Microsoft Developer presents a video where Luke Hoban demonstrates how GitHub Copilot has evolved into an autonomous coding agent, with examples of task automation, backlog management, and integration with tools like MCP, improving both individual and team development workflows.

From Issue to PR: Asynchronously Develop with GitHub Copilot Coding Agent

Speakers:

  • Luke Hoban (Microsoft)
  • Priyanka Vergadia (host)

Overview

GitHub Copilot has transformed over the last four years from a basic code suggestion tool to an autonomous coding agent capable of handling entire tasks. This session demonstrates:

  • Assigning entire GitHub issues to Copilot agents and letting AI handle bug fixes and documentation edits.
  • Using the new command center at github.com/copilot/agents to oversee, initiate, and manage autonomous AI work.
  • Deep integration with features like built-in web browser testing, Playwright for visual testing, and automated screenshot documentation.
  • Integration with Model Context Protocol (MCP) to expand agent functionality, adding new extensibility options.
  • Mobile creation of development tasks, enabling remote task initiation.

Key Insights

  • Evolution of Copilot: Shifted from ‘next line suggestions’ to autonomous, end-to-end task execution.
  • Hands-off Development: Developers can assign backlog items using natural language, with AI agents working autonomously for extended periods.
  • Example Demo: A longstanding GitHub CLI bug is fixed by Copilot agent without manual intervention.
  • Automated Documentation: Copilot agents perform documentation improvements and generate supporting screenshots.
  • Team Collaboration: Features support both individual and broader team productivity, helping prioritize high-impact work.

Technical Highlights

  • Command Center: Centralized dashboard for task assignment and AI management.
  • MCP Integration: Model Context Protocol augments agent capabilities for extensibility.
  • Web Testing and Playwright: Automated visual regression testing and report generation.
  • Session Logging: Full logs for multi-minute autonomous sessions, providing transparency and troubleshooting capabilities.

Resources

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Key Takeaway

AI is no longer just an autocomplete tool—GitHub Copilot agents can handle complex software development tasks from coding to documentation, freeing developers to focus on architectural and critical project aspects.