In this full demo, Ryan Hecht from GitHub showcases the new GitHub Copilot CLI, guiding developers through installation, codebase navigation, and AI-powered workflows—all from the command line.

Full Demo: Mastering GitHub Copilot CLI for Terminal-Based Development

Presenter: Ryan Hecht (Product Manager, GitHub)

Overview

This session offers a thorough, hands-on look at the GitHub Copilot CLI, a powerful AI tool designed to streamline terminal-based development. Developers will see how Copilot CLI can be installed and configured, then used to perform tasks such as:

  • Exploring and understanding unfamiliar codebases
  • Debugging issues directly in the terminal
  • Using AI-powered assistance to solve developer problems
  • Integrating with GitHub workflows and repositories
  • Collaborating with the AI agent to fix issues without leaving the terminal

Key Highlights

  • Installation: Step-by-step guide to setting up the Copilot CLI
  • First Impressions: Initial thoughts on workflow enhancements
  • Codebase Understanding: Techniques for onboarding and exploring new projects
  • Problem Solving: Using natural language prompts to address common dev tasks
  • AI Debugging: Demonstration of AI-assisted troubleshooting
  • GitHub Integration: Working seamlessly with repositories using Copilot CLI

Chapters Referenced

  • 00:00 - Introduction to Copilot CLI
  • 00:55 - Installation Overview
  • 01:30 - Understanding a Codebase
  • 03:12 - Solving Developer Problems
  • 04:17 - GitHub Integration and MCP Server Features
  • 04:53 - Fixing Issues with the AI Agent
  • 05:45 - Making the AI Your Main Coding Collaborator

Summary

GitHub Copilot CLI empowers developers working in the terminal by bringing AI-assisted code navigation, problem-solving, and integration features directly to their workflow. This demonstration highlights how the tool can accelerate development productivity and deepen codebase comprehension from within the command line interface.