DEV: add GitHub Copilot instructions for codebase consistency and development practices

Author: Gui-FernandesBR

.github/copilot-instructions.md

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+# GitHub Copilot Instructions for RocketPy
+
+This file provides instructions for GitHub Copilot when working on the RocketPy codebase.
+These guidelines help ensure consistency with the project's coding standards and development practices.
+
+## Project Overview
+
+RocketPy is a Python library for 6-DOF rocket trajectory simulation.
+It's designed for high-power rocketry applications with focus on accuracy, performance, and ease of use.
+
+## Coding Standards
+
+### Naming Conventions
+- **Use `snake_case` for all new code** - variables, functions, methods, and modules
+- **Use descriptive names** - prefer `angle_of_attack` over `a` or `alpha`
+- **Class names use PascalCase** - e.g., `SolidMotor`, `Environment`, `Flight`
+- **Constants use UPPER_SNAKE_CASE** - e.g., `DEFAULT_GRAVITY`, `EARTH_RADIUS`
+
+### Code Style
+- Follow **PEP 8** guidelines
+- Use **Black formatter** for code formatting
+- Line length: **88 characters** (Black's default)
+- Use **type hints** for function parameters and return values
+- Organize imports with **isort**
+
+### Documentation
+- **All public classes, methods, and functions must have docstrings**
+- Use **NumPy style docstrings**
+- Include **Parameters**, **Returns**, and **Examples** sections
+- Document **units** for physical quantities (e.g., "in meters", "in radians")
+
+### Testing
+- Write **unit tests** for all new features using pytest
+- Follow **AAA pattern** (Arrange, Act, Assert)
+- Use descriptive test names following: `test_methodname_expectedbehaviour`
+- Include test docstrings explaining expected behavior
+- Use **parameterization** for testing multiple scenarios
+
+## Domain-Specific Guidelines
+
+### Physical Units and Conventions
+- **SI units by default** - meters, kilograms, seconds, radians
+- **Document coordinate systems** clearly (e.g., "tail_to_nose", "nozzle_to_combustion_chamber")
+- **Position parameters** are critical - always document reference points
+- Use **descriptive variable names** for physical quantities
+
+### Rocket Components
+- **Motors**: SolidMotor, HybridMotor, LiquidMotor classes
+- **Aerodynamic Surfaces**: They have Drag curves and lift coefficients
+- **Parachutes**: Trigger functions, deployment conditions
+- **Environment**: Atmospheric models, weather data, wind profiles
+
+### Mathematical Operations
+- Use **numpy arrays** for vectorized operations
+- Prefer **scipy functions** for numerical integration and optimization
+- **Handle edge cases** in calculations (division by zero, sqrt of negative numbers)
+- **Validate input ranges** for physical parameters
+- Monte Carlo simulations: sample from `numpy.random` for random number generation and creates several iterations to assess uncertainty in simulations.
+
+## File Structure and Organization
+
+### Source Code Organization
+
+Reminds that `rocketpy` is a Python package served as a library, and its source code is organized into several modules to facilitate maintainability and clarity. The following structure is recommended:
+
+```
+rocketpy/
+├── core/           # Core simulation classes
+├── motors/         # Motor implementations
+├── environment/    # Atmospheric and environmental models
+├── plots/          # Plotting and visualization
+├── tools/          # Utility functions
+└── mathutils/      # Mathematical utilities
+```
+
+Please refer to popular Python packages like `scipy`,  `numpy`, and `matplotlib` for inspiration on module organization.
+
+### Test Organization
+```
+tests/
+├── unit/           # Unit tests
+├── integration/    # Integration tests
+├── acceptance/     # Acceptance tests
+└── fixtures/       # Test fixtures organized by component
+```
+
+### Documentation Structure
+```
+docs/
+├── user/           # User guides and tutorials
+├── development/    # Development documentation
+├── reference/      # API reference
+├── examples/       # Flight examples and notebooks
+└── technical/      # Technical documentation
+```
+
+## Common Patterns and Practices
+
+### Error Handling
+- Use **descriptive error messages** with context
+- **Validate inputs** at class initialization and method entry
+- Raise **appropriate exception types** (ValueError, TypeError, etc.)
+- Include **suggestions for fixes** in error messages
+
+### Performance Considerations
+- Use **vectorized operations** where possible
+- **Cache expensive computations** when appropriate
+- Consider **memory usage** for large datasets
+- **Profile critical paths** in simulation code
+- Keep in mind that RocketPy must be fast!
+
+### Backward Compatibility
+- **Avoid breaking changes** in public APIs
+- Use **deprecation warnings** before removing features
+- **Document API changes** in docstrings and CHANGELOG
+
+## AI Assistant Guidelines
+
+### Code Generation
+- **Always include docstrings** for new functions and classes
+- **Add type hints** to function signatures
+- **Include input validation** for public methods
+- **Follow existing patterns** in the codebase
+- **Consider edge cases** and error conditions
+
+### Code Review and Suggestions
+- **Check for consistency** with existing code style
+- **Verify physical units** and coordinate systems
+- **Ensure proper error handling** and input validation
+- **Suggest performance improvements** when applicable
+- **Recommend additional tests** for new functionality
+
+### Documentation Assistance
+- **Use NumPy docstring format** consistently
+- **Include practical examples** in docstrings
+- **Document physical meanings** of parameters
+- **Cross-reference related functions** and classes
+
+## Testing Guidelines
+
+### Unit Tests
+- **Test individual methods** in isolation
+- **Use fixtures** from the appropriate test fixture modules
+- **Mock external dependencies** when necessary
+- **Test both happy path and error conditions**
+
+### Integration Tests
+- **Test interactions** between components
+- **Use real data files** for atmospheric models and motor thrust curves
+- **Verify end-to-end workflows** (Environment → Motor → Rocket → Flight)
+
+### Test Data
+- **Use realistic parameters** for rocket simulations
+- **Include edge cases** (very small/large rockets, extreme conditions)
+- **Test with different coordinate systems** and orientations
+
+## Project-Specific Considerations
+
+### Simulation Accuracy
+- **Maintain numerical precision** in calculations
+- **Use appropriate integration methods** for different scenarios
+- **Validate against known analytical solutions** when possible
+- **Test with real flight data** for validation
+
+### User Experience
+- **Provide helpful error messages** with context and suggestions
+- **Include examples** in docstrings and documentation
+- **Support common use cases** with reasonable defaults
+- **Make complex features accessible** through simple APIs
+
+### Community and Collaboration
+- **Follow the development workflow** described in the docs
+- **Use descriptive commit messages** with appropriate prefixes (ENH:, BUG:, DOC:, etc.)
+- **Reference issues** in commits and pull requests
+- **Be inclusive and welcoming** in code comments and documentation
+
+## Examples of Good Practices
+
+### Function Definition
+```python
+def calculate_drag_force(
+    velocity: float,
+    air_density: float,
+    drag_coefficient: float,
+    reference_area: float
+) -> float:
+    """Calculate drag force using the standard drag equation.
+
+    Parameters
+    ----------
+    velocity : float
+        Velocity magnitude in m/s.
+    air_density : float
+        Air density in kg/m³.
+    drag_coefficient : float
+        Dimensionless drag coefficient.
+    reference_area : float
+        Reference area in m².
+
+    Returns
+    -------
+    float
+        Drag force in N.
+
+    Examples
+    --------
+    >>> drag_force = calculate_drag_force(100, 1.225, 0.5, 0.01)
+    >>> print(f"Drag force: {drag_force:.2f} N")
+    """
+    if velocity < 0:
+        raise ValueError("Velocity must be non-negative")
+    if air_density <= 0:
+        raise ValueError("Air density must be positive")
+    if reference_area <= 0:
+        raise ValueError("Reference area must be positive")
+
+    return 0.5 * air_density * velocity**2 * drag_coefficient * reference_area
+```
+
+### Test Example
+```python
+def test_calculate_drag_force_returns_correct_value():
+    """Test drag force calculation with known inputs."""
+    # Arrange
+    velocity = 100.0  # m/s
+    air_density = 1.225  # kg/m³
+    drag_coefficient = 0.5
+    reference_area = 0.01  # m²
+    expected_force = 30.625  # N
+
+    # Act
+    result = calculate_drag_force(velocity, air_density, drag_coefficient, reference_area)
+
+    # Assert
+    assert abs(result - expected_force) < 1e-6
+```
+
+Remember: RocketPy prioritizes accuracy, performance, and usability. Always consider the physical meaning of calculations and provide clear, well-documented interfaces for users.