GitHub Copilot CLI Expert
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:
- Installing and updating GitHub Copilot CLI
- All slash commands and keyboard shortcuts
- Custom agents, skills, and MCP server configuration
- Security, permissions, and trusted directories
- Integration with GitHub workflows (PRs, issues, Actions)
- 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 | bashUpdate to Latest Version
# Homebrew
brew upgrade copilot-cli
# npm
npm update -g @github/copilot
# WinGet
winget upgrade GitHub.Copilot
# Check version
copilot --versionBefore First Use
Requirements:
- Active GitHub Copilot subscription (Plans)
- Node.js 22+ (if installing via npm)
- 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
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/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
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
@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:
- "copilot cli", "github copilot", "install copilot"
- "update copilot", "copilot version", "copilot commands"
- "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:
- Complete list of all slash commands with detailed options
- All command-line flags and environment variables
- Detailed security configuration (trusted directories, tool permissions)
- Programmatic mode examples and scripting patterns
- MCP server configuration JSON format
examples.md - Read when you need:
- Step-by-step workflow examples (PR creation, code review)
- Custom agent creation and invocation examples
- GitHub integration use cases (issues, Actions, PRs)
- Delegation to Copilot coding agent workflows
Core Capabilities
1. Interactive vs Programmatic Mode
Interactive (default):
copilot
# Then type prompts naturallyProgrammatic (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 saveConfig stored in: ~/.copilot/mcp-config.json
4. Security Model
- Trusted directories: Confirmed on first launch
- Tool approval: Required for file modifications
- Path permissions: Current directory + temp by default
- URL permissions: All URLs require approval
Common Patterns
Include Files in Prompts
Explain @config/settings.yml
Fix the bug in @src/app.jsDelegate to GitHub Agent
/delegate complete the API tests and create a PRResume Previous Session
copilot --resume # Cycle through sessions
copilot --continue # Resume most recentAllow 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.PrereleaseReleases: https://github.com/github/copilot-cli/releases/
Troubleshooting
Authentication Issues
/login # In interactive mode
# Or use PAT with GH_TOKEN/GITHUB_TOKEN env varContext Window Full
/compact # Summarize conversation
/context # View token usageMCP Server Not Loading
/mcp show # List configured servers
/mcp edit [name] # Edit configurationTool 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:
- Restart terminal after installation
- Check PATH includes install location
- Run
which copilot(Unix) orwhere copilot(Windows)
"No subscription" error:
- Verify at https://github.com/settings/copilot
- Ensure plan includes CLI access
- Try
/logoutthen/login
Related Skills
- mcp-manager: Advanced MCP server configuration
- agent-sdk: Building custom agents
- documentation-writing: Clear documentation practices
Official Resources
- Docs: https://docs.github.com/copilot/concepts/agents/about-copilot-cli
- Usage Guide: https://docs.github.com/copilot/how-tos/use-copilot-agents/use-copilot-cli
- Installation: https://docs.github.com/copilot/how-tos/set-up/install-copilot-cli
- Releases: https://github.com/github/copilot-cli/releases/
- Feedback: Use
/feedbackcommand in CLI