# How do file and database mentions target an edit?

Canonical: https://uvilno.com/answers/how-to-use-file-and-database-context-mentions
Updated: 2026-10-27

Typing @ in Uvilno's builder opens page, file and collection suggestions. Choose references such as @index.html or @db:tasks, or use an inspector-provided @selected-element. These references guide private source retrieval for a focused edit; they do not expose locked code or guarantee a fixed completion time.

Use a mention when the location matters: a tasks filter belongs to the tasks controller, while a shared navigation change may affect several pages. The menu supports keyboard navigation and selected references remain removable pills, so review them before submitting.

The server validates each reference against the current owned version. An arbitrary path pasted into the message is not authority to load private storage or another customer's project. Preserve an explicit description of the desired behavior alongside the reference; a filename alone is not an edit specification.

## What to verify

| Check | Published behavior | Verification |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Selection | The composer suggests real owned metadata. | Type @ and use arrow keys, Enter and Escape. |
| Privacy | Locked projects receive paths and labels, not source text. | Review available context without opening a raw source bundle. |
| Scope | References guide affected-file retrieval and checks. | Inspect the saved change summary for unrelated modifications. |

## Steps

1. Describe the exact visible behavior to change.
2. Attach the relevant file, collection or selected element.
3. Remove unrelated references before sending.

## Editable starting brief

In @db:tasks, refine the status filter so it preserves the current search query and updates the list and count together. Use the relevant page/controller context, retain all saved records and unrelated routes, handle loading and errors, and verify the requested behavior rather than rewriting the application.

## Sources

- [Uvilno public SDK documentation](https://uvilno.com/docs)