GitHub Copilot extended: Agent Mode and Copilot Edits available in VS Code

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GitHub has introduced new extensions for its programming tool Copilot, which was launched in 2021. Agent Mode and Copilot Edits are now available in Microsoft's source code editor Visual Studio Code.

In addition, GitHub is making Google's Gemini 2.0 Flash available to all Copilot users as a model option. GitHub has also introduced a new project called Padawan, an autonomous agent that automatically takes over routine tasks to support developers in software development.

Current enhancements and innovations at GitHub Copilot

GitHub has expanded Copilot to include Agent Mode and the Copilot Edits function, which are now generally available in Visual Studio Code. A new AI option, Gemini 2.0 Flash, is available to users. GitHub is also introducing the Padawan project, which integrates autonomous agents into software development.

Agent mode: autonomous code review and correction

The agent mode of GitHub Copilot can independently check code, identify and correct errors. It suggests terminal commands and analyzes runtime errors. This function is currently still in preview status and will be extended to all supported development environments in the future.

Copilot Edits in Visual Studio Code

Copilot Edits is now available in Visual Studio Code and allows users to make changes across multiple files using natural language. A dual-model architecture ensures efficient and precise editing suggestions that are displayed inline in the editor. There is the option to choose between different language models, including OpenAI's GPT-4o and Google's Gemini 2.0 Flash.

Users retain control by being able to review, adjust and undo changes. Copilot Edits is also available as a preview version for Visual Studio 2022, with planned improvements to optimize performance.

More productive programming with Github Copilot and ChatGPT

This workshop shows how GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT can simplify and accelerate the creation of code. Under guidance, participants will work directly with the tools and use GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT in their development workflows. They will learn how to implement the OpenAI REST API in various programming languages such as .NET, Python and JavaScript/TypeScript in order to use the possibilities of ChatGPT in their own projects. In addition, the training introduces the world of embedding and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) design.

The workshop will take place online, further information can be found at heise.de/s/Ndl6l

Project Padawan automates routine tasks

The Padawan project aims to support software developers with autonomous agents. These are intended to take over routine tasks so that developers can concentrate on more complex work. The agents can work on tasks directly within GitHub and apparently handle the entire development process.

More information on the new features of GitHub Copilot can be found in the announcement post on the GitHub blog.

(mdo)