Advanced GitHub Copilot Features You Should Try

You’re already using GitHub Copilot for code completion, but are you taking advantage of its most powerful capabilities? While most developers stop at basic autocomplete, Copilot’s advanced features can transform how you write, debug, and maintain code.

This article explores the advanced GitHub Copilot features that can save you hours each week: multi-file editing, contextual agents, voice commands, and automated workflows that go far beyond simple code suggestions.

Multi-File Editing with Copilot Edits

One of the most underutilized advanced GitHub Copilot features is Copilot Edits—the ability to modify multiple files simultaneously. Instead of manually updating each file when refactoring or implementing new features, you can describe your changes once and let Copilot handle the rest.

To use Copilot Edits in VS Code:

1. Open the Copilot Chat panel
2. Select “Open Copilot Edits”
3. Describe your changes in natural language

For example, when migrating from Express to Fastify, you might prompt: “Update all route handlers to use Fastify syntax and update the server initialization in app.js.” Copilot will identify all affected files, show you a preview of changes, and let you accept or reject modifications individually.

This feature shines when:

• Renaming components across your React application
• Updating API endpoints throughout your codebase
• Implementing new design patterns consistently

Contextual Agents for Targeted Assistance

GitHub Copilot’s contextual agents (@workspace, @terminal, @vscode) provide focused assistance by narrowing the AI’s scope to specific domains. These agents filter responses based on context, delivering more accurate and relevant suggestions.

@workspace Agent

The @workspace agent analyzes your entire project structure. Use it to:

• Find the best location for new functions or modules
• Understand dependencies between files
• Get project-specific architectural recommendations

Example: @workspace where should I implement the authentication middleware?

@terminal Agent

The @terminal agent helps with command-line operations without leaving your editor:

• Generate complex git commands
• Create deployment scripts
• Debug shell errors

Example: @terminal how do I cherry-pick commits from the last week?

@vscode Agent

The @vscode agent provides VS Code-specific guidance:

• Configure settings and extensions
• Create custom keybindings
• Optimize your development environment

Slash Commands for Rapid Development

Slash commands accelerate common development tasks. These predefined actions eliminate repetitive prompting:

• /tests - Generate comprehensive unit tests for selected code
• /docs - Create JSDoc or inline documentation automatically
• /fix - Debug and repair problematic code sections
• /explain - Get detailed explanations of complex logic

Advanced Testing with /tests

The /tests command goes beyond basic test generation. You can specify testing frameworks and patterns:

/tests use Jest with React Testing Library for this component

This generates tests that follow your team’s conventions, including edge cases and error scenarios you might overlook.

Voice Input and Natural Language Processing

GitHub Copilot’s inline chat supports voice input, making it ideal for:

• Describing complex refactoring while reviewing code
• Generating code during meetings or discussions
• Accessibility for developers with repetitive strain injuries

Click the microphone icon in inline chat (Cmd+I on Mac, Ctrl+I on Windows) and speak your request. The AI processes natural language effectively, even with technical terminology.

Automated Commit Messages and Git Workflows

Look for the sparkle (✨) icon in your source control panel. Clicking it generates contextual commit messages based on your actual changes, following conventional commit standards.

Beyond commit messages, Copilot can:

• Generate comprehensive pull request descriptions
• Create .gitignore files tailored to your project
• Suggest branch naming conventions

Real-World Workflow Examples

Debugging Production Issues

When debugging, combine multiple features:

1. Use /explain to understand problematic code
2. Apply @workspace to trace data flow across files
3. Use /fix to implement solutions
4. Generate tests with /tests to prevent regression

Framework Upgrades

Upgrading from React 17 to 18:

1. Ask Copilot to identify breaking changes in your codebase
2. Use Copilot Edits to update multiple component files
3. Generate migration tests to ensure compatibility

API Development

Building a new REST API:

1. Use #file context to reference your OpenAPI spec
2. Generate route handlers with proper validation
3. Create comprehensive documentation with /docs
4. Build integration tests using /tests

Maximizing Productivity with Context

The #file variable is particularly powerful for maintaining context across conversations. Reference specific files to:

• Generate consistent code patterns
• Create related functionality
• Maintain architectural decisions

Example: #file:api/schema.js create TypeScript interfaces matching these schemas

Conclusion

These advanced GitHub Copilot features represent a significant leap beyond basic code completion. By mastering multi-file edits, contextual agents, and automated workflows, you can reduce repetitive tasks and focus on solving complex problems. Start with one feature—perhaps Copilot Edits for your next refactoring task—and gradually incorporate others into your daily workflow.

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