Create static GitHub Copilot instructions file and restore environment setup workflow

[Copilot]

This PR addresses feedback to properly separate concerns between environment setup and documentation:

What Changed

1. Created static copilot-instructions.md file - A comprehensive documentation file committed directly to the repository following GitHub Copilot best practices

2. Restored workflow to environment setup focus - The copilot-setup-steps.yml workflow now focuses solely on setting up the development environment needed to run the application

The Copilot Instructions File

The .github/copilot-instructions.md file provides comprehensive documentation for GitHub Copilot agents including:

• Project Overview: Essential C# web platform architecture and purpose
• Tech Stack Details: .NET 9, ASP.NET Core, Semantic Kernel, Entity Framework, Docker
• Development Patterns: Coding conventions, file organization, dependency injection patterns
• Testing Strategy: xUnit setup, testing frameworks, and AAA pattern conventions
• Build Commands: Essential dotnet commands for development and deployment
• Configuration Guide: Required secrets, user-secrets setup, OAuth configuration
• AI Integration: Semantic Kernel patterns, vector database usage, chat services
• Best Practices: Security guidelines, performance considerations, anti-patterns

Environment Setup Workflow

The workflow now focuses exclusively on preparing the development environment with:

• .NET 9.0 SDK with private NuGet feed access
• Docker containerization setup and validation
• Azure CLI and GitHub CLI tools
• Entity Framework Core CLI tools
• Node.js for frontend development
• Comprehensive testing and validation of all tools

This separation ensures the workflow serves its intended purpose of environment preparation while the instructions file provides static, comprehensive documentation that Copilot agents can reference for accurate code generation.

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💡 You can make Copilot smarter by setting up custom instructions, customizing its development environment and configuring Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers. Learn more Copilot coding agent tips in the docs.

[Copilot]

Just as a heads up, I was blocked by some firewall rules while working on your feedback. Expand below for details.

Warning

Firewall rules blocked me from connecting to one or more addresses (expand for details)

I tried to connect to the following addresses, but was blocked by firewall rules:

• gh.io
  • Triggering command: curl -s REDACTED (dns block)

If you need me to access, download, or install something from one of these locations, you can either:

• Configure Actions setup steps to set up my environment, which run before the firewall is enabled
• Add the appropriate URLs or hosts to the custom allowlist in this repository's Copilot coding agent settings (admins only)