Copilot Exec Skill

Use GitHub Copilot CLI to execute development tasks that involve code modifications. This skill modifies code.

When to Use

• User asks to add, create, implement, or generate code
• User wants to refactor existing code
• User needs to fix a bug
• User wants to create tests
• User asks to update or modify code

Prerequisites

Verify GitHub Copilot CLI is available:

copilot --version

Note: Copilot will ask you to trust the files in the current folder before it can read them.

Basic Usage

Step 1: Understand the Task

Clarify:

• What to create/modify?
• Which files are affected?
• Expected outcome?
• Constraints or requirements?

Step 2: Gather Context

Review current state:

git status
git diff

Read relevant files to understand patterns.

Step 3: Launch Copilot CLI

cd /path/to/project
copilot

Step 4: Execute the Task

Provide clear instructions:

[TASK DESCRIPTION]

Follow these guidelines:
- Follow existing code patterns and conventions
- Add appropriate error handling
- Include necessary imports
- Maintain readability and style
- Use proper types if applicable
- Add comments for complex logic

Project context:
- Language: [e.g., TypeScript + React]
- Build tool: [e.g., Vite, webpack]
- Package manager: [e.g., npm, pnpm, yarn]
- Coding style: [e.g., see eslint config]

Preview all changes before applying them.

Step 5: Review and Approve

Copilot CLI will ask for approvals before it changes files or runs commands. Review each action and approve only what is correct.

Step 6: Verify Changes

git status
git diff

Run lint/tests if available.

Step 7: Report Results

Provide:

• Files modified/created
• Summary of changes
• Verification results
• Issues or follow-ups

Tips

• Use @path/to/file to focus Copilot on a file.

• Use /agent to pick a custom agent, or run:

  copilot --agent=refactor-agent --prompt "Refactor src/auth/*"
  

• Use /add-dir or --add-dir to add extra directories.

• Use --add-dir to allow additional directories in the workspace.

• Use /model to pick another model if needed.

Use Custom Instructions

Copilot CLI automatically loads repository instructions if present:

• .github/copilot-instructions.md
• .github/copilot-instructions/**/*.instructions.md
• AGENTS.md (agent instructions)

Error Handling

• If Copilot is not found, ensure it is installed per the prerequisites in README.md and available in PATH.
• If authentication fails, run /login and follow prompts.
• If results are off, refine the prompt and include file paths.

Related Skills

• copilot-ask for read-only questions
• copilot-review for code reviews

Limitations

• Interactive mode by default
• Requires explicit approvals for file edits and commands
• Limited by current codebase context