PolicyEngine GitHub Agent Skill

For Users

The PolicyEngine GitHub agent is an automated bot that can be invoked on GitHub issues and pull requests using @policyengine mentions. It helps with code reviews, bug fixes, and implementing features across PolicyEngine repositories.

For Contributors

Critical: Avoiding Doom Loops

NEVER use '@policyengine' or '@policyengine-auto' in bot responses. These mentions trigger the bot and create infinite loops where the bot repeatedly responds to itself.

Why This Matters

When the bot posts a comment containing @policyengine, GitHub notifies the bot account, which triggers another invocation. This creates a chain reaction of bot responses that can generate dozens or hundreds of comments before being stopped. See PR #22 for a real example of this issue.

Safe Alternatives

Instead of mentioning the bot directly:

❌ Don't do this:

• "Thanks @policyengine for the suggestion!"
• "I've addressed @policyengine's feedback"
• "cc @policyengine-auto"

✅ Do this instead:

• "I've implemented the suggested changes"
• "The feedback has been addressed"
• "Updated based on the review comments"
• Simply refer to "the bot" or "the agent" without the @ mention

Bot Invocation

The bot can only be invoked by members of the PolicyEngine/core-developers team. Non-members will receive a permission error.

Response Style

When the bot responds to issues or PRs:

• Keep responses concise and actionable
• Focus on the technical task at hand
• Avoid unnecessary pleasantries or acknowledgments
• Never include @ mentions of the bot usernames

Resources

• policyengine-github-agent repository
• PR #22: Stop doom loops