This version of this article is for Copilot on the GitHub website. For other versions of this article, click the tabs above.
This version of this article is for Copilot in Visual Studio Code. For other versions of this article, click the tabs above.
This version of this article is for Copilot in Visual Studio. For other versions of this article, click the tabs above.
This version of this article is for Copilot in JetBrains. For other versions of this article, click the tabs above.
About GitHub Copilot enhancements
You can enhance your experience of Copilot Chat with a variety of commands and options. Finding the right command or option for the task you are working on can help you achieve your goals more efficiently. This cheat sheet provides a quick reference to the most common commands and options for using Copilot Chat.
For information about how to get started with Copilot Chat in Visual Studio, see Asking GitHub Copilot questions in your IDE.
Slash commands
Use slash commands to avoid writing complex prompts for common scenarios. To use a slash command, type / in the chat prompt box, followed by the command name.
Available slash commands may vary, depending on your environment and the context of your chat. To view a list of currently available slash commands, type / in the chat prompt box of your current environment. Below is a list of some of the most common slash commands for using Copilot Chat.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/help | Quick reference and basics of using GitHub Copilot. |
/tests | Generate unit tests for the selected code. |
/fix | Propose a fix for problems in the selected code. |
/explain | Explain how the code in your active editor works. |
/optimize | Analyze and improve running time of the selected code. |
/doc | Add documentation comment for this symbol. |
For information about how to get started with Copilot Chat in Visual Studio Code, see Asking GitHub Copilot questions in your IDE.
Slash commands
Use slash commands to avoid writing complex prompts for common scenarios. To use a slash command, type / in the chat prompt box, followed by the command name.
Available slash commands may vary, depending on your environment and the context of your chat. To view a list of currently available slash commands, type / in the chat prompt box of your current environment. Below is a list of some of the most common slash commands for using Copilot Chat.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/help | Quick reference and basics of using GitHub Copilot. |
/tests | Generate unit tests for the selected code. |
/fix | Propose a fix for problems in the selected code. |
/explain | Explain how the code in your active editor works. |
/fixTestFailure | Find and fix a failing test. |
/new | Create a new project. |
/clear | Start a new chat session. |
For information about how to get started with Copilot Chat in JetBrains, see Asking GitHub Copilot questions in your IDE.
Slash commands
Use slash commands to avoid writing complex prompts for common scenarios. To use a slash command, type / in the chat prompt box, followed by the command name.
Available slash commands may vary, depending on your environment and the context of your chat. To view a list of currently available slash commands, type / in the chat prompt box of your current environment. Below is a list of some of the most common slash commands for using Copilot Chat.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/help | Quick reference and basics of using GitHub Copilot. |
/tests | Generate unit tests for the selected code. |
/fix | Propose a fix for problems in the selected code. |
/explain | Explain how the code in your active editor works. |
/fixTestFailure | Find and fix a failing test. |
/new | Create a new project. |
/clear | Start a new chat session. |
For information about how to get started with Copilot Chat in the GitHub website, see Asking GitHub Copilot questions in GitHub.
Slash commands
Use slash commands to avoid writing complex prompts for common scenarios. To use a slash command, type / in the chat prompt box, followed by the command name.
Available slash commands may vary, depending on your environment and the context of your chat. To view a list of currently available slash commands, type / in the chat prompt box of your current environment. Below is a list of some of the most common slash commands for using Copilot Chat.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/help | Quick reference and basics of using GitHub Copilot. |
/search | Performs a search within the repository, including issues, pull requests, and code. |
/file | Retrieves a specific file from the repository by its path. |
/rename | Rename a conversation. |
/delete | Delete a conversation. |
/new | Start a new conversation |
/clear | Clear conversation. |
Chat variables
Use chat variables to include specific context in your prompt. To use a chat variable, type # in the chat prompt box, followed by a chat variable.
| Variable | Description |
|---|---|
#file | Includes the current file's content in the prompt. |
#selection | Includes the currently selected text in the prompt. |
#line | Includes the current line of code in the prompt. |
#project | Includes the project context in the prompt. |
#path | Includes the file path in the prompt. |
#function | Includes the current function or method in the prompt. |
#class | Includes the current class in the prompt. |
#comment | Includes the current comment in the prompt. |
#block | Includes the current block of code in the prompt. |
#sym | Includes the current symbol in the prompt. |
References
By default, Copilot Chat will reference the file that you have open or the code that you have selected. You can also use # followed by a file name, file name and line numbers, or solution to reference a specific file, lines, or solution.
| Example | Description |
|---|---|
Where are the tests in #MyFile.cs? | References a specific file |
How are these files related #MyFile.cs #MyFile2.cs | References multiple files |
Explain this function #MyFile.cs: 66-72? | References specific lines in a file |
Is there a delete method in this #solution? | References the current file |
Chat participants
Chat participants are like domain experts who have a specialty that they can help you with. You can specify a chat participant by typing @ in the chat prompt box, followed by a chat participant name. To see all available chat participants, type @ in the chat prompt box.
Below is a list of some of the most common chat participants for using Copilot Chat.
| Variable | Description |
|---|---|
@workspace | Has context about the code in your workspace. Use @workspace when you want Copilot to consider the structure of your project, how different parts of your code interact, or design patterns in your project. |
@vscode | Has context about Visual Studio Code commands and features. Use @vscode when you want help with Visual Studio Code. |
@terminal | Has context about the Visual Studio Code terminal shell and its contents. Use @terminal when you want help creating or debugging terminal commands. |
@azure | Has context about Azure services and how to use, deploy and manage them. Use @azure when you want help with Azure. The @azure chat participant is currently in public preview and is subject to change. |
@github | Allows you to use GitHub-specific Copilot skills. See Asking GitHub Copilot questions in your IDE. |