GitHub Copilot CLI: How to get started

GitHub Copilot CLI is a tool designed to integrate AI assistance directly into the terminal, allowing developers to streamline their workflow without leaving the command line interface. By installing the Copilot CLI, users with a GitHub Copilot Pro, Pro+, Business, or Enterprise plan can authenticate once and then perform a range of tasks such as debugging, running builds, and contributing to repositories efficiently. This tool enhances productivity by allowing developers to quickly understand project layouts, verify their environment, find suitable issues to work on, and implement changes—all from within the terminal. Copilot CLI also offers command execution oversight, requiring user permission before running commands, and can be extended with additional MCP servers for customized workflows. Currently in public preview, GitHub Copilot CLI aims to maintain developer momentum by minimizing context-switching between tools, and it encourages user feedback to guide its future development.