How to Install and Use GitHub Copilot CLI [Complete Guide]

GitHub Copilot CLI extends the power of AI directly into our terminal, allowing us to interact with Git, shell, and GitHub CLI commands using natural language. In this guide, you’ll learn how to install and use GitHub Copilot CLI to automate terminal commands without memorizing complex syntax.

Let’s start the discussion with a brief overview of GitHub Copilot CLI.

What is GitHub Copilot CLI?

GitHub Copilot CLI is an AI-powered command-line tool designed to make working with Git, GitHub, and the terminal more intuitive and efficient. Instead of requiring users to recall precise commands, Copilot CLI allows us to express our intent in natural language, and it translates that intent into accurate and actionable terminal operations.

At its core, GitHub Copilot CLI functions as a conversational assistant for the command line. When we want to perform a specific task—such as creating a branch, merging changes, or removing old files—we simply describe what we want to do. The tool then interprets our request and suggests the appropriate command.

Now that we’ve got an idea of what GitHub Copilot CLI is, let’s walk through how to install it on our device.

How to install GitHub Copilot CLI

The installation of GitHub Copilot CLI requires the execution of a single command. Before we check that out, let’s have a look at the prerequisites:

• A GitHub Copilot subscription (Individual, Business, or Enterprise)
• Node.js (Version 22 or later)
• npm (Version 10 or later)

After the prerequisites are satisfied, run this command in the command line / terminal to install GitHub Copilot CLI on your machine:

npm install -g @github/copilot 

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Once installed, navigate to a local repository and run this command to start an interactive session with Copilot CLI:

copilot 

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Now we can interact with Copilot CLI using natural language prompts to perform a wide range of tasks.

Alternatively, we can run this command to directly provide a prompt to Copilot CLI:

copilot -p "<prompt>" 

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Or equivalently:

copilot --prompt "<prompt>" 

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Next, we’ll see how to make the most of this tool in practice.

10 practical ways to use GitHub Copilot CLI

GitHub Copilot CLI can help streamline Git and shell workflows in numerous real-world scenarios. Here are 10 practical ways to use GitHub Copilot CLI in your daily development work.

1. Edit files with GitHub Copilot CLI

We can ask Copilot CLI to locate and update specific files instead of doing it manually:

Remove the footer in ‘index.html’. 

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Copilot suggests the exact edit to the HTML file, highlighting what changes will be made before applying them.

2. Summarize recent file changes

Instead of reviewing commits manually, we can let Copilot summarize what changed in a file:

Summarize the latest changes in ‘app.js’. 

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Copilot lists recent edits, commit messages, and relevant context so we can quickly understand how the file evolved.

3. Improve code or documentation

GitHub Copilot CLI can review code or documentation and suggest cleaner, more efficient versions:

Suggest improvements to ‘utils.py’ for better readability. 

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Copilot analyzes the code, provides suggestions, and explains how the proposed edits enhance clarity or performance.

4. Execute Git commands using GitHub Copilot CLI

If we don’t remember the appropriate Git command to perform an operation, we can simply tell Copilot CLI what we want to do, and it will do the job on our behalf:

Undo the last commit but keep the changes staged.   

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Copilot generates the correct Git command and explains what it will do before execution, preventing accidental data loss.

5. Write meaningful commit messages

We can rely on Copilot to create clear and professional commit summaries based on our changes:

Write a commit message for fixing login validation and adding error logs.   

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Copilot produces a concise, descriptive message that accurately reflects the scope of the changes.

6. Manage pull requests and issues

GitHub Copilot CLI makes it easy to interact with GitHub pull requests and issues without leaving the terminal:

List all open pull requests assigned to me. 

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Copilot retrieves and displays a list of PRs, showing key details like title, author, and status.

7. Review repository activity

We can quickly analyze project health or recent updates with the help of Copilot:

Show which branches haven’t been updated in the last month.   

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Copilot scans repository metadata and lists inactive branches, helping us keep repositories clean.

8. Merge or close pull requests

Copilot can automate routine GitHub maintenance actions safely and efficiently:

Merge pull request #42 with a comment acknowledging the author. 

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Copilot generates and explains the appropriate command, confirms the action, executes it, and posts the comment in the corresponding thread.

9. Create or inspect workflows

We can build or review automation pipelines using GitHub Copilot CLI:

Create a GitHub Actions workflow that runs unit tests on every pull request. 

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Copilot produces a ready-to-use YAML workflow file and explains how it integrates with our CI/CD process.

10. Automate shell tasks with GitHub Copilot CLI

Beyond Git and GitHub operations, GitHub Copilot CLI can automate everyday shell commands, saving time on repetitive tasks:

Create a command to delete all ‘.log’ files older than 10 days in the current directory. 

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Copilot interprets the request, generates a safe and efficient shell command, and explains what it does — helping us automate cleanup and maintenance tasks without needing to remember complex syntax.

Since we’re done exploring the various real-world use cases of GitHub Copilot CLI, it’s time for us to focus on the key features of this tool.

Key features of GitHub Copilot CLI

GitHub Copilot CLI offers several core features that make it a powerful command-line tool for developers. These features distinguish GitHub Copilot CLI from other terminal assistants:

• Natural-language command generation: Allows users to describe tasks in plain English and receive accurate command suggestions.
• Context awareness: Adapts suggestions based on the current working environment or repository.
• Command explanation: Provides clear, human-readable explanations of existing commands.
• Support for multiple domains: Works seamlessly across Git, shell, and GitHub operations.

With key features covered, let’s check out the limitations of GitHub Copilot CLI.

Limitations of GitHub Copilot CLI

While GitHub Copilot CLI is a powerful and intelligent assistant, it does come with certain limitations that we should be aware of:

• Requires an active subscription: The tool is not available for free users and needs a Copilot plan.
• Internet connectivity: Copilot CLI relies on cloud-based AI models and cannot function offline.
• Accuracy is not guaranteed: Suggestions should always be reviewed before execution, as some may be incorrect or unsafe.
• Shell-specific behavior: Certain commands might behave differently depending on the shell environment used.

Finally, let’s go through some of the best practices for using GitHub Copilot CLI.

Best practices for using GitHub Copilot CLI

Apply these best practices to make the most out of GitHub Copilot CLI:

• Review every suggestion carefully: Always double-check the accuracy and safety of generated commands before running them.
• Be specific in your prompts: Provide clear and detailed descriptions to receive more precise command recommendations.
• Use the explanation feature: Learn and understand unfamiliar commands before executing them.
• Avoid including sensitive information: Never include credentials, tokens, or private data in prompts.

Following these best practices will ensure effective usage of GitHub Copilot CLI.

Conclusion

In this guide, we covered GitHub Copilot CLI in detail, including how to install GitHub Copilot CLI, practical usage examples, and best practices for maximizing its effectiveness in your terminal workflow.

GitHub Copilot CLI represents a significant step forward in bringing AI assistance directly to the terminal. It allows us to automate Git commands, understand shell operations, and work more efficiently — all through natural language. By bridging the gap between human intent and terminal syntax, it empowers developers of all levels to work faster and smarter.

If you want to expand your knowledge of GitHub Copilot, check out the Intro to GitHub Copilot course on Codecademy.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the GitHub Copilot CLI tool?

GitHub Copilot CLI is an AI-powered command-line extension that helps us write, explain, and automate Git, GitHub, and shell operations using natural language.

2. How do I install GitHub Copilot CLI?

Run this command to install GitHub Copilot CLI on your machine:

npm install -g @github/copilot 

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3. Does GitHub Copilot CLI require a Copilot subscription?

Yes, a Copilot subscription (Individual, Business, or Enterprise) is required to use GitHub Copilot CLI.

4. Is GitHub Copilot CLI safe to use?

GitHub Copilot CLI is safe when used responsibly. Always review commands before execution, especially those that modify files or repositories.

5. Can I use GitHub Copilot CLI offline?

No. GitHub Copilot CLI requires an active internet connection to access GitHub’s AI service and generate suggestions.