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GitHub Copilot CLI

Access GitHub Copilot in the terminal and continue coding sessions across supported development surfaces.

GitHub Copilot CLI is a terminal interface for GitHub’s AI coding agent that provides command-line access and lets developers resume work across supported Copilot surfaces. GitHub Copilot CLI is included in the Free plan, while paid Copilot plans offer additional models, features, and usage allowances.

Updated 28 Oct 20265 sections

GitHub Copilot CLI website screenshot

What is GitHub Copilot CLI?

GitHub Copilot CLI is the terminal interface for GitHub’s AI coding agent. GitHub Copilot CLI serves developers who want to access Copilot through the command line rather than only through an editor, desktop app, or website. The product page presents CLI installation as a distinct way to get started with the broader Copilot service.

GitHub Copilot CLI belongs to a service designed to help developers write, understand, and ship software. The page describes Copilot-wide workflows spanning codebase exploration, project planning, automation, code review, and merge-conflict resolution. Those descriptions explain the surrounding service, but the page does not provide a separate, exhaustive specification of terminal-specific capabilities.

What GitHub Copilot CLI can do

GitHub Copilot CLI provides a command-line surface for working with Copilot and continuing development sessions. The page specifically names the CLI among the places where developers can check progress or resume long-running tasks. The privacy documentation also identifies command-line suggestions as a way people can use Copilot.

  • GitHub Copilot CLI makes Copilot available in the terminal.
  • GitHub Copilot CLI supports resuming work from another supported Copilot surface.
  • GitHub Copilot CLI lets developers check progress on long-running tasks.
  • GitHub Copilot CLI provides command-line suggestions.

How GitHub Copilot CLI fits the development workflow

GitHub Copilot CLI has an installation entry point on the product page. The surrounding Copilot workflow can begin from an issue or pull request, with task, discussion, and repository context connected to a session. Developers can let long-running work continue and then check progress or resume from the CLI or another supported surface.

GitHub Copilot CLI is part of a cross-surface experience that also includes the Copilot app, editors, github.com, and GitHub Mobile. GitHub Docs provides quickstart guides for multiple surfaces and best-practice resources. The supplied page links to installation and documentation rather than showing terminal commands or a detailed CLI setup procedure.

Who GitHub Copilot CLI is for

GitHub Copilot CLI is for developers who use the terminal and want access to Copilot within that workflow. Cross-surface session continuation is relevant when development work moves between a command line, an editor, and GitHub. The broader Copilot service offers plans for individual developers and organizations.

  • GitHub Copilot CLI supports developers accessing Copilot from the command line.
  • GitHub Copilot CLI supports checking on development tasks that continue running.
  • GitHub Copilot CLI supports resuming work started on another Copilot surface.

GitHub Copilot CLI strengths and limitations

GitHub Copilot CLI combines terminal access, inclusion in a free plan, and continuity with other Copilot surfaces. Those capabilities suit developers who do not want every interaction confined to an editor. Usage costs and data settings still matter: agent interactions consume credits, and individual subscribers can opt out of having interaction data used for model training.

  • GitHub Copilot CLI usage is subject to Copilot plan allowances for chat and agent work.
  • GitHub Copilot CLI users have model availability determined by their Copilot plan.
  • GitHub Copilot CLI users on individual plans should review the optional model-training data setting.

GitHub Copilot CLI FAQ

What is GitHub Copilot CLI?

GitHub Copilot CLI is the terminal interface for GitHub’s AI coding agent. GitHub Copilot CLI provides command-line access to Copilot and is listed alongside the desktop app, editors, web, and mobile as a supported way to work with the service.

Is GitHub Copilot CLI free?

GitHub Copilot CLI is included in the Copilot Free plan at $0 USD, with no credit card required. Copilot also offers paid plans with additional models, features, and usage allowances. Chat and agent work consume GitHub AI Credits.

Can GitHub Copilot CLI continue a session from another device or editor?

GitHub Copilot CLI is one of the supported surfaces for checking progress or resuming long-running Copilot tasks. The page also names the Copilot app, editor, github.com, and GitHub Mobile as places where developers can continue work.

How do you install GitHub Copilot CLI?

GitHub Copilot CLI has an Install in CLI entry point on the product page. GitHub also directs users to GitHub Docs for quickstart guides and best practices, but the supplied page does not include installation commands or terminal-specific setup requirements.

Does GitHub Copilot CLI usage consume credits?

GitHub Copilot CLI is accessed within Copilot’s usage model, where chat and agent work consume GitHub AI Credits. Credit consumption depends on the chosen model and task complexity. Each plan includes a monthly allowance, with additional paid usage available subject to account or organization settings.

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