From 1b700b46f2e38b6358e7b73eb6e5b1afae10a483 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Dan Wahlin Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:06:17 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 1/8] docs: add /ask, /env, MCP registry install, and plugin marketplace update MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Document new Copilot CLI features from releases v1.0.25–v1.0.27: - Add /ask command to Essential Slash Commands (ask quick questions without affecting conversation history) - Add /env command to Additional Commands reference (shows active instructions, MCP servers, skills, agents, and plugins) - Document MCP server registry installation (/mcp install) in Chapter 06 as the beginner-friendly path before manual JSON configuration - Add 'copilot plugin marketplace update' command to Chapter 05 plugin section so learners can refresh stale plugin catalogs Co-authored-by: Copilot <223556219+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com> --- 01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md | 10 ++++++++-- 05-skills/README.md | 8 ++++++++ 06-mcp-servers/README.md | 20 ++++++++++++++++++-- 3 files changed, 34 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-) diff --git a/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md b/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md index 1f54dc4..245d620 100644 --- a/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md +++ b/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md @@ -363,10 +363,11 @@ copilot --allow-all -p "Review @myfile.py for issues" ## Essential Slash Commands -These commands work in interactive mode. **Start with just these six** - they cover 90% of daily use: +These commands work in interactive mode. **Start with just these seven** - they cover 90% of daily use: | Command | What It Does | When to Use | |---------|--------------|-------------| +| `/ask` | Ask a quick question without it affecting your conversation history | When you want a quick answer without derailing your current task | | `/clear` | Clear conversation and start fresh | When switching topics | | `/help` | Show all available commands | When you forget a command | | `/model` | Show or switch AI model | When you want to change the AI model | @@ -374,6 +375,8 @@ These commands work in interactive mode. **Start with just these six** - they co | `/research` | Deep research using GitHub and web sources | When you need to investigate a topic before coding | | `/exit` | End the session | When you're done | +> 💡 **`/ask` vs regular chat**: Normally every message you send becomes part of the ongoing conversation and affects future responses. `/ask` is an "off the record" shortcut — perfect for quick one-off questions like `/ask What does YAML mean?` without polluting your session context. + That's it for getting started! As you become comfortable, you can explore additional commands. > 📚 **Official Documentation**: [CLI command reference](https://docs.github.com/copilot/reference/cli-command-reference) for the complete list of commands and flags. @@ -388,10 +391,13 @@ That's it for getting started! As you become comfortable, you can explore additi | Command | What It Does | |---------|--------------| | `/agent` | Browse and select from available agents | +| `/env` | Show loaded environment details — what instructions, MCP servers, skills, agents, and plugins are active | | `/init` | Initialize Copilot instructions for your repository | | `/mcp` | Manage MCP server configuration | | `/skills` | Manage skills for enhanced capabilities | +> 💡 **`/env` tip**: Use `/env` whenever you want to confirm that Copilot has picked up your custom agents, skills, or MCP servers. It's a great first step if something isn't working as expected. + > 💡 Agents are covered in [Chapter 04](../04-agents-custom-instructions/README.md), skills are covered in [Chapter 05](../05-skills/README.md), and MCP servers are covered in [Chapter 06](../06-mcp-servers/README.md). ### Models and Subagents @@ -653,7 +659,7 @@ The examples used `/plan` for a search feature and `-p` for batch reviews. Now t 1. **Interactive mode** is for exploration and iteration - context carries forward. It's like having a conversation with someone who remembers what you've said up to that point. 2. **Plan mode** is normally for more involved tasks. Review before implementation. 3. **Programmatic mode** is for automation. No interaction needed. -4. **Essential commands** (`/help`, `/clear`, `/plan`, `/research`, `/model`, `/exit`) cover most daily use. +4. **Essential commands** (`/ask`, `/help`, `/clear`, `/plan`, `/research`, `/model`, `/exit`) cover most daily use. > 📋 **Quick Reference**: See the [GitHub Copilot CLI command reference](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/reference/cli-command-reference) for a complete list of commands and shortcuts. diff --git a/05-skills/README.md b/05-skills/README.md index 0cacd76..e835761 100644 --- a/05-skills/README.md +++ b/05-skills/README.md @@ -546,6 +546,14 @@ copilot # Install a plugin from the marketplace ``` +To keep your local plugin catalog current, refresh it with: + +```bash +copilot plugin marketplace update +``` + +> 💡 **When to run this**: If you notice that new plugins aren't appearing in `/plugin marketplace`, running this command fetches the latest catalog from the marketplace server. + Plugins can bundle multiple capabilities together - a single plugin might include related skills, agents, and MCP server configurations that work together. ### Community Skill Repositories diff --git a/06-mcp-servers/README.md b/06-mcp-servers/README.md index 391ed95..c3d0292 100644 --- a/06-mcp-servers/README.md +++ b/06-mcp-servers/README.md @@ -119,13 +119,29 @@ MCP makes Copilot aware of your actual development environment. Hands adjusting knobs and sliders on a professional audio mixing board representing MCP server configuration -Now that you've seen MCP in action, let's set up additional servers. This section covers the configuration file format and how to add new servers. +Now that you've seen MCP in action, let's set up additional servers. You can add servers in two ways: **from the built-in registry** (easiest — guided setup right in the CLI) or by **editing the config file** manually (more flexible). Start with the registry option if you're not sure which to choose. + +--- + +## Installing MCP Servers from the Registry + +The CLI has a built-in MCP server registry that lets you discover and install popular servers with a guided setup — no JSON editing required. + +```bash +copilot + +> /mcp install +``` + +Copilot opens an interactive picker showing available servers. Select one, and the CLI walks you through any required configuration (API keys, paths, etc.) and adds it to your config automatically. + +> 💡 **Why use the registry?** It's the easiest way to get started — you don't need to know the npm package name, command arguments, or JSON structure. The CLI handles all of that for you. --- ## MCP Configuration File -MCP servers are configured in `~/.copilot/mcp-config.json` (user-level, applies to all projects) or `.mcp.json` (project-level, placed in the root of your project). +MCP servers are configured in `~/.copilot/mcp-config.json` (user-level, applies to all projects) or `.mcp.json` (project-level, placed in the root of your project). If you used `/mcp install` above, the CLI already created or updated this file for you — but it's useful to understand the format for advanced customization. > ⚠️ **Note**: `.vscode/mcp.json` is no longer supported as an MCP config source. If you have an existing `.vscode/mcp.json`, migrate it to `.mcp.json` in your project root. The CLI will show a migration hint if it detects an old config file. From 5089e243dc8db0b85b331f4cc359908a1c107e8f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Dan Wahlin Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:28:43 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 2/8] Update README.md --- 01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md b/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md index 245d620..bfb5308 100644 --- a/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md +++ b/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md @@ -363,7 +363,7 @@ copilot --allow-all -p "Review @myfile.py for issues" ## Essential Slash Commands -These commands work in interactive mode. **Start with just these seven** - they cover 90% of daily use: +These commands work in interactive mode. **Start with just these** - they cover 90% of daily use: | Command | What It Does | When to Use | |---------|--------------|-------------| From 49be6d370cb8f9fd4d692c5367f8ec792183cc34 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Dan Wahlin Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:34:32 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 3/8] Update README.md --- 05-skills/README.md | 4 +--- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 3 deletions(-) diff --git a/05-skills/README.md b/05-skills/README.md index e835761..bd196d5 100644 --- a/05-skills/README.md +++ b/05-skills/README.md @@ -552,9 +552,7 @@ To keep your local plugin catalog current, refresh it with: copilot plugin marketplace update ``` -> 💡 **When to run this**: If you notice that new plugins aren't appearing in `/plugin marketplace`, running this command fetches the latest catalog from the marketplace server. - -Plugins can bundle multiple capabilities together - a single plugin might include related skills, agents, and MCP server configurations that work together. +Plugins can bundle multiple capabilities together. A single plugin might include related skills, agents, and MCP server configurations that work together. ### Community Skill Repositories From 18a1ce0abb72f85586a94fa32b5e8260d3579c35 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Dan Wahlin Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:39:25 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 4/8] Update README.md --- 06-mcp-servers/README.md | 4 ++-- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/06-mcp-servers/README.md b/06-mcp-servers/README.md index c3d0292..a3675f8 100644 --- a/06-mcp-servers/README.md +++ b/06-mcp-servers/README.md @@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ The CLI has a built-in MCP server registry that lets you discover and install po ```bash copilot -> /mcp install +> /mcp search ``` Copilot opens an interactive picker showing available servers. Select one, and the CLI walks you through any required configuration (API keys, paths, etc.) and adds it to your config automatically. @@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ Copilot opens an interactive picker showing available servers. Select one, and t ## MCP Configuration File -MCP servers are configured in `~/.copilot/mcp-config.json` (user-level, applies to all projects) or `.mcp.json` (project-level, placed in the root of your project). If you used `/mcp install` above, the CLI already created or updated this file for you — but it's useful to understand the format for advanced customization. +MCP servers are configured in `~/.copilot/mcp-config.json` (user-level, applies to all projects) or `.mcp.json` (project-level, placed in the root of your project). If you used `/mcp search` above, the CLI already created or updated this file for you — but it's useful to understand the format for advanced customization. > ⚠️ **Note**: `.vscode/mcp.json` is no longer supported as an MCP config source. If you have an existing `.vscode/mcp.json`, migrate it to `.mcp.json` in your project root. The CLI will show a migration hint if it detects an old config file. From 78e4ace387849b631bd425c31d314eccc5df2e04 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Dan Wahlin Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:40:25 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 5/8] Update README.md --- 06-mcp-servers/README.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/06-mcp-servers/README.md b/06-mcp-servers/README.md index a3675f8..409ccdc 100644 --- a/06-mcp-servers/README.md +++ b/06-mcp-servers/README.md @@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ Copilot opens an interactive picker showing available servers. Select one, and t ## MCP Configuration File -MCP servers are configured in `~/.copilot/mcp-config.json` (user-level, applies to all projects) or `.mcp.json` (project-level, placed in the root of your project). If you used `/mcp search` above, the CLI already created or updated this file for you — but it's useful to understand the format for advanced customization. +MCP servers are configured in `~/.copilot/mcp-config.json` (user-level, applies to all projects) or `.mcp.json` (project-level, placed in the root of your project). If you used `/mcp search` above, the CLI already created or updated this file for you — but it's useful to understand the format for customization. > ⚠️ **Note**: `.vscode/mcp.json` is no longer supported as an MCP config source. If you have an existing `.vscode/mcp.json`, migrate it to `.mcp.json` in your project root. The CLI will show a migration hint if it detects an old config file. From 879d4c6c7c1be76408e76767beed30a696f80b3b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Dan Wahlin Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:42:04 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 6/8] Fix formatting in MCP Configuration File section --- 06-mcp-servers/README.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/06-mcp-servers/README.md b/06-mcp-servers/README.md index 409ccdc..a81bf57 100644 --- a/06-mcp-servers/README.md +++ b/06-mcp-servers/README.md @@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ Copilot opens an interactive picker showing available servers. Select one, and t ## MCP Configuration File -MCP servers are configured in `~/.copilot/mcp-config.json` (user-level, applies to all projects) or `.mcp.json` (project-level, placed in the root of your project). If you used `/mcp search` above, the CLI already created or updated this file for you — but it's useful to understand the format for customization. +MCP servers are configured in `~/.copilot/mcp-config.json` (user-level, applies to all projects) or `.mcp.json` (project-level, placed in the root of your project). If you used `/mcp search` above, the CLI already created or updated this file for you, but it's useful to understand the format for customization. > ⚠️ **Note**: `.vscode/mcp.json` is no longer supported as an MCP config source. If you have an existing `.vscode/mcp.json`, migrate it to `.mcp.json` in your project root. The CLI will show a migration hint if it detects an old config file. From d1c40ac682804fe40d595fe71258fdb6587c0531 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Dan Wahlin Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:48:07 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 7/8] Update README.md --- 01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md b/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md index bfb5308..14f4761 100644 --- a/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md +++ b/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md @@ -363,7 +363,7 @@ copilot --allow-all -p "Review @myfile.py for issues" ## Essential Slash Commands -These commands work in interactive mode. **Start with just these** - they cover 90% of daily use: +These commands are great to learn initially as you're getting started with Copilot CLI: | Command | What It Does | When to Use | |---------|--------------|-------------| From 9fcf0685768cb64134dc081c3995df240808ccf5 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Dan Wahlin Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:49:14 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 8/8] Update README.md --- 01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md | 2 -- 1 file changed, 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md b/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md index 14f4761..bb0e076 100644 --- a/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md +++ b/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md @@ -396,8 +396,6 @@ That's it for getting started! As you become comfortable, you can explore additi | `/mcp` | Manage MCP server configuration | | `/skills` | Manage skills for enhanced capabilities | -> 💡 **`/env` tip**: Use `/env` whenever you want to confirm that Copilot has picked up your custom agents, skills, or MCP servers. It's a great first step if something isn't working as expected. - > 💡 Agents are covered in [Chapter 04](../04-agents-custom-instructions/README.md), skills are covered in [Chapter 05](../05-skills/README.md), and MCP servers are covered in [Chapter 06](../06-mcp-servers/README.md). ### Models and Subagents