Introducing Agent Mode

1. Introducing Agent Mode

Welcome back! Now, we will explore GitHub Copilot Agent mode.

2. What makes Agent Mode different

Agent Mode is different from other Copilot modes.

3. What makes Agent Mode different

It's designed for complex, multi-step tasks.

4. What makes Agent Mode different

Instead of suggesting a single change, it works iteratively and autonomously to achieve your goal.

5. How Agent Mode works

That means: It doesn't stop after one suggestion,

6. How Agent Mode works

it can make changes across multiple files,

7. How Agent Mode works

it may run tools or commands,

8. How Agent Mode works

and it can try alternative solutions

9. How Agent Mode works

if the first one doesn't work. You don't need to guide it step by step. You just describe what you want, and Agent Mode figures out the rest.

10. Agent Mode in action

For example, in a codebase with multiple scripts and print statements, you might say: "Add logging using the logging module and remove all print statements." Copilot will search your codebase, make the necessary edits across files, and prompt you if it needs to run a terminal command—like installing a package or running tests.

11. When to use Agent Mode

Agent Mode is ideal when your task spans multiple files, requires both code edits and command execution, involves experimentation, refactoring, or retries.

12. How to access Agent Mode

To use Agent mode, you just need to open the Chat view, select Agent from the dropdown menu, type your high-level prompt, and press Enter. Copilot will begin analyzing your project, and you'll see suggested edits appear directly in the editor. You can review each change individually—or accept or discard all of them at once.

13. Agent Mode tool usage

Agent Mode may also use tools to complete parts of your request. Think of tools as actions Copilot can take, like:

14. Agent Mode tool usage examples

Running terminal commands,

15. Agent Mode tool usage examples

Interacting with external services,

16. Agent Mode tool usage examples

Searching documentation or information online.

17. Types of tools Copilot uses

There are three types of tools Copilot can use:

18. Types of tools Copilot uses

Built-in tools for common development tasks,

19. Types of tools Copilot uses

MCP tools to connect to external APIs or systems,

20. Types of tools Copilot uses

or marketplace extensions, which you can install as needed. We'll explore these more in upcoming lessons.

21. Tools approval and management

By default, Copilot asks for your approval before using a tool or running a command. You can choose to approve just once, approve for the session or workspace, or always allow it in the future. You can manage tool access by clicking the Tools icon in the chat input and toggling tools on or off.

22. Agent Mode: coding assistant

Agent Mode makes Copilot feel more like a true coding assistant,

23. Agent Mode: coding assistant

capable of handling complex, multi-step tasks while you stay in control.

24. Let's practice!

Ready to apply what you've learned about Agent Mode? Let's try a few exercises.

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