diff --git a/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md b/01-setup-and-first-steps/README.md index 1f54dc4..bb0e076 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 are great to learn initially as you're getting started with Copilot CLI: | 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. @@ -388,6 +391,7 @@ 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 | @@ -653,7 +657,7 @@ 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..bd196d5 100644 --- a/05-skills/README.md +++ b/05-skills/README.md @@ -546,7 +546,13 @@ copilot # Install a plugin from the marketplace ``` -Plugins can bundle multiple capabilities together - a single plugin might include related skills, agents, and MCP server configurations that work together. +To keep your local plugin catalog current, refresh it with: + +```bash +copilot plugin marketplace update +``` + +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..a81bf57 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 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. + +> 💡 **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 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.