GitHub Copilot

GitHub-native assistant spanning IDE, CLI, and review workflows.

Type: IDE assistant / CLI / PR tooling

Best for: GitHub-heavy organizations

Official docs: https://docs.github.com/en/copilot

Last verified: 2026-07-12

Status: Confirmed

Quick Start

copilot --version

Installation

macOS

brew install --cask copilot-cli

Windows

winget install GitHub.Copilot

Linux

npm install -g @github/copilot

WSL

npm install -g @github/copilot

Authentication

Follow the Copilot CLI login flow after install.

Basic Commands

copilot --version

Intermediate Commands

  • use repo custom instructions and PR tooling

Advanced Commands

  • org-admin-controlled rollout and policy

Project Configuration

  • copilot-instructions.md

Instruction Files

  • copilot-instructions.md

Models and Versions

  • verify current model availability by plan

Permissions and Security

  • org policy can disable CLI access

MCP / Integrations

Varies by product surface.

Common Workflows

  • editor assistance
  • PR review

Team Best Practices

  • align instructions with AGENTS.md

Troubleshooting

  • Node.js 22 or later is required for the npm install path

When to Use

  • GitHub-first organizations

When Not to Use

  • when provider flexibility matters more than GitHub integration

Sources