Comprehensive knowledge of GitHub Copilot CLI - the terminal-native AI coding assistant.
Note: Command syntax and model availability may change. Run /help in Copilot CLI for current options.
Purpose
This skill provides expert guidance on:
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Installing and updating GitHub Copilot CLI
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All slash commands and keyboard shortcuts
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Custom agents, skills, and MCP server configuration
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Security, permissions, and trusted directories
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Integration with GitHub workflows (PRs, issues, Actions)
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Programmatic and interactive usage modes
Quick Reference
Installation (Pick One)
# Homebrew (macOS/Linux) - Recommended
brew install copilot-cli
# npm (all platforms, requires Node.js 22+)
npm install -g @github/copilot
# WinGet (Windows)
winget install GitHub.Copilot
# Install script (macOS/Linux)
curl -fsSL https://gh.io/copilot-install | bash
Update to Latest Version
# Homebrew
brew upgrade copilot-cli
# npm
npm update -g @github/copilot
# WinGet
winget upgrade GitHub.Copilot
# Check version
copilot --version
Before First Use
Requirements:
-
Active GitHub Copilot subscription (Plans)
-
Node.js 22+ (if installing via npm)
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PowerShell v6+ (Windows users)
Authentication:
# On first run, you'll be prompted to login
copilot
# Then: /login
# OR set environment variable
export GH_TOKEN="ghp_xxxxxxxxxxxx"
Essential Slash Commands
| /help
| Show all commands and shortcuts
| /model
| Select AI model (claude-sonnet-4-5, gpt-5, etc.)
| /mcp
| Manage MCP server configuration
| /agent
| Browse and select custom agents
| /delegate
| Hand off task to Copilot coding agent on GitHub
| /compact
| Reduce context window usage
| /context
| Show token usage visualization
| /usage
| Display session metrics
| /diff
| Review changes made in session
| /share
| Export session to file or gist
| /skills
| Manage skills for enhanced capabilities
Keyboard Shortcuts
| @file
| Include file contents in context
| !cmd
| Execute shell command directly
| Esc
| Cancel operation / exit prompt
| Ctrl+C
| Cancel / clear / exit
| Ctrl+L
| Clear screen
| Ctrl+O
| Expand/collapse timeline
| ↑/↓
| Navigate command history
When to Use This Skill
Auto-triggers when user mentions:
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"copilot cli", "github copilot", "install copilot"
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"update copilot", "copilot version", "copilot commands"
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"mcp server", "custom agents", "copilot skills"
Explicitly invoke via:
Skill(skill="github-copilot-cli-expert")
Navigation Guide
When to Read Supporting Files
reference.md - Read when you need:
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Complete list of all slash commands with detailed options
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All command-line flags and environment variables
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Detailed security configuration (trusted directories, tool permissions)
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Programmatic mode examples and scripting patterns
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MCP server configuration JSON format
examples.md - Read when you need:
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Step-by-step workflow examples (PR creation, code review)
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Custom agent creation and invocation examples
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GitHub integration use cases (issues, Actions, PRs)
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Delegation to Copilot coding agent workflows
Core Capabilities
1. Interactive vs Programmatic Mode
Interactive (default):
copilot
# Then type prompts naturally
Programmatic (scripting):
copilot -p "Summarize recent commits" --allow-tool 'shell(git)'
2. Custom Agents
Built-in agents: explore, task, plan, code-review
Custom agent locations:
-
User-level:
~/.copilot/agents/ -
Repository:
.github/agents/ -
Org/Enterprise:
.github-private/agents/
3. MCP Servers
GitHub MCP server included by default. Add more:
/mcp add
# Fill details, Ctrl+S to save
Config stored in: ~/.copilot/mcp-config.json
4. Security Model
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Trusted directories: Confirmed on first launch
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Tool approval: Required for file modifications
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Path permissions: Current directory + temp by default
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URL permissions: All URLs require approval
Common Patterns
Include Files in Prompts
Explain @config/settings.yml
Fix the bug in @src/app.js
Delegate to GitHub Agent
/delegate complete the API tests and create a PR
Resume Previous Session
copilot --resume # Cycle through sessions
copilot --continue # Resume most recent
Allow Tools Without Prompts
copilot --allow-all-tools
copilot --allow-tool 'shell(git)'
copilot --deny-tool 'shell(rm)'
Version Information
Current Version: Check with copilot --version
Prerelease Channels:
brew install copilot-cli@prerelease
npm install -g @github/copilot@prerelease
winget install GitHub.Copilot.Prerelease
Releases: https://github.com/github/copilot-cli/releases/
Troubleshooting
Authentication Issues
/login # In interactive mode
# Or use PAT with GH_TOKEN/GITHUB_TOKEN env var
Context Window Full
/compact # Summarize conversation
/context # View token usage
MCP Server Not Loading
/mcp show # List configured servers
/mcp edit [name] # Edit configuration
Tool Permission Denied
-
Check trusted directories:
~/.copilot/config.json→trusted_folders -
Use
--allow-all-pathsor--allow-all-urlsflags -
Approve tools individually when prompted
First-Time Setup Issues
"Copilot not found" after install:
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Restart terminal after installation
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Check PATH includes install location
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Run
which copilot(Unix) orwhere copilot(Windows)
"No subscription" error:
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Verify at https://github.com/settings/copilot
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Ensure plan includes CLI access
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Try
/logoutthen/login
Related Skills
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mcp-manager: Advanced MCP server configuration
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agent-sdk: Building custom agents
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documentation-writing: Clear documentation practices
Official Resources
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Docs: https://docs.github.com/copilot/concepts/agents/about-copilot-cli
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Usage Guide: https://docs.github.com/copilot/how-tos/use-copilot-agents/use-copilot-cli
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Installation: https://docs.github.com/copilot/how-tos/set-up/install-copilot-cli
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Feedback: Use
/feedbackcommand in CLI