GitHub Codespaces Golden Paths Skill
Configure GitHub Codespaces dev environments for each Golden Path template type so developers receive a fully ready workspace when they scaffold from the Backstage portal.
When to invoke
- "Add a devcontainer to a Golden Path template."
- "Configure Codespaces for Python FastAPI, Node, Terraform, Java, AI/ML, or data pipeline templates."
- "Map Backstage Golden Path templates to ready-to-code Codespaces environments."
- "Validate SDK and tool preinstallation for a scaffolded repository."
Prerequisites and context
Scope
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Auto-create Codespaces with SDKs, tools, and configs per template |
| Trigger | Developer scaffolds a Golden Path → repo created → Codespace ready |
| Used by | @backstage-expert, @open-horizons-deployment-operator |
Procedure
How it works
- Developer selects a Golden Path template in the portal Backstage
- Scaffolder creates a new repo with skeleton files
- Skeleton includes
.devcontainer/devcontainer.jsonconfigured for that template type - Developer clicks "Open in Codespaces" → fully configured environment
Detailed devcontainer templates
For Python, Node.js, Terraform, Java, AI/ML, and data pipeline devcontainer templates plus Golden Path mapping, read references/devcontainer-templates.md.
Output template
Return exactly this structure:
# Codespaces Golden Path result
**Status:** PASS | FAIL | BLOCKED
**Summary:** One sentence describing the devcontainer configuration outcome.
### Details
- Template type: <Python FastAPI | Node | Terraform | Java | AI/ML | data pipeline>
- Devcontainer path: `.devcontainer/devcontainer.json`
- Features and SDKs: <configured items>
- Golden Path mapping: <template or repository mapping>
### Validation evidence
- <command or file check performed>: <result and relevant output>
Limits
- Do not use this skill for Backstage portal deployment.
- Use
backstage-deployment(skill) instead when deploying or operating Backstage. - Use
backstage-plugin-builder(skill) instead when creating custom Backstage plugins. - Use
deploy-orchestration(skill) instead when designing or running CI/CD deployment pipelines.
Progressive disclosure and bundled resources
references/devcontainer-templates.md: Python, Node.js, Terraform, Java, AI/ML, and data pipeline devcontainer templates plus Golden Path mapping.
Related primitives
| Name | Type | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
backstage-deployment |
skill |
Registering Golden Paths in a deployed Backstage portal. |
backstage-plugin-builder |
skill |
Building Backstage plugins that consume or extend Golden Paths. |
deploy-orchestration |
skill |
Wiring template outputs into platform deployment workflows. |
validation-scripts |
skill |
Running repository validation after template changes. |
backstage-expert |
agent |
Owning Backstage portal and Golden Path integration work. |
open-horizons-engineer |
agent |
Improving developer platform experience and scaffolder flows. |
Quality gate
- The selected Golden Path template type is identified.
-
.devcontainer/devcontainer.jsonrequirements are mapped from the reference. - Required SDKs, tools, and container features are preserved or validated.
- The scaffolded repository path and Codespaces entry point are reported.
- No unsupported template type or tool is invented.