---
title: "Prompt engineering artifact dependency map"
description: "Complete dependency graph of all PE artifacts — outbound references, inbound consumers, impact classification for change analysis"
version: "5.3.0"
last_updated: "2026-04-28"
domain: "prompt-engineering"
goal: "Document the complete dependency graph of all PE artifacts for change impact analysis"
rationales:
  - "Modifying any artifact requires knowing what it references and what references it"
  - "Impact classification prevents cascading breakage from untracked dependencies"
---

# Prompt Engineering Artifact Dependency Map

**Purpose**: Documents every PE artifact, its outbound references, and what references it — enabling change impact analysis before modifying any file.

**Referenced by**: Meta-review prompts (`pe-meta-update healthcheck`, `pe-meta-update performancecheck`), `pe-context-builder` agent, `pe-instruction-builder` agent

---

## How to Use This Map

Before modifying ANY PE artifact:

1. **Find the artifact** in the tables below
2. **Check "Referenced By"** to identify all files that depend on it
3. **Assess impact** — changes to files with many dependents require broader re-validation
4. **After changes** — run `pe-prompt-review` or `pe-agent-review` on each dependent

**Impact classification:**

| Dependents | Impact | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Low | Apply change, validate dependents |
| 3–5 | Medium | Review dependents first, then apply |
| 6+ | High | Document change plan, validate incrementally |

---

## Layer Architecture

Artifacts form a clean dependency hierarchy with no circular references:

```
Layer 1: Context Files (27 files)
    ↑ referenced by
Layer 2: Instruction Files (5 files)
    ↑ auto-injected into
Layer 3: Agents (28 files) + Skills (2 skills)
    ↑ coordinated by
Layer 4: Prompts (15 files) + Templates (19 PE-related)
```

**Rule**: Dependencies flow UPWARD only. Lower layers MUST NOT reference higher layers.

---

## Context Files (.copilot/context/00.00-prompt-engineering/)

### Tier 0: Governance

| # | File | References (outbound) | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00.01 | `00.01-governance-and-capability-baseline.md` | → `05.01-artifact-dependency-map`, → `05.02-artifact-lifecycle-management`, → `05.03-pe-workflow-entry-points` | `pe-meta-validator`, `pe-meta-designer`, `pe-meta-optimizer`, `pe-meta-update`, `01.05-glossary`, `01.06-system-parameters` |

### Tier: Foundations (01–04)

| # | File | References (outbound) | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | `01.01-context-engineering-principles.md` | None (foundational) | `pe-common.instructions.md`, `pe-skills.instructions.md`, PE-validation skill, all agents (indirectly) |
| 02 | `01.02-prompt-assembly-architecture.md` | → `01.01-context-engineering-principles` | `pe-prompts.instructions.md`, `pe-agents.instructions.md`, `01.03-file-type-decision-guide`, `03.05-copilot-spaces-patterns`, `03.06-copilot-sdk-integration` |
| 03 | `01.03-file-type-decision-guide.md` | → `01.02-prompt-assembly-architecture`, → `01.04-tool-composition-guide`, → `03.05-copilot-spaces-patterns`, → `03.06-copilot-sdk-integration` | `pe-agents.instructions.md`, all creation workflows |
| 04 | `01.04-tool-composition-guide.md` | None | `pe-common.instructions.md`, PE-validation skill, `pe-prompt-researcher`, `pe-agent-researcher`, `01.03-file-type-decision-guide`, `02.02-context-window-and-token-optimization`, `03.04-mcp-server-design-patterns`, `03.06-copilot-sdk-integration`, `03.07-template-authoring-patterns`, `04.02-adaptive-validation-patterns` |
| 01.05 | `01.05-glossary.md` | → `01.06-system-parameters`, → `00.01-governance-and-capability-baseline` | All context files, instruction files, agents, prompts, skills, `02.02-context-window-and-token-optimization` |
| 01.06 | `01.06-system-parameters.md` | → `01.05-glossary`, → `00.01-governance-and-capability-baseline` | All context files, validators, instruction files, `02.02-context-window-and-token-optimization`, `STRUCTURE-README` |
| 01.07 | `01.07-critical-rules-priority-matrix.md` | → `01.06-system-parameters`, → `00.01-governance-and-capability-baseline`, → `01.04-tool-composition-guide`, → `01.01-context-engineering-principles`, → `04.03-production-readiness-patterns`, → `02.01-handoffs-pattern`, → `04.01-validation-caching-pattern`, → `04.04-orchestrator-runtime-validation`, → `05.01-artifact-dependency-map` | All validator agents, `pe-meta-validator`, PE-validation skill |

### Tier: Multi-Agent (05–07)

| # | File | References (outbound) | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02.01 | `02.01-handoffs-pattern.md` | → `02.02-context-window-and-token-optimization` | Orchestrator prompts, `pe-agents.instructions.md` |
| 02.02 | `02.02-context-window-and-token-optimization.md` | → `02.01-handoffs-pattern`, → `01.04-tool-composition-guide` | `pe-prompts.instructions.md`, orchestrator prompts, multi-agent agents, `03.02-model-specific-optimization` |
| 02.03 | `02.03-orchestrator-design-patterns.md` | → `03.03-agent-hooks-reference`, → `02.02-context-window-and-token-optimization` | Orchestrator prompts, `pe-agents.instructions.md` |
| 02.04 | `02.04-agent-shared-patterns.md` | → `04.03-production-readiness-patterns`, → `01.06-system-parameters`, → `02.05-agent-workflow-patterns` | All PE agents, `pe-agents.instructions.md` |
| 02.05 | `02.05-agent-workflow-patterns.md` | → `04.03-production-readiness-patterns`, → `01.06-system-parameters`, → `02.04-agent-shared-patterns` | All PE agents, `pe-agents.instructions.md` |

### Tier: Specialized (08–13)

| # | File | References (outbound) | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03.01 | `03.01-progressive-disclosure-pattern.md` | None | `pe-skills.instructions.md` |
| 03.02 | `03.02-model-specific-optimization.md` | → `02.02-context-window-and-token-optimization` | `pe-prompts.instructions.md` (model selection) |
| 03.03 | `03.03-agent-hooks-reference.md` | → `02.03-orchestrator-design-patterns` | Agent/orchestrator files, `pe-hook-researcher`, `pe-hook-builder`, `pe-hook-validator` |
| 03.04 | `03.04-mcp-server-design-patterns.md` | → `01.04-tool-composition-guide`, → `01.03-file-type-decision-guide` | MCP-related prompts, `03.06-copilot-sdk-integration` |
| 03.05 | `03.05-copilot-spaces-patterns.md` | → `01.02-prompt-assembly-architecture`, → `01.03-file-type-decision-guide` | Cross-project agents |
| 03.06 | `03.06-copilot-sdk-integration.md` | → `01.02-prompt-assembly-architecture`, → `01.04-tool-composition-guide`, → `03.04-mcp-server-design-patterns` | SDK application prompts |
| 03.07 | `03.07-template-authoring-patterns.md` | → `01.01-context-engineering-principles`, → `01.04-tool-composition-guide` | `pe-templates.instructions.md`, all builder agents, template creation workflows, `04.03-production-readiness-patterns` |

### Tier: Conventions (04.01–04.04)

| # | File | References (outbound) | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04.01 | `04.01-validation-caching-pattern.md` | None | `pe-common.instructions.md`, validation prompts |
| 04.02 | `04.02-adaptive-validation-patterns.md` | → `01.04-tool-composition-guide` | PE-validation skill, `pe-prompt-create-update`, `pe-agent-create-update` |
| 04.03 | `04.03-production-readiness-patterns.md` | → `01.01-context-engineering-principles`, → `02.02-context-window-and-token-optimization`, → `03.07-template-authoring-patterns` | `pe-common.instructions.md`, `pe-prompt-create-update`, `pe-agent-create-update`, `pe-prompt-builder`, `pe-agent-builder`, `pe-prompt-validator`, `pe-agent-validator` |
| 04.04 | `04.04-orchestrator-runtime-validation.md` | → `02.03-orchestrator-design-patterns`, → `02.01-handoffs-pattern`, → `04.03-production-readiness-patterns` | All orchestrator prompts (`pe-prompt-design`, `pe-agent-design`, `pe-skill-design`, `pe-instruction-file-design`, `pe-context-information-design`, `pe-meta-update`), `pe-prompt-builder`, `pe-agent-builder` |

### Tier: Meta-Ops (05.01–05.03)

| # | File | References (outbound) | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05.01 | `05.01-artifact-dependency-map.md` | All context files | Meta agents, meta prompts, builder agents |
| 05.02 | `05.02-artifact-lifecycle-management.md` | → `05.01-artifact-dependency-map`, → `01.03-file-type-decision-guide` | Meta agents, meta prompts |
| 05.03 | `05.03-pe-workflow-entry-points.md` | → `05.01-artifact-dependency-map`, → `05.02-artifact-lifecycle-management`, → `01.03-file-type-decision-guide` | Meta agents, users |
| 05.04 | `05.04-meta-review-log.md` | → `01.06-system-parameters`, → `05.02-artifact-lifecycle-management`, → `05.03-pe-workflow-entry-points` | `pe-staleness-check` hook, `pe-meta-scheduled-review`, `pe-meta-update`, `pe-meta-release-monitor`, `pe-meta-researcher`, `pe-meta-validator` |
| 05.05 | `05.05-practical-effectiveness-log.md` | → `05.04-meta-review-log`, → `05.02-artifact-lifecycle-management`, → `05.03-pe-workflow-entry-points` | `pe-meta-researcher`, `pe-meta-scheduled-review`, `pe-meta-validator` |

**Highest-impact context files** (most dependents):
1. `01.01-context-engineering-principles.md` — foundational, affects all artifacts indirectly
2. `01.04-tool-composition-guide.md` — referenced by 10+ files directly
3. `01.02-prompt-assembly-architecture.md` — referenced by 5+ files directly
4. `01.03-file-type-decision-guide.md` — entry point for all file-type decisions
5. `01.05-glossary.md` — canonical term definitions, referenced by all artifacts
6. `01.06-system-parameters.md` — canonical thresholds, referenced by all validators
7. `04.03-production-readiness-patterns.md` — referenced by 8+ builders and validators

---

## Instruction Files (.github/instructions/)

| File | applyTo | References (outbound) | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-common.instructions.md` | `.github/prompts/**/*.md,.github/agents/**/*.agent.md` | → `01.01-context-engineering-principles`, → `01.04-tool-composition-guide`, → `01.06-system-parameters`, → `04.01-validation-caching-pattern`, → `04.03-production-readiness-patterns` | All prompt + agent files (auto-injected) |
| `pe-prompts.instructions.md` | `.github/prompts/**/*.md` | → `pe-common.instructions.md`, → `01.02-prompt-assembly-architecture`, → `03.02-model-specific-optimization`, → templates (`output-*`, `input-*`) | All prompt files (auto-injected) |
| `pe-agents.instructions.md` | `.github/agents/**/*.agent.md` | → `pe-common.instructions.md`, → `01.03-file-type-decision-guide`, → `02.01-handoffs-pattern`, → `02.02-context-window`, → `02.03-orchestrator-design-patterns`, → `03.03-agent-hooks-reference`, → templates (18+) | All agent files (auto-injected) |
| `pe-context-files.instructions.md` | `.copilot/context/**/*.md` | → `pe-prompts.instructions.md`, → `pe-agents.instructions.md` | All context files (auto-injected), `pe-context-builder` agent |
| `pe-skills.instructions.md` | `.github/skills/**/SKILL.md` | → `03.01-progressive-disclosure-pattern` | All skill files (auto-injected) |
| `pe-templates.instructions.md` | `.github/**/*template*` | → `03.07-template-authoring-patterns` | All template files (auto-injected) |

**Impact note**: Instruction files auto-inject into EVERY matching file. Changes affect all artifacts in the `applyTo` scope. `pe-common.instructions.md` covers both prompts and agents — changes here have the broadest impact.

---

## Agent Files (.github/agents/00.01-pe-consolidated/, 00.02-pe-granular/, 00.09-pe-meta/)

### Consolidated Agents (.github/agents/00.01-pe-consolidated/)

Type-agnostic agents that handle ALL 8 artifact types via dispatch table. Use `/pe-con-design`, `/pe-con-create-update`, `/pe-con-review`.

| Agent | Mode | Tools | Handoffs (outbound) | References | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-con-researcher` | `plan` | 6 (read-only+fetch) | → `pe-con-builder` (send: true) | `artifact-type-dispatch.template.md`, dispatch-selected instruction file, `02.04`, `02.05`, `04.03` | `pe-con-design` |
| `pe-con-builder` | `agent` | 6 (read+write) | → `pe-con-validator` (send: true) | `artifact-type-dispatch.template.md`, dispatch-selected instruction file + template, `02.04`, `02.05`, `04.03` | `pe-con-design`, `pe-con-create-update` |
| `pe-con-validator` | `plan` | 5 read-only | → `pe-con-builder` (send: true) | `artifact-type-dispatch.template.md`, dispatch-selected instruction file, `pe-prompt-engineering-validation` skill, `pe-artifact-coherence-check` skill, `02.04`, `02.05`, `04.03` | `pe-con-design`, `pe-con-create-update`, `pe-con-review` |

### Granular Agents (.github/agents/00.02-pe-granular/)

Per-type specialist agents with hardcoded artifact type. Use `/pe-gra-{type}-design`, `/pe-gra-{type}-review`, etc.

#### Prompt Workflow Agents

| Agent | Mode | Tools | Handoffs (outbound) | References | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-prompt-researcher` | `plan` | 6 (read-only+fetch) | → `pe-prompt-builder` (send: false) | PE-validation skill, `01.04-tool-composition-guide` | `pe-prompt-design` orchestrator |
| `pe-prompt-builder` | `agent` | 6 (read+write) | → `pe-prompt-validator` (send: true) | `pe-prompts.instructions.md`, templates | `pe-prompt-design`, `pe-meta-update` |
| `pe-prompt-validator` | `plan` | 5 read-only | → `pe-prompt-builder` (send: true) | PE-validation skill, tool-alignment template | `pe-prompt-design`, `pe-prompt-review`, `pe-meta-validator` |

### Agent Workflow Agents

| Agent | Mode | Tools | Handoffs (outbound) | References | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-agent-researcher` | `plan` | 6 (read-only+fetch) | → `pe-agent-builder` (send: false) | PE-validation skill, `01.04-tool-composition-guide` | `pe-agent-design`, `pe-prompt-design` |
| `pe-agent-builder` | `agent` | 6 (read+write) | → `pe-agent-validator` (send: true) | `pe-agents.instructions.md`, templates | `pe-agent-design`, `pe-meta-update` |
| `pe-agent-validator` | `plan` | 5 read-only | → `pe-agent-builder` (send: true) | PE-validation skill, tool-alignment template | `pe-agent-design`, `pe-agent-review`, `pe-meta-validator` |

### Context Workflow Agents

| Agent | Mode | Tools | Handoffs (outbound) | References | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-context-researcher` | `plan` | 6 (read-only+fetch) | → `pe-context-builder` (send: true) | `pe-context-files.instructions.md`, `05.01-artifact-dependency-map` | `pe-context-information-create-update`, `pe-context-information-design` |
| `pe-context-builder` | `agent` | 6 (read+write) | → `pe-context-validator` (send: true) | `pe-context-files.instructions.md`, `STRUCTURE-README.md` | `pe-context-information-create-update`, `pe-context-information-design`, `pe-meta-update` |
| `pe-context-validator` | `plan` | 5 read-only | → `pe-context-builder` (send: true) | `pe-context-files.instructions.md`, `05.01-artifact-dependency-map` | `pe-context-information-create-update`, `pe-context-information-design`, `pe-meta-validator` |

### Instruction Workflow Agents

| Agent | Mode | Tools | Handoffs (outbound) | References | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-instruction-researcher` | `plan` | 6 (read-only+fetch) | → `pe-instruction-builder` (send: true) | `.github/instructions/`, `05.01-artifact-dependency-map` | `pe-instruction-file-create-update` |
| `pe-instruction-builder` | `agent` | 6 (read+write) | → `pe-instruction-validator` (send: true) | `.github/instructions/` | `pe-instruction-file-create-update`, `pe-meta-update` |
| `pe-instruction-validator` | `plan` | 5 read-only | → `pe-instruction-builder` (send: true) | `.github/instructions/` | `pe-instruction-file-create-update`, `pe-meta-validator` |

### Skill Workflow Agents

| Agent | Mode | Tools | Handoffs (outbound) | References | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-skill-researcher` | `plan` | 6 (read-only+fetch) | → `pe-skill-builder` (send: true) | `pe-skills.instructions.md`, `03.01-progressive-disclosure-pattern` | `pe-meta-update` |
| `pe-skill-builder` | `agent` | 6 (read+write) | → `pe-skill-validator` (send: true) | `pe-skills.instructions.md` | `pe-meta-update` |
| `pe-skill-validator` | `plan` | 5 read-only | → `pe-skill-builder` (send: true) | `pe-skills.instructions.md` | `pe-meta-validator` |

### Hook Workflow Agents

| Agent | Mode | Tools | Handoffs (outbound) | References | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-hook-researcher` | `plan` | 6 (read-only+fetch) | → `pe-hook-builder` (send: true) | `03.03-agent-hooks-reference` | `pe-meta-update` |
| `pe-hook-builder` | `agent` | 6 (read+write) | → `pe-hook-validator` (send: true) | `03.03-agent-hooks-reference` | `pe-meta-update` |
| `pe-hook-validator` | `plan` | 5 read-only | → `pe-hook-builder` (send: true) | `03.03-agent-hooks-reference` | `pe-meta-validator` |

### Prompt-Snippet Workflow Agents

| Agent | Mode | Tools | Handoffs (outbound) | References | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-prompt-snippet-researcher` | `plan` | 6 (read-only+fetch) | → `pe-prompt-snippet-builder` (send: true) | `.github/prompt-snippets/` | `pe-meta-update` |
| `pe-prompt-snippet-builder` | `agent` | 6 (read+write) | → `pe-prompt-snippet-validator` (send: true) | `.github/prompt-snippets/` | `pe-meta-update` |
| `pe-prompt-snippet-validator` | `plan` | 5 read-only | → `pe-prompt-snippet-builder` (send: true) | `.github/prompt-snippets/` | `pe-meta-validator` |

### Template Workflow Agents

| Agent | Mode | Tools | Handoffs (outbound) | References | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-template-researcher` | `plan` | 6 (read-only+fetch) | → `pe-template-builder` (send: true) | `pe-templates.instructions.md`, `03.07-template-authoring-patterns`, `02.04-agent-shared-patterns`, `02.05-agent-workflow-patterns` | `pe-meta-update` |
| `pe-template-builder` | `agent` | 6 (read+write) | → `pe-template-validator` (send: true) | `pe-templates.instructions.md`, `03.07-template-authoring-patterns`, `02.04-agent-shared-patterns`, `02.05-agent-workflow-patterns` | `pe-meta-update` |
| `pe-template-validator` | `plan` | 5 read-only | → `pe-template-builder` (send: true) | `pe-templates.instructions.md`, `03.07-template-authoring-patterns` | `pe-template-builder`, `pe-meta-validator`, `pe-meta-update` |

### Documentation Workflow Agents (.github/agents/01.00-article-writing/)

| Agent | Mode | Tools | Handoffs (outbound) | References | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `documentation-researcher` | `plan` | 6 (read-only+fetch) | → `documentation-builder` (send: true) | `01.00-article-writing/` context files, `90.00-learning-hub/` context files, `02.04-agent-shared-patterns`, `02.05-agent-workflow-patterns` | `documentation-review`, `documentation-design` |
| `documentation-builder` | `agent` | 7 (read+write+fetch) | → `documentation-validator` (send: true) | `article-writing.instructions.md`, `01.00-article-writing/` context files, `90.00-learning-hub/02-dual-yaml-metadata` | `documentation-review`, `documentation-design`, `documentation-validator` |
| `documentation-validator` | `plan` | 6 (read-only+fetch) | → `documentation-builder` (send: true) | `01.00-article-writing/02-validation-criteria`, `01.00-article-writing/01-style-guide`, `90.00-learning-hub/04-reference-classification` | `documentation-review`, `documentation-design` |

### Meta Agents (System Self-Improvement)

| Agent | Mode | Tools | Handoffs (outbound) | References | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-meta-researcher` | `plan` | 6 (read-only+fetch) | → `pe-meta-validator` (send: true), → `pe-meta-optimizer` (send: true) | `05.01-artifact-dependency-map`, `05.02-prompt-engineering` articles | `pe-meta-update`, `pe-meta-update healthcheck`, `pe-meta-update performancecheck`, `pe-meta-designer` |
| `pe-meta-designer` | `plan` | 5 read-only | → `pe-meta-researcher` (send: true) | All PE artifact locations, `05.01-artifact-dependency-map` | `pe-meta-update` |
| `pe-meta-validator` | `plan` | 5 read-only | → `pe-prompt-validator`, → `pe-agent-validator`, → `pe-context-validator`, → `pe-instruction-validator`, → `pe-skill-validator`, → `pe-hook-validator`, → `pe-prompt-snippet-validator`, → `pe-template-validator`, → `pe-meta-optimizer` (all send: true) | All PE artifact locations, `05.01-artifact-dependency-map`, `05.02-artifact-lifecycle-management`, `pe-artifact-coherence-check` skill | `pe-meta-update` (Phases 4+6), `pe-meta-update healthcheck`, `pe-meta-update performancecheck` |
| `pe-meta-optimizer` | `agent` | 6 (read+write) | → `pe-prompt-validator` (send: true) | `05.01-artifact-dependency-map`, `STRUCTURE-README.md`, PE-validation skill | `pe-meta-validator` handoff, `pe-meta-researcher` handoff, `pe-meta-update healthcheck`, `pe-meta-update performancecheck` |

---

## Prompt Files (.github/prompts/00.00-pe-simple/, 00.01-pe-consolidated/, 00.02-pe-granular/, 00.09-pe-meta/)

### Consolidated Prompts (.github/prompts/00.01-pe-consolidated/)

Type-agnostic prompts that handle ALL 8 artifact types via consolidated agents.

| Prompt | Mode | Handoffs (outbound) | References | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-con-design` | `agent` | → `pe-con-researcher`, `pe-con-builder`, `pe-con-validator` | All via dispatch table | Full design pipeline for any artifact type |
| `pe-con-create-update` | `agent` | → `pe-con-builder`, `pe-con-validator` | All via dispatch table | Direct create/update for any artifact type (skips research) |
| `pe-con-review` | `plan` | → `pe-con-validator`, `pe-con-builder` | All via dispatch table | Validation for any artifact type with fix loop |

### Granular Orchestrator Prompts (.github/prompts/00.02-pe-granular/)

| Prompt | Mode | Handoffs (outbound) | References | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-gra-prompt-design` | `agent` | → prompt specialists + agent specialists + all validators | `pe-prompts.instructions.md`, context files | Full prompt creation workflow (8 phases) |
| `pe-agent-design` | `agent` | → agent specialists + all validators | `pe-agents.instructions.md`, context files | Full agent creation workflow (8 phases) |
| `pe-prompt-review` | `plan` | → `pe-prompt-validator`, `pe-prompt-builder` + all validators | PE-validation skill | Prompt validation with fix loop |
| `pe-agent-review` | `plan` | → `pe-agent-validator`, `pe-agent-builder` + all validators | PE-validation skill | Agent validation with fix loop |
| `pe-skill-design` | `agent` | → skill specialists + all validators | `pe-skills.instructions.md`, context files | Full skill creation workflow |
| `pe-instruction-file-design` | `agent` | → instruction specialists + all validators | `.github/instructions/`, context files | Full instruction file creation workflow |
| `pe-skill-review` | `plan` | → `pe-skill-validator`, `pe-skill-builder` | PE-validation skill | Skill validation with fix loop |
| `pe-instruction-file-review` | `plan` | → `pe-instruction-validator`, `pe-instruction-builder` | PE-validation skill | Instruction file validation with fix loop |
| `pe-context-information-design` | `agent` | → context specialists + all validators | `pe-context-files.instructions.md`, context files | Domain context information design workflow (topic scope analysis, multi-file architecture) |
| `pe-context-information-review` | `plan` | → `pe-context-validator`, `pe-context-builder` | PE-validation skill, `05.01-artifact-dependency-map` | Context information validation with domain-set structural review |

### Documentation Orchestrator Prompts (.github/prompts/01.00-article-writing/)

| Prompt | Mode | Handoffs (outbound) | References | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| `documentation-design` | `agent` | → `documentation-researcher`, `documentation-builder`, `documentation-validator` | `article-writing.instructions.md`, `01.00-article-writing/` context files | Documentation set design and creation workflow |
| `documentation-review` | `agent` | → `documentation-researcher`, `documentation-validator`, `documentation-builder` | `01.00-article-writing/02-validation-criteria` | Documentation set review and improvement workflow |

### Meta-Prompts (system self-improvement)

| Prompt | Mode | Handoffs (outbound) | References | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-meta-update` | `agent` | → `pe-meta-researcher`, `pe-meta-designer`, `pe-meta-validator`, all builders, all validators, `pe-meta-optimizer` | `05.01-artifact-dependency-map`, `fetch_webpage` | Unified PE management — fullcheck (incorporate new guidance), healthcheck (audit), performancecheck (optimize) |
| `pe-meta-design` | `agent` | → `pe-con-researcher`, `pe-con-builder`, `pe-con-validator`, `pe-meta-validator` | Vision document, STRUCTURE-README, `05.06-pe-strategic-review-criteria`, `05.01-artifact-dependency-map`, dispatch table | Design PE-for-PE artifact with vision alignment + double validation |
| `pe-meta-create-update` | `agent` | → `pe-con-builder`, `pe-con-validator`, `pe-meta-validator` | Vision document, STRUCTURE-README, `05.06-pe-strategic-review-criteria`, `05.01-artifact-dependency-map`, dispatch table | Create/update PE-for-PE artifact with pre-change guards + strategic validation |
| `pe-meta-review` | `plan` | → `pe-con-validator`, `pe-meta-validator`, `pe-con-builder` (for fixes) | Vision document, STRUCTURE-README, `05.06-pe-strategic-review-criteria`, `05.01-artifact-dependency-map` | Review PE-for-PE artifact against vision + ecosystem coherence |

### Standalone Prompts (direct execution, no agent handoffs)

| Prompt | Mode | Tools | References | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-prompt-create-update` | `agent` | 4 (search+read) | `04.02-adaptive-validation-patterns`, `pe-prompts.instructions.md`, templates | Create/update prompt files directly |
| `pe-agent-create-update` | `agent` | 4 (search+read) | `pe-agents.instructions.md`, templates | Create/update agent files directly |
| `pe-context-information-create-update` | `agent` | 9 (search+read+write+fetch) | → `pe-context-researcher`, → `pe-context-validator` | Create/update context information with research and validation |
| `pe-instruction-file-create-update` | `agent` | 9 (search+read+write+fetch) | → `pe-instruction-researcher`, → `pe-instruction-validator` | Create/update instruction files with research and validation |
| `pe-skill-create-update` | `agent` | 7 (search+read+write) | `pe-skills.instructions.md`, `03.01-progressive-disclosure-pattern`, templates | Create/update skills directly (standalone, for clear requirements) |

### Deprecated Prompts

_No deprecated prompts — `old/` directory removed 2026-04-28._
| `prompt-createorupdate-promptengineering-guidance` | ⚠️ Deprecated | Split into `pe-context-information-create-update` + `pe-instruction-file-create-update` |

---

## Skills (.github/skills/)

| Skill | Templates | References (outbound) | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-prompt-engineering-validation/SKILL.md` | `use-case-challenge.template.md`, `role-validation.template.md`, `tool-alignment.template.md` | `04.02-adaptive-validation-patterns`, `01.04-tool-composition-guide`, `01.01-context-engineering-principles`, `05.01-artifact-dependency-map`, `pe-artifact-coherence-check` skill | All researchers + validators + builders + meta agents |
| `pe-artifact-coherence-check/SKILL.md` | `reference-integrity.template.md`, `coherence-report.template.md` | `05.01-artifact-dependency-map`, `05.02-artifact-lifecycle-management`, `05.03-pe-workflow-entry-points`, `01.01-context-engineering-principles` | `pe-meta-validator` (Mode 3), meta-prompts |

**Impact note**: The PE-validation skill is the **most-referenced artifact** in the ecosystem. Changes affect 12+ dependent files.

---

## Templates (.github/templates/)

### PE-Specific Templates

| Template | Referenced By |
|---|---|
| `prompt.template.md` | `pe-prompt-builder`, `pe-prompt-create-update` |
| `prompt-simple-validation.template.md` | `pe-prompt-builder`, `pe-prompts.instructions.md` |
| `prompt-implementation.template.md` | `pe-prompt-builder`, `pe-prompts.instructions.md` |
| `prompt-multi-agent-orchestration.template.md` | `pe-prompt-builder`, `pe-prompts.instructions.md` |
| `prompt-analysis-only.template.md` | `pe-prompt-builder`, `pe-prompts.instructions.md` |
| `agent.template.md` | `pe-agent-builder`, `pe-agent-create-update` |
| `skill.template.md` | `pe-skills.instructions.md` |
| `instructions.template.md` | `pe-instruction-builder` |
| `output-pe-management-report.template.md` | `pe-meta-update` |
| `guidance-context-file.template.md` | `pe-context-information-create-update`, `pe-context-builder` |
| `guidance-instruction-file.template.md` | `pe-instruction-file-create-update`, `pe-instruction-builder` |
| `guidance-input-collection.template.md` | Orchestrator prompts |
| `guidance-domain-examples.template.md` | Researcher agents |
| `output-prompt-validation-phases.template.md` | `pe-prompt-validator`, `pe-prompt-create-update` |
| `output-agent-validation-phases.template.md` | `pe-agent-validator`, `pe-agent-create-update` |
| `output-guidance-validation-phases.template.md` | `pe-context-information-create-update`, `pe-instruction-file-create-update` |
| `promptengineering-context-structure.template.md` | `pe-context-builder` |
| `promptengineering-instruction-structure.template.md` | `pe-instruction-builder` |

---

## Hooks (.github/hooks/)

| Hook | Event | Script | References (outbound) | Referenced By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pe-staleness-check.json` | `SessionStart` | `scripts/pe-staleness-check.ps1` | → `01.06-system-parameters` (budget thresholds), → `05.04-meta-review-log` (overdue check) | All sessions (automatic) |
| `pe-file-modification-tracker.json` | `PostToolUse` | `scripts/pe-file-modification-tracker.ps1` | All PE artifact directories (context, instructions, agents, prompts, skills) | All sessions (automatic) |

---

## Anti-Patterns

### ❌ Modifying High-Impact Files Without Impact Analysis

**Wrong**: Editing `01.04-tool-composition-guide.md` and only re-validating the file itself.
**Right**: Check this map → 6+ dependents → re-validate `pe-prompts.instructions.md`, `pe-agents.instructions.md`, PE-validation skill, researchers.

### ❌ Adding References That Create Circular Dependencies

**Wrong**: Context file references an agent file.
**Right**: Dependencies flow upward only: Context → Instructions → Agents/Skills → Prompts.

### ❌ Duplicating Content Instead of Referencing

**Wrong**: Copying tool alignment rules into a new agent file.
**Right**: Reference PE-validation skill: `📖 Use pe-prompt-engineering-validation skill for tool alignment checks`.

---

## Checklist: Before Modifying Any PE Artifact

- [ ] Identified the artifact in this dependency map
- [ ] Counted dependents (Referenced By column)
- [ ] Classified impact level (Low/Medium/High)
- [ ] Planned re-validation for dependents if Medium/High
- [ ] Verified no circular dependency will be introduced
- [ ] Checked for content duplication risk

---

## References

- **Internal**: [01.02-prompt-assembly-architecture.md](01.02-prompt-assembly-architecture.md), [01.03-file-type-decision-guide.md](01.03-file-type-decision-guide.md), [STRUCTURE-README.md](../STRUCTURE-README.md)

---

## Version History

| Version | Date | Changes | Author |
|---------|------|---------|--------|
| 1.0.0 | 2026-03-08 | Initial version — complete dependency audit of 40+ PE artifacts | System |
| 1.0.1 | 2026-03-08 | Phase 2 review — verified references after deduplication of 01, 08, instructions | System |
| 1.1.0 | 2026-03-08 | Phase 3 — added meta-reviewer, pe-meta-optimizer agents; pe-artifact-coherence-check skill; updated PE-validation skill references |
| 2.1.0 | 2026-03-10 | Consolidated meta-reviewer into pe-meta-validator (Mode 3: Ecosystem Audit). Removed meta-reviewer row. Updated all handoff references. | System |
| 1.2.0 | 2026-03-08 | Phase 4 — added 4 meta-prompts (health-check, coherence-review, optimize, update) to prompt section | System |
| 1.3.0 | 2026-03-08 | Phase 5 — merged 08+09 into single file; updated all references; marked 09 as merged | System |
| 2.0.0 | 2026-03-08 | Phase 5b — renumbered all 18 context files into 5-tier logical grouping (Foundations 01–04, Multi-Agent 05–07, Specialized 08–13, Repo-Specific 14–15, Meta 16–18). Rewrote dependency tables. Updated all cross-references across 50+ files. | System |
| 3.0.0 | 2026-03-10 | Full refresh: removed all updater agents (merged into builders), removed meta-reviewer (merged into pe-meta-validator), added researcher+validator agents for all 7 artifact types, unified 3 meta-prompts into single `pe-meta-update`, updated all handoffs and references. | System |
| 4.0.0 | 2026-03-11 | Major completeness update: added 8 missing context files (00.01-governance, 01.05-glossary, 01.06-system-parameters, 03.07-template-authoring, 04.03-production-readiness, 04.04-orchestrator-runtime-validation), added Tier 0 Governance section, renamed Tier Repo-Specific to Tier Conventions (04.01–04.04), added `pe-templates.instructions.md` to instruction table, added 6 missing prompts (pe-skill-design, pe-instruction-file-design, pe-skill-review, pe-instruction-file-review), added 6 missing templates, updated file counts (16→24 context files, 10→25 agents, 8→13 prompts), expanded 01.04 consumers list, added 03.03 consumer agents. | System |
| 4.0.1 | 2026-03-14 | Fixed 3 incorrect handoff targets: `pe-skill-builder` → `pe-skill-validator` (was `pe-prompt-validator`), `pe-hook-builder` → `pe-hook-validator` (was `pe-prompt-validator`), `pe-prompt-snippet-builder` → `pe-prompt-snippet-validator` (was `pe-prompt-validator`). Verified all 26 agent entries against actual YAML frontmatter. | System |
| 4.2.0 | 2026-03-15 | Added `05.05-practical-effectiveness-log.md` to Tier 5 Meta-Ops — user-reported outcomes for grounding meta-review improvements in practical results. | System |
| 5.3.0 | 2026-04-28 | Added 3 new meta-prompts (pe-meta-design, pe-meta-create-update, pe-meta-review) to Meta-Prompts section. Removed deprecated prompts (old/ deleted). | PE-meta improvement |
| 4.3.0 | 2026-03-15 | Added Hooks section — `pe-staleness-check.json` (stub detection, token budget checks) and `pe-file-modification-tracker.json` (PostToolUse version tracking). | System |
| 4.4.0 | 2026-03-15 | Area 6: Added `pe-meta-researcher` and `pe-meta-release-monitor` as consumers of `05.04-meta-review-log.md` (authoritative sources list). | System |
| 5.0.0 | 2026-03-16 | Added documentation workflow agents (researcher/builder/reviewer) at `.github/agents/01.00-article-writing/` and documentation orchestrator prompts (design/review) at `.github/prompts/01.00-article-writing/`. Phase 3 of optimization plan. | System |
| 5.1.0 | 2026-03-19 | Added `pe-template-researcher` and `pe-template-builder` agents — completes template triad (researcher/builder/validator). Updated `pe-template-validator` Referenced By to include `pe-template-builder`. Updated agent count 26→28. | System |