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# GitHub Copilot - Your AI peer programmer
# GitHub Copilot - Your autonomous AI peer programmer

**[GitHub Copilot](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/overview)** is an AI peer programming tool that helps you write code faster and smarter.
**[GitHub Copilot](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/overview)** is an AI peer programming tool that transforms how you write code in Visual Studio Code.

GitHub Copilot adapts to your unique needs allowing you to select the best model for your project, customize chat responses with custom instructions, and utilize agent mode for AI-powered, seamlessly integrated peer programming sessions.
GitHub Copilot agents handle complete coding tasks end-to-end, autonomously planning work, editing files, running commands, and self-correcting when they hit errors. You can also leverage inline suggestions for quick coding assistance and inline chat for precise, focused edits directly in the editor.

**Sign up for [GitHub Copilot Free](https://github.com/settings/copilot?utm_source=vscode-chat-readme&utm_medium=first&utm_campaign=2025mar-em-MSFT-signup)!**

![Working with GitHub Copilot agent mode to make edits to code in your workspace](https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-copilot-release/blob/main/images/hero-dark.png?raw=true)
![Working with GitHub Copilot agent mode to make edits to code in your workspace](https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-docs/raw/732b9599e49ee7034744a3e5b0485b7fb4bdf530/docs/copilot/images/getting-started/custom-reviewer-mode.png)

When you install Copilot in Visual Studio Code, you get two extensions:
* **[GitHub Copilot](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=GitHub.copilot)** - Provides inline coding suggestions as you type.
* **[GitHub Copilot Chat](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=GitHub.copilot-chat)** (this extension) - A companion extension that provides conversational AI assistance.

## Getting access to GitHub Copilot

Sign up for [GitHub Copilot Free](https://github.com/settings/copilot?utm_source=vscode-chat-readme&utm_medium=second&utm_campaign=2025mar-em-MSFT-signup), or request access from your enterprise admin.

To access GitHub Copilot, an active GitHub Copilot subscription is required. You can read more about our business and individual offerings at [github.com/features/copilot](https://github.com/features/copilot?utm_source=vscode-chat&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=2025mar-em-MSFT-signup).

## AI-powered coding sessions
## Build with autonomous agents

**Start an AI-powered coding session tailored to your workflow**. Copilot Edits allows you to quickly iterate on code changes directly in the editor, across multiple files using natural language. For a more autonomous peer programmer experience,
[agent mode](https://aka.ms/vscode-copilot-agent) performs multi-step coding tasks at your command. It automatically handles compile and lint errors, monitors terminal and test output, and iterates until the task is complete. [Edit mode](https://aka.ms/vscode-copilot-edit) offers a conversational, step-by-step coding experience. Engage in multi-turn chat conversations while Copilot applies edits directly to your codebase, allowing you to review changes in context and maintain full control.
**Let AI agents implement complex features end-to-end**. Give an agent a high-level task and it breaks the work into steps, edits multiple files, runs terminal commands, and self-corrects when it hits errors or failing tests. Agents excel at [building new features](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/agents/overview), [debugging and fixing failing tests](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/guides/debug-with-copilot), refactoring codebases, and [collaborating via pull requests](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/agents/cloud-agents).

![Agent mode in Copilot Chat creating a new Vue application](https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-copilot-release/blob/main/images/agent-mode-readme.gif?raw=true)
**Manage sessions from a central view.** Run multiple [agent sessions](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/chat/chat-sessions) in parallel and track them in one place. Monitor session status, switch between active work, review file changes, and resume where you left off.

## Inline suggestions in the editor
**Run agents with your preferred harness.** Use agents locally in VS Code, in the background via Copilot CLI, or Cloud via Copilot Coding Agent. You can also work with providers like Claude and Codex, and hand tasks off between agent types with context preserved all within the VS Code.

**Automatically receive inline suggestions in the editor** from [ghost text suggestions](https://aka.ms/vscode-completions) and [next edit suggestions](https://aka.ms/vscode-nes) to help you write code faster. Ghost text suggestions provide suggestions at the current location, tailored to your coding style and your existing code. Copilot next edit suggestions (Copilot NES) takes it a step further and predicts what and where your next logical code change will be. Use the Tab key to navigate and accept changes in quick succession.
![Video showing an agent session building a complete feature in VS Code.](https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-docs/raw/refs/heads/main/docs/copilot/images/overview/agents-intro.gif)

![Copilot next edit suggestions](https://code.visualstudio.com/assets/docs/copilot/inline-suggestions/nes-point.gif)
**Use agents to [plan before you build](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/agents/planning) with the Plan agent**, which breaks tasks into structured implementation plans and asks clarifying questions. When your plan is ready, hand it off to an implementation agent to execute it. You can also [delegate tasks to cloud agents](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/agents/cloud-agents) that create branches, implement changes, and open pull requests for your team to review.

## Ask and learn about your code with chat
## More ways to code with AI

**Ask Copilot for help with any task or question** in the [Chat view](https://aka.ms/vscode-chat), bringing in code from your current files. Rather than giving you a generic answer, it can give answers that are relevant for your codebase using information provided by [participants](https://aka.ms/vscode-chat-participants), [variables](https://aka.ms/vscode-chat-variables), and [slash commands](https://aka.ms/vscode-chat-commands).
**Receive intelligent inline suggestions** as you type with [ghost text suggestions](https://aka.ms/vscode-completions) and [next edit suggestions](https://aka.ms/vscode-nes), helping you write code faster. Copilot predicts your next logical change, and you can accept suggestions with the Tab key.

![Using the workspace chat participant](https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-copilot-release/blob/main/images/participants-workspace.gif?raw=true)
![Video showing Copilot next edit suggestions.](https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-docs/raw/refs/heads/main/docs/copilot/images/inline-suggestions/nes-video.gif)

**Apply Copilot's AI suggestions directly to your code** using [Inline chat](https://aka.ms/vscode-inline-chat), staying in the flow. Need help with refactoring a method, adding error handling, or explaining a complex algorithm - just launch Copilot in the editor!
**Use inline chat for targeted edits** by pressing `Ctrl+I`/`Cmd+I` to open a chat prompt directly in the editor. Describe a change and Copilot suggests edits in place for refactoring methods, adding error handling, or explaining complex algorithms without leaving your editor.

![Inline chat in VS Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/assets/docs/copilot/copilot-chat/inline-chat-question-example.png)


## Customize AI for your workflow

**Agents work best when they understand your project's conventions and have the right tools**. Tailor Copilot so it generates code that fits your codebase from the start.

**Project context.** Use [custom instructions](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions) to specify project-wide or task-specific context and coding guidelines.

**Add specialized capabilities**. Teach Copilot specialized capabilities with [agent skills](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/customization/agent-skills) or define specialized personas with [custom agents](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/customization/custom-agents).

**Connect to external tools and services**. Extend agents further with tools from [MCP servers](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/customization/mcp-servers) and extensions to give Copilot a gateway to external data sources, APIs, or specialized tools.

### Supported languages and frameworks

GitHub Copilot works on any language, including Java, PHP, Python, JavaScript, Ruby, Go, C#, or C++. Because it’s been trained on languages in public repositories, it works for most popular languages, libraries and frameworks.
Expand All @@ -60,13 +67,13 @@ Your code is yours. We follow responsible practices in accordance with our [Priv
To get the latest security fixes, please use the latest version of the Copilot extension and VS Code.

### Resources & next steps
* **Sign up for [GitHub Copilot Free](https://github.com/settings/copilot?utm_source=vscode-chat-readme&utm_medium=third&utm_campaign=2025mar-em-MSFT-signup)**
* If you're using Copilot for your business, check out [Copilot Business](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/copilot-business/about-github-copilot-business) and [Copilot Enterprise](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/github-copilot-enterprise/overview/about-github-copilot-enterprise)
* **[Get started with Copilot in VS Code tutorial](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/getting-started)**
* **[Copilot Chat quickstart video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3surPGP7_4o)** to learn Copilot Chat in less than 4 minutes
* **[VS Code Copilot Series on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj6YeMhvp2S5_hvBl2SE-7YCHYlLQ0bPt)**
* **[FAQ](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/faq)**
* **[Feedback](https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-copilot-release/issues)**: We'd love to get your help in making GitHub Copilot better!
* **[Sign up for GitHub Copilot Free](https://github.com/settings/copilot?utm_source=vscode-chat-readme&utm_medium=third&utm_campaign=2025mar-em-MSFT-signup)**: Explore Copilot's AI capabilities at no cost before upgrading to a paid plan.
* If you're using Copilot for your business, check out [Copilot Business](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/copilot-business/about-github-copilot-business) and [Copilot Enterprise](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/github-copilot-enterprise/overview/about-github-copilot-enterprise).
* **[Copilot Quickstart](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/getting-started)**: Discover the key features of Copilot in VS Code.
* **[Agents Tutorial](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/agents/agents-tutorial)**: Get started with autonomous agents across different environments.
* **[VS Code on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@code)**: Watch the latest demos and updates on the VS Code channel.
* **[Frequently Asked Questions](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/faq)**: Get answers to commonly asked questions about Copilot in VS Code.
* **[Provide Feedback](https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-copilot-release/issues)**: Send us your feedback and feature request to help us make GitHub Copilot better!

## Data and telemetry

Expand Down