Slim Issue Templates

Issue Template Writer

Overview

Helps development teams keep the language of bug reports, feature requests, and other types of issues readable and consistent. This skill provides both traditional Markdown templates and modern GitHub Form templates.

When to Use This Skill

• Setting up a new repository's issue tracking
• Improving issue quality and consistency
• Reducing incomplete or poorly formatted bug reports
• Streamlining the contribution process
• Ensuring all necessary information is captured

Templates Provided

Bug Report Templates

• Markdown format (bug_report.md): Traditional freeform template with guidance
• GitHub Form (bug_report.yml): Structured form with required fields

Feature Request Templates

• Markdown format (new_feature.md): Freeform template for feature proposals
• GitHub Form (new_feature.yml): Structured form for feature requests

Workflow

Step 1: Check Existing Templates

Check if issue templates already exist:

ls -la .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/

If templates exist, ask the user if they want to replace them or keep them.

Step 2: Choose Template Format

Ask the user which format they prefer:

1. Markdown templates: More flexible, freeform text
2. GitHub Forms: Structured with dropdowns, checkboxes, validation
3. Both: Provide both options for contributors

Recommendation: GitHub Forms (.yml) provide better structure and validation, reducing incomplete reports.

Step 3: Create Directory Structure

Create the .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/ directory if it doesn't exist:

mkdir -p .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE

Step 4: Copy Templates

Based on the user's choice, copy the appropriate templates:

For Markdown templates:

cp assets/bug_report.md .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/
cp assets/new_feature.md .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/

For GitHub Forms:

cp assets/bug_report.yml .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/
cp assets/new_feature.yml .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/

For both:

cp assets/*.md .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/
cp assets/*.yml .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/

Step 5: Customize Templates (Optional)

The templates can be customized to fit the project:

1. Update labels in the YAML frontmatter
2. Modify sections to match project needs
3. Add project-specific questions or fields
4. Update placeholder text

Step 6: Test Templates

1. Go to the GitHub repository's Issues tab
2. Click "New Issue"
3. Verify that templates appear as options
4. Test filling out a template to ensure it works as expected

Template Comparison

Markdown Templates (.md)

Advantages:

• Familiar format for most developers
• Flexible and easy to edit
• Works in any text editor
• No validation constraints

Disadvantages:

• Users can skip sections
• Inconsistent formatting
• No required fields

GitHub Forms (.yml)

Advantages:

• Structured data collection
• Required fields enforcement
• Dropdowns and checkboxes
• Better data quality
• Searchable/filterable issues

Disadvantages:

• Less flexible
• Requires YAML knowledge to customize
• Only works on GitHub

Customization Guide

For Markdown Templates

Edit the .md files to:

• Add/remove sections
• Update example text
• Modify instructions
• Change labels in frontmatter

For GitHub Forms

Edit the .yml files to:

• Add/remove input fields
• Change field types (input, textarea, dropdown, checkboxes)
• Set validation rules
• Update labels and descriptions
• Configure required vs optional fields

Example field types:

- type: input          # Single-line text
- type: textarea       # Multi-line text
- type: dropdown       # Select from options
- type: checkboxes     # Multiple selection

Best Practices

1. Keep templates concise: Only ask for essential information
2. Use clear labels: Make it obvious what information is needed
3. Provide examples: Show users what good input looks like
4. Test regularly: Periodically review and update templates
5. Monitor usage: Check if users are completing templates properly

Assets Available

• bug_report.md: Markdown bug report template
• bug_report.yml: GitHub Form bug report template
• new_feature.md: Markdown feature request template
• new_feature.yml: GitHub Form feature request template

Additional Resources

• GitHub Issue Templates Documentation
• GitHub Forms Syntax