Azure · Copilot · Oct 9, 2025 · Oct 9, 2025 · Oct 10, 2025 · Oct 17, 2025
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@
 
 You are an expert C++ programmer. 
 
+For comprehensive guidance on AI agent interactions with this repository, see [AGENTS.md](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-cpp/blob/main/AGENTS.md).
+
 ## Repository Structure
 
 ### Prerequisites

@@ -0,0 +1,340 @@
+# AGENTS.md
+
+This file provides guidance for AI agents (e.g., GitHub Copilot, LLM-based assistants, and automation tools) interacting with the Azure SDK for C++ repository.
+
+## Repository Purpose and Scope
+
+The **Azure SDK for C++** provides modern C++ libraries for Azure services, following the [Azure SDK Design Guidelines for C++](https://azure.github.io/azure-sdk/cpp_introduction.html). This repository contains:
+
+- **Client libraries** for Azure services (Storage, Key Vault, Identity, etc.)
+- **Core libraries** (`azure-core`) providing shared functionality (HTTP pipeline, authentication, retry policies, etc.)
+- **Build infrastructure** using CMake and vcpkg
+- **Documentation** and samples for developers
+- **Test infrastructure** including unit tests and integration tests
+
+### Key Technologies
+- **Language**: C++14 or higher
+- **Build System**: CMake (version 3.13+)
+- **Package Manager**: vcpkg (manifest mode)
+- **Testing**: Google Test (gtest)
+- **Documentation**: Doxygen
+- **CI/CD**: Azure Pipelines
+
+## Agent Capabilities and Boundaries
+
+### Supported Agent Actions
+
+AI agents working in this repository are encouraged to:
+
+1. **Code Contributions**
+   - Implement new features following the [C++ Guidelines](https://azure.github.io/azure-sdk/cpp_introduction.html)
+   - Fix bugs with minimal, surgical changes
+   - Add or update unit tests using Google Test framework
+   - Improve code documentation using Doxygen-style comments
+
+2. **Documentation**
+   - Update README files
+   - Improve inline code comments
+   - Update CONTRIBUTING.md when development processes change
+   - Generate or update API documentation
+
+3. **Build and Test**
+   - Run CMake builds locally
+   - Execute unit tests via `ctest`
+   - Generate code coverage reports (when BUILD_CODE_COVERAGE is ON)
+   - Build samples (when BUILD_SAMPLES is ON)
+
+4. **Code Review and Analysis**
+   - Review pull requests for adherence to guidelines
+   - Suggest improvements to code structure and style
+   - Identify potential issues before CI runs
+
+### Actions Requiring Caution
+
+1. **Dependency Management**
+   - Changing vcpkg.json should be done sparingly
+   - New dependencies require justification and approval
+   - OpenSSL version changes need careful consideration
+   - Consult `vcpkg-custom-ports` for custom dependency versions
+
+2. **Breaking Changes**
+   - Public API changes must follow semver and SDK guidelines
+   - Internal types (in `_internal` namespace) can change within constraints
+   - Private types (in `_detail` namespace) have fewer restrictions
+
+3. **CI/CD Configuration**
+   - Changes to `.github/workflows/` require testing
+   - Azure Pipeline configurations need validation
+   - Test proxy configuration changes need verification
+
+### Actions Outside Agent Scope
+
+Agents should **NOT**:
+
+1. **Modify Security-Critical Code** without explicit review
+   - Authentication flows
+   - Credential handling
+   - Cryptographic operations
+
+2. **Make Large Architectural Changes** without design review
+   - Changing core abstractions
+   - Modifying HTTP pipeline architecture
+   - Restructuring repository layout
+
+3. **Commit Secrets or Sensitive Data**
+   - No credentials in code or config files
+   - No API keys in tests (use environment variables)
+   - No connection strings in source
+
+## Key Workflows and Commands
+
+### Building the Project
+
+```bash
+# Basic build
+mkdir build && cd build
+cmake ..
+cmake --build .
+
+# Build with tests
+cmake -DBUILD_TESTING=ON ..
+cmake --build .
+
+# Build with samples
+cmake -DBUILD_SAMPLES=ON ..
+cmake --build .
+
+# Build with specific transport adapter
+cmake -DBUILD_TRANSPORT_CURL=ON ..
+cmake --build .
+```
+
+### Running Tests
+
+```bash
+# Set test mode (LIVE, PLAYBACK, or RECORD)
+export AZURE_TEST_MODE=PLAYBACK
+
+# Run all tests
+ctest -V
+
+# Run specific package tests
+ctest -R azure-core
+ctest -R storage
+
+# Run with test proxy (for recording/playback)
+export AZURE_TEST_USE_TEST_PROXY=ON
+ctest -V
+```
+
+### Code Coverage
+
+```bash
+# Build with coverage enabled (requires Debug mode and GNU compiler)
+cmake -DBUILD_TESTING=ON -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Debug -DBUILD_CODE_COVERAGE=ON ..
+cmake --build .
+
+# Generate coverage reports
+make azure-core_cov_xml    # XML report
+make azure-core_cov_html   # HTML report
+```
+
+### Documentation Generation
+
+```bash
+# Build Doxygen documentation
+cmake -DBUILD_DOCUMENTATION=ON ..
+cmake --build .
+```
+
+### Code Formatting
+
+```bash
+# Format code using clang-format
+# The repository includes a .clang-format configuration
+find sdk/ -name "*.cpp" -o -name "*.hpp" | xargs clang-format -i
+```
+
+## Repository Structure
+
+```
+azure-sdk-for-cpp/
++-- .github/              # GitHub configuration and workflows
+    +-- copilot-instructions.md  # Copilot-specific guidance
+    +-- workflows/        # CI/CD workflows
++-- cmake-modules/        # CMake helper modules
++-- doc/                  # Documentation
++-- eng/                  # Engineering system scripts
+    +-- common/           # Shared scripts across Azure SDKs
+    +-- docs/             # Documentation generation
++-- samples/              # Sample applications
++-- sdk/                  # SDK service libraries
+    +-- core/             # Core libraries (azure-core, azure-core-amqp, etc.)
+    +-- storage/          # Storage services (blobs, files, queues)
+    +-- identity/         # Authentication and identity
+    +-- keyvault/         # Key Vault (keys, secrets, certificates)
+    +-- template/         # Template for new services
++-- tools/                # Development tools
++-- vcpkg.json            # Package dependencies manifest
++-- CMakeLists.txt        # Root CMake configuration
++-- CONTRIBUTING.md       # Contribution guidelines
++-- AGENTS.md             # This file
+```
+
+## SDK-Specific Automation Workflows
+
+### 1. Code Generation
+
+Some SDK components use AutoRest or other code generators:
+
+- **Swagger/OpenAPI**: Located in `sdk/{service}/swagger/README.md`
+- **Protocol Layer**: Auto-generated code in `src/private/` directories
+- **Customizations**: Defined via directives in swagger README files
+
+**Agent Guidance**: Do not manually edit generated files. Modify swagger configurations and regenerate.
+
+### 2. API Review Process
+
+Public API changes require:
+
+1. Update to public header files
+2. Doxygen documentation for new APIs
+3. Unit tests covering new functionality
+4. Sample code demonstrating usage
+5. API review approval (tracked externally)
+
+**Agent Guidance**: Flag API changes for human review. Include APIView links when available.
+
+### 3. Test Matrix
+
+Tests run across multiple configurations:
+
+- **Platforms**: Windows, Linux (Ubuntu), macOS
+- **Compilers**: MSVC, GCC, Clang
+- **Build Types**: Debug, Release
+- **Transport Adapters**: libcurl, WinHTTP
+- **Test Modes**: LIVE, PLAYBACK, RECORD
+
+**Agent Guidance**: Ensure changes work across platforms. Test with both curl and WinHTTP when modifying HTTP layer.
+
+### 4. Versioning and Releases
+
+- **Semantic Versioning**: Libraries follow semver (MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH)
+- **Version Files**: `src/private/package_version.hpp` in each package
+- **Release Tags**: Format `{package-name}_{version}` (e.g., `azure-core_1.10.0`)
+- **Changelogs**: `CHANGELOG.md` in each package directory
+
+**Agent Guidance**: Update version files and changelogs when making changes. Follow [branching strategy](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk/blob/main/docs/policies/repobranching.md).
+
+## Testing Guidelines
+
+### Test Environment Setup
+
+Tests require environment variables for authentication and configuration:
+
+```bash
+# Example for Storage tests
+export STANDARD_STORAGE_CONNECTION_STRING="..."
+export AZURE_STORAGE_ACCOUNT_URL="..."
+export AZURE_STORAGE_ACCOUNT_NAME="..."
+export AZURE_STORAGE_ACCOUNT_KEY="..."
+```
+
+See [sdk/core/ci.yml](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-cpp/blob/main/sdk/core/ci.yml) for required configuration per package.
+
+### Test Modes
+
+- **PLAYBACK**: Use recorded responses (no network, no credentials needed for actual services)
+- **LIVE**: Connect to real Azure services (requires valid credentials)
+- **RECORD**: Capture responses for playback (requires test proxy)
+
+**Agent Guidance**: Use PLAYBACK mode for local development. Use RECORD only when updating test recordings.
+
+### Test Proxy
+
+The test proxy (`test-proxy`) enables recording and playback:
+
+```bash
+# Start test proxy automatically
+export AZURE_TEST_USE_TEST_PROXY=ON
+
+# Or start manually
+dotnet tool install azure.sdk.tools.testproxy --global
+test-proxy start
+```
+
+See [doc/TestProxy.md](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-cpp/blob/main/doc/TestProxy.md) for details.
+
+## Common Development Scenarios
+
+### Adding a New Service Library
+
+1. Copy `sdk/template/azure-template/` as starting point
+2. Update CMakeLists.txt with new package name
+3. Implement service client following SDK guidelines
+4. Add unit tests and samples
+5. Generate documentation
+6. Update root CMakeLists.txt to include new package
+
+**Agent Guidance**: Follow the template structure. Maintain consistency with existing packages.
+
+### Fixing a Bug
+
+1. Add a failing unit test that reproduces the bug
+2. Make minimal changes to fix the issue
+3. Verify test passes and no regressions
+4. Update CHANGELOG.md
+5. Submit PR with clear description
+
+**Agent Guidance**: Keep changes surgical. One bug = one PR.
+
+### Adding a Feature
+
+1. Review API design guidelines
+2. Create issue or spec doc for large features
+3. Implement with tests and documentation
+4. Add samples demonstrating usage
+5. Update package version and CHANGELOG
+
+**Agent Guidance**: Get design approval before implementing. Include usage examples.
+
+## Cross-References
+
+- **Copilot-Specific Instructions**: [.github/copilot-instructions.md](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-cpp/blob/main/.github/copilot-instructions.md)
+- **Contribution Guide**: [CONTRIBUTING.md](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-cpp/blob/main/CONTRIBUTING.md)
+- **API Design Guidelines**: <https://azure.github.io/azure-sdk/cpp_introduction.html>
+- **Test Proxy Documentation**: [doc/TestProxy.md](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-cpp/blob/main/doc/TestProxy.md)
+- **Performance Testing**: [doc/PerformanceTesting.md](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-cpp/blob/main/doc/PerformanceTesting.md)
+- **Distributed Tracing**: [doc/DistributedTracing.md](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-cpp/blob/main/doc/DistributedTracing.md)
+
+## Additional Resources
+
+- **Developer Documentation**: <https://azure.github.io/azure-sdk-for-cpp>
+- **Azure for C++ Developers**: <https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/>
+- **SDK Design Guidelines**: <https://azure.github.io/azure-sdk/cpp_introduction.html>
+- **Azure SDK Repository Policies**: <https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk>
+- **Filing Issues**: <https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-cpp/issues/new/choose>
+
+## Agent Best Practices
+
+1. **Understand Before Changing**: Review existing code and patterns before making changes
+2. **Follow Conventions**: Maintain consistency with existing code style and structure
+3. **Test Thoroughly**: Run tests locally before submitting changes
+4. **Document Changes**: Update comments, docs, and changelogs
+5. **Keep Changes Minimal**: Make surgical changes; avoid unnecessary refactoring
+6. **Seek Review**: Complex changes should be reviewed by maintainers
+7. **Check CI**: Ensure all CI checks pass before merging
+
+## Metadata
+
+- **Repository**: <https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-cpp>
+- **Language**: C++14+
+- **License**: MIT
+- **Maintainers**: Azure SDK Team
+- **Last Updated**: 2025-01-09
+
+---
+
+This file follows the [AGENTS.md specification](https://agents.md) for standardizing AI agent interactions with repositories.
+
+For Copilot-specific instructions, see [.github/copilot-instructions.md](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-cpp/blob/main/.github/copilot-instructions.md).