The companionYour chatbot knows the book
The companion is a package of instructions and text files. You hand it to your chatbot, and from then on it knows how the book is laid out. It sends you to the right chapter, asks instead of guessing, and knows the corrections that came in after printing. It does not replace the book, it works with it.
Download
Version 1.0, 255 KB. Both give you the same archive. GitHub always has the latest version.
The password
The archive is encrypted. The password is in chapter 0 of the book, in the download box. It is not a secret, it simply shows that the companion belongs to the book.
What is in the archive
| Folder or file | What for |
|---|---|
README.txt | Short overview and the two most important keywords |
claude/ | Skill to upload, plus a project as a second route |
chatgpt/ | Project instructions and three knowledge files |
gemini/ | One file to attach and a starter message |
copilot/ | The same for Copilot and any other chatbot that accepts files |
companion_beginner_mistakes.md | Appendix E of the book, attach in addition when needed |
Each folder has a file 0_setup_....txt with the instructions from chapter 0, word for word.
How the companion gets into your chatbot
Here is the short version, as of October 2026. Chapter 0 covers the differences between plans and what to watch out for.
Claude
As a skill, works in every conversation.
- Turn on Code execution and file creation in the settings.
- Customize, Skills, Upload skill: pick the ZIP from the claude folder. Don't unzip it.
- Turn the skill on, start a new conversation, type the keyword.
ChatGPT
As a project, you need an account.
- Create a new project in the sidebar.
- Copy the contents of 1_project_instructions.txt into the project instructions.
- Upload the three files companion_A to C, then test inside the project.
Gemini
As an attachment, again in every new chat.
- Start a new chat.
- Use the plus sign to upload companion_complete.md from the gemini folder.
- Add the text from 1_starter_message.txt and send it.
Copilot
As an attachment, just like Gemini.
- Start a new conversation.
- Use Open (+) to attach companion_complete.md from the copilot folder.
- Add the starter message and send. Works the same with other chatbots.
If the route looks different for you
The providers keep redesigning their interfaces. Then ask your chatbot:
I would like to give you a fixed instruction and a few text files (Markdown) permanently, so that you use them in every new conversation. How does that work in your current version and on my plan? Give me the exact menu steps. If that is not available to me, say so clearly and name the simplest way to give you the files in every conversation.
Don't trust the answer blindly, chatbots sometimes make up menu items. The attachment route (copilot folder) works everywhere.
Two sentences worth remembering
Companion: Where do I start?
The first keyword. The companion asks where you are and sends you to the right chapter.
Stick to your rules.
When it gets too long, asks many questions at once or decides for you.
Never give the chatbot passwords, access tokens or the address of your remote access.
Everything else is in the book
Chapter 0 walks through every route step by step, with the differences between free and paid plans and with what your chatbot's memory and custom settings change about the companion. The password is there too.