Simplify dependabot config and convert to markdown link references

Co-authored-by: Malcolmnixon <1863707+Malcolmnixon@users.noreply.github.com>

Author: Copilot

.github/dependabot.yml

@@ -1,45 +1,22 @@
 ---
 version: 2
 updates:
-  # .NET NuGet dependencies
+  # Maintain dependencies for NuGet
   - package-ecosystem: "nuget"
     directory: "/"
     schedule:
       interval: "weekly"
       day: "monday"
+    open-pull-requests-limit: 10
     groups:
-      dotnet-dependencies:
-        patterns:
-          - "*"
-        update-types:
-          - "minor"
-          - "patch"
-      dotnet-major:
+      nuget-dependencies:
         patterns:
           - "*"
-        update-types:
-          - "major"
-    commit-message:
-      prefix: "deps"
-      include: "scope"
-    labels:
-      - "dependencies"
-      - "dotnet"
-    open-pull-requests-limit: 10
 
-  # GitHub Actions
+  # Maintain dependencies for GitHub Actions
   - package-ecosystem: "github-actions"
     directory: "/"
     schedule:
       interval: "weekly"
       day: "monday"
-    groups:
-      github-actions:
-        patterns:
-          - "*"
-    commit-message:
-      prefix: "ci"
-    labels:
-      - "dependencies"
-      - "github-actions"
     open-pull-requests-limit: 10

AGENTS.md

@@ -154,6 +154,7 @@ The project uses built-in .NET analyzers configured in `.editorconfig`:
 - **Code Comments**: Use XML documentation for public APIs
 - **Inline Comments**: Use sparingly and only when necessary to explain complex logic
 - **Commit Messages**: Write clear, descriptive commit messages
+- **Markdown Links**: Use link references instead of inline links (e.g., `[text][ref]` with `[ref]: url` at the end of the document)
 
 ### Spelling and Markdown
 

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ contributing to the project.
 
 ## Code of Conduct
 
-This project adheres to the Contributor Covenant [Code of Conduct](CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md). By participating, you are
+This project adheres to the Contributor Covenant [Code of Conduct][code-of-conduct]. By participating, you are
 expected to uphold this code. Please report unacceptable behavior to <conduct@demaconsulting.com>.
 
 ## How to Contribute
@@ -192,10 +192,13 @@ If you have questions about contributing, feel free to:
 
 - Open an issue for discussion
 - Reach out to the maintainers
-- Check the [AGENTS.md](AGENTS.md) file for detailed technical guidelines
+- Check the [AGENTS.md][agents] file for detailed technical guidelines
 
 ## License
 
 By contributing to ReqStream, you agree that your contributions will be licensed under the MIT License.
 
 Thank you for contributing to ReqStream!
+
+[code-of-conduct]: CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md
+[agents]: AGENTS.md

README.md

@@ -60,15 +60,20 @@ dotnet pack
 
 ## License
 
-This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the [LICENSE](LICENSE) file for details.
+This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the [LICENSE][license] file for details.
 
 ## Contributing
 
-Contributions are welcome! Please see our [Contributing Guidelines](CONTRIBUTING.md) for details on how to get started.
+Contributions are welcome! Please see our [Contributing Guidelines][contributing] for details on how to get started.
 
-Please note that this project is released with a [Contributor Code of Conduct](CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md). By participating
+Please note that this project is released with a [Contributor Code of Conduct][code-of-conduct]. By participating
 in this project you agree to abide by its terms.
 
 ## Security
 
-For information about reporting security vulnerabilities, please see our [Security Policy](SECURITY.md).
+For information about reporting security vulnerabilities, please see our [Security Policy][security].
+
+[license]: LICENSE
+[contributing]: CONTRIBUTING.md
+[code-of-conduct]: CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md
+[security]: SECURITY.md

SECURITY.md

@@ -139,8 +139,12 @@ For general bugs and feature requests, please use GitHub Issues.
 
 ## Additional Resources
 
-- [OWASP Secure Coding Practices](https://owasp.org/www-project-secure-coding-practices-quick-reference-guide/)
-- [.NET Security Best Practices](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/standard/security/)
-- [GitHub Security Advisories](https://github.com/demaconsulting/ReqStream/security/advisories)
+- [OWASP Secure Coding Practices][owasp-practices]
+- [.NET Security Best Practices][dotnet-security]
+- [GitHub Security Advisories][gh-advisories]
 
 Thank you for helping keep ReqStream and its users safe!
+
+[owasp-practices]: https://owasp.org/www-project-secure-coding-practices-quick-reference-guide/
+[dotnet-security]: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/standard/security/
+[gh-advisories]: https://github.com/demaconsulting/ReqStream/security/advisories