GitHub Copilot CLI

1. Introduction

The GitHub Copilot CLI allows you to use Copilot directly from your terminal. It acts as a powerful AI agent that can answer questions, write and debug code, and interact with GitHub.com.

Supported OS: Linux, macOS, Windows (Powershell/WSL).

2. Modes of Use

A. Interactive Mode

Command: copilot

The default mode where you can have a conversation with Copilot, prompt it to answer questions, or perform tasks iteratively.

B. Plan Mode

Activation: Press Shift+Tab in interactive mode.

Copilot analyzes your request, asks clarifying questions, and builds a structured implementation plan before writing code. This is crucial for complex, multi-step tasks to prevent errors.

C. Programmatic Mode

Command: copilot -p "Your prompt"

Pass a single prompt directly from the command line. Useful for scripting or quick one-off tasks.

copilot -p "Summarize this week's commits" --allow-tool 'shell(git)'

3. Key Use Cases

Local Project Tasks

• Code Modification: "Change the background-color of H1 headings to dark blue."
• History Analysis: "Show me the last 5 changes to CHANGELOG.md."
• Git Operations: "Commit these changes" or "Revert the last commit."
• App Creation: "Create a next.js app with tailwind CSS acting as a dashboard."

GitHub.com Integration

• Pull Requests: "List my open PRs" or "Create a PR that updates the README."
• Issue Management: "Raise an improvement issue in octo-org/octo-repo."
• Review: "Check the changes made in PR #57575 for errors."

4. Customization & Tools

Copilot CLI supports several ways to extend its capabilities:

• MCP Servers: Give Copilot access to external data and tools via the Model Context Protocol. Use /mcp to manage.
• Custom Instructions: Provide project-specific context (e.g., coding standards).
• Skills: specialized folders of instructions and scripts for complex tasks.
• Copilot Memory: Persistent understanding of your repo's conventions over time.

5. Security & Trust

Trusted Directories

Copilot CLI asks you to trust the specific directory you are working in. Only launch it from safe locations.

Tool Approvals

When Copilot needs to execute a command (like rm or git), it asks for permission:

1. Yes: Allow once.
2. Yes, always for this session: Allow this tool for the entire session.
3. No: Reject and steer.

Automation Flags: Use --allow-tool 'shell(git)' or --allow-all-tools (Use with caution!) for headless operation.

6. Advanced Features

• Steering: Use specific commands to enqueue messages or give feedback on rejections.
• Context Management: Copilot auto-compacts history. Use /compact manually or /context to view usage.
• Model Selection: Change models (e.g., Claude Sonnet 4.5) using /model.