GitHub Copilot CLI Unveiled by Microsoft - A Powerful Coding Companion in Your Terminal
GitHub Copilot CLI Unveiled by Microsoft - A Powerful Coding Companion in Your Terminal
Introduction
In a significant development for developers, GitHub has launched the Copilot CLI, a command-line interface version of its popular coding assistant. This new offering aims to bring the power of AI coding assistance directly into the terminal, providing a seamless coding experience without the need for context switching. The Copilot CLI is positioned as a competitor to tools like Claude Code and Codeex, leveraging the same architecture that powers Copilot in VS Code and GitHub.
The Capabilities of Copilot CLI
Comprehensive Terminal Integration
With GitHub Copilot CLI, developers can work locally and synchronously with an AI agent that understands both their code and the GitHub context. This tool allows for:
- Access to repositories, issues, and pull requests using natural language, authenticated through your GitHub account
- Building, editing, debugging, and refactoring code with an AI collaborator capable of planning and executing complex tasks
- Direct interaction with the Copilot coding agent in the command line, eliminating the need for context switching
Customization and Flexibility
Copilot CLI supports GitHub’s MCP server by default, with the option to integrate custom MCP servers to extend its capabilities. Unlike some other coding agents that operate on auto-approve mode, Copilot CLI allows users to preview and approve every action before execution, ensuring control over the coding process.
Installation and Configuration
Installing Copilot CLI is straightforward, requiring just one command. By default, it uses Claudonnet 4, but users can switch to GPT5 via an environment variable called copilot model. This flexibility allows developers to tailor their coding environment to their specific needs.
Performance and User Experience
Testing the Limits
In practice, Copilot CLI performs impressively, offering similar functionality to Claude Code. Unique tools such as the read bash and write bash commands enable interaction with shell commands, providing a robust coding experience. However, there are areas for improvement, such as UI integration, where it sometimes falls short compared to competitors.
A Competitive Edge
Comparing Copilot CLI with other tools, it ranks third in terms of performance. While it excels in some areas, it faces challenges in others, such as handling complex interactive tasks or UI customization. Yet, it remains a polished and fleshed-out solution that stands out in the market.
Conclusion
Overall, GitHub’s Copilot CLI is a valuable addition to the developer’s toolkit, offering a powerful coding companion right in the terminal. It’s currently available for free, making it an attractive option for developers to explore. While it may have some limitations, the tool’s strengths and potential for customization make it a worthwhile choice for many coding environments.
As it continues to evolve, the Copilot CLI promises to enhance productivity and streamline the coding process. Developers are encouraged to give it a try and experience the benefits of AI-assisted coding firsthand.
Try it out today and share your feedback!