> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://join.amfoss.in/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://join.amfoss.in/selection/general-guidelines.md).

# General Guidelines

## **Plagiarism is strictly prohibited**

As stated above, referring online sources is allowed, but directly copying code from a website is prohibited. Sharing code between participants is also prohibited. Plagiarism checkers will be used to ensure all work done is genuine.&#x20;

## **Google is your best friend**

Students are encouraged to learn[ to use Google efficiently](https://in.pinterest.com/pin/319755642267805699/) and be self sufficient to solve [the problems that they face.](https://medium.com/how-i-learned-ruby-rails/why-googling-is-the-most-important-skill-a-developer-must-have-d69b89b22218)&#x20;

Here's our own curated list of resources if you need help - [Vidyaratna](https://gitlab.com/amfoss/vidyaratna)

## **Reduce usage of GUI**

Basic tasks like navigation, editing files and unzipping should not be done using GUI i.e. the use of mouse and window managers is discouraged. Do as much of your work as possible on your terminal - make the terminal your home ;)

## **Disqualification**

Student(s) found violating any of the guidelines or displaying other unsporting behaviour will be subject to disqualification.

**You must not use Windows/similar for completing the tasks ,** feel free to use any Linux distribution/ macOS &#x20;


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://join.amfoss.in/selection/general-guidelines.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
