packages, shared libraries, and services in one view
  • Context Builder: Discovers relevant files across all roots automatically

Add roots via File → Add Folder to Workspace or drag folders onto the app.

Context Building Workflow​

There are two main approaches to building context:

Manual Selection​

  1. Browse the file tree and click files to select them
  2. Use search to find specific files or content
  3. Adjust selection modes (Full, Codemap, Slices) per file
  4. Write your prompt and copy to AI

AI-Powered Discovery​

  1. Open Context Builder and describe your task
  2. Let the AI agent explore and select relevant files
  3. Review and refine the selection
  4. Proceed to your chosen workflow
tip

Tip: For complex tasks, start with Context Builder to discover files, then manually refine the selection before proceeding.