diff --git a/.github/copilot-instructions.md b/.github/copilot-instructions.md
index 32624ccb..96762d9f 100644
--- a/.github/copilot-instructions.md
+++ b/.github/copilot-instructions.md
@@ -33,5 +33,6 @@
 - When adding models, update both `internal/models` and the `AutoMigrate` call inside `internal/api/routes/routes.go`; register new Gin routes right after migrations for clarity.
 - Tests belong beside handlers (`*_test.go`); reuse the `setupTestRouter` helper structure (in-memory SQLite, Gin router, httptest requests) for fast feedback.
 - **Testing Requirement**: All new code (features, bug fixes, refactors) MUST include accompanying unit tests. Ensure tests cover happy paths and error conditions.
+- **Ignore Files**: When creating new file types, directories, or build artifacts, ALWAYS check and update `.gitignore`, `.dockerignore`, and `.codecov.yml` to ensure they are properly excluded or included as required.
 - The root `Dockerfile` builds the Go binary and the React static assets (multi-stage build).
 - Branch from `feature/**` and target `development`.