Instruction Modes

Control how AI instructions are generated.

Overview

Aspect Code supports four instruction generation modes that control what gets included in the generated AI instruction files.

More detailed, restrictive instructions

Includes comprehensive "Golden Rules" for AI behavior

Emphasizes reading KB files before making changes

Warns about high-risk areas and blast radius

Best for: Team projects, sensitive codebases

Shorter, more flexible instructions

Focuses on essential architecture information

Less restrictive guidance for the AI

Best for: Personal projects, rapid prototyping

Uses only your custom instructions from .aspect/instructions.md

No auto-generated rules or golden rules

Full control over what the AI sees

Best for: Experienced users who want complete control

Disables instruction file generation entirely

KB files (.aspect/) are still generated

No CLAUDE.md, .cursor/rules/, or .github/copilot-instructions.md

Best for: Using the KB for other purposes without AI instruction files

Toggle between modes using:

The mode buttons in the panel (Safe / Permissive / Custom / Off)

"Aspect Code: Enable Safe Mode" command

"Aspect Code: Enable Permissive Mode" command

The aspectcode.instructions.mode setting