Copilot SDK
MicrosoftOfficialPublished by Microsoft
- Skill
- Tool integration
- Automation and integrations
- MIT
- Low risk
AutoGineer summary
Written by AutoGineer from the skill’s own files, not by the author
The GitHub Copilot SDK enables developers to build applications that interact programmatically with GitHub Copilot. It wraps the Copilot CLI via JSON-RPC, providing a robust interface for session management, custom tool definition, streaming responses, and lifecycle hooks. The SDK supports Node.js, Python, Go, and .NET, allowing for flexible deployment patterns ranging from local CLI subprocesses to networked backend services. It includes support for Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, custom AI personas, and Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) configurations for non-subscription usage.
What it does
- Provides programmatic access to GitHub Copilot via JSON-RPC.
- Supports session management, including persistence and infinite session handling.
- Allows definition of custom tools and integration with MCP servers.
- Enables real-time streaming of AI responses.
- Offers lifecycle hooks for pre- and post-tool execution, prompt modification, and error handling.
- Supports multiple authentication methods and BYOK provider configurations.
When to use it
- When building custom AI agents or applications powered by GitHub Copilot.
- When integrating external tools or data sources into a Copilot-driven workflow.
- When developing multi-tenant or backend services that require programmatic AI interaction.
- When you need to enforce custom security or permission logic on AI tool usage.
Advantages
- Multi-language support (Node.js, Python, Go, .NET).
- Flexible transport modes (stdio or TCP) for various deployment environments.
- Granular control over session state and lifecycle events.
- Extensible architecture via custom tools, agents, and MCP servers.
- Comprehensive hook system for input filtering and output transformation.
Usage examples
- “How do I create a session and send a prompt using the Node.js SDK?”
- The user receives a code snippet showing the initialization of a CopilotClient, the creation of a session, and the use of session.sendAndWait to process a prompt.
- “How can I restrict Copilot from using the shell tool?”
- The user receives an example of an onPreToolUse hook that checks the tool name and returns a permissionDecision of 'deny' for shell-related tools.
- “How do I connect a local filesystem MCP server?”
- The user receives a configuration example for the mcpServers object within the createSession call, specifying the command, arguments, and path.
- “How do I use my own OpenAI API key instead of a Copilot subscription?”
- The user receives a provider configuration snippet for the CopilotClient, showing how to set the type to 'openai' and provide the baseUrl and apiKey.
Install
Download the skill as a ZIP:
https://mp-staging.autogineer.com/agent-skills/microsoft/copilot-sdk/downloadUnzip it into the cross-client skills folder of your project:
mkdir -p .agents/skills && unzip copilot-sdk.zip -d .agents/skills
Documentation by Microsoft
GitHub Copilot SDK
Build applications that programmatically interact with GitHub Copilot. The SDK wraps the Copilot CLI via JSON-RPC, providing session management, custom tools, hooks, MCP server integration, and streaming across Node.js, Python, Go, and .NET.
Prerequisites
GitHub Copilot CLI installed and authenticated (
copilot --version)GitHub Copilot subscription (Individual, Business, or Enterprise) — not required for BYOK
Runtime: Node.js 18+ / Python 3.8+ / Go 1.21+ / .NET 8.0+
Installation
| Language | Package | Install |
|---|---|---|
| Node.js | @github/copilot-sdk | npm install @github/copilot-sdk |
| Python | github-copilot-sdk | pip install github-copilot-sdk |
| Go | github.com/github/copilot-sdk/go | go get github.com/github/copilot-sdk/go |
| .NET | GitHub.Copilot.SDK | dotnet add package GitHub.Copilot.SDK |
Architecture
The SDK communicates with the Copilot CLI via JSON-RPC over stdio (default) or TCP. The CLI manages model calls, tool execution, session state, and MCP server lifecycle.
Your App → SDK Client → [stdio/TCP] → Copilot CLI → Model Provider
↕
MCP ServersTransport modes:
| Mode | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Stdio (default) | CLI as subprocess via pipes | Local dev, single process |
| TCP | CLI as network server | Multi-client, backend services |
Core Pattern: Client → Session → Message
All SDK usage follows: create a client, create a session, send messages.
Node.js / TypeScript
import { CopilotClient } from "@github/copilot-sdk";
const client = new CopilotClient();
const session = await client.createSession({ model: "gpt-4.1" });
const response = await session.sendAndWait({ prompt: "What is 2 + 2?" });
console.log(response?.data.content);
await client.stop();Python
import asyncio
from copilot import CopilotClient
async def main():
client = CopilotClient()
await client.start()
session = await client.create_session({"model": "gpt-4.1"})
response = await session.send_and_wait({"prompt": "What is 2 + 2?"})
print(response.data.content)
await client.stop()
asyncio.run(main())Go
client := copilot.NewClient(nil)
if err := client.Start(ctx); err != nil { log.Fatal(err) }
defer client.Stop()
session, _ := client.CreateSession(ctx, &copilot.SessionConfig{Model: "gpt-4.1"})
response, _ := session.SendAndWait(ctx, copilot.MessageOptions{Prompt: "What is 2 + 2?"})
fmt.Println(*response.Data.Content).NET
await using var client = new CopilotClient();
await using var session = await client.CreateSessionAsync(new SessionConfig { Model = "gpt-4.1" });
var response = await session.SendAndWaitAsync(new MessageOptions { Prompt = "What is 2 + 2?" });
Console.WriteLine(response?.Data.Content);Streaming Responses
Enable real-time output by setting streaming: true and subscribing to delta events.
Node.js
const session = await client.createSession({ model: "gpt-4.1", streaming: true });
session.on("assistant.message_delta", (event) => {
process.stdout.write(event.data.deltaContent);
});
session.on("session.idle", () => console.log());
await session.sendAndWait({ prompt: "Tell me a joke" });Python
from copilot.generated.session_events import SessionEventType
session = await client.create_session({"model": "gpt-4.1", "streaming": True})
def handle_event(event):
if event.type == SessionEventType.ASSISTANT_MESSAGE_DELTA:
sys.stdout.write(event.data.delta_content)
sys.stdout.flush()
if event.type == SessionEventType.SESSION_IDLE:
print()
session.on(handle_event)
await session.send_and_wait({"prompt": "Tell me a joke"})Event Subscription
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
on(handler) | Subscribe to all events; returns unsubscribe function |
on(eventType, handler) | Subscribe to specific event type (Node.js only) |
Call the returned function to unsubscribe. In .NET, call .Dispose() on the returned disposable.
Custom Tools
Define tools that Copilot can call to extend its capabilities.
Node.js
import { CopilotClient, defineTool } from "@github/copilot-sdk";
const getWeather = defineTool("get_weather", {
description: "Get the current weather for a city",
parameters: {
type: "object",
properties: { city: { type: "string", description: "The city name" } },
required: ["city"],
},
handler: async ({ city }) => ({ city, temperature: "72°F", condition: "sunny" }),
});
const session = await client.createSession({
model: "gpt-4.1",
tools: [getWeather],
});Python
from copilot.tools import define_tool
from pydantic import BaseModel, Field
class GetWeatherParams(BaseModel):
city: str = Field(description="The city name")
@define_tool(description="Get the current weather for a city")
async def get_weather(params: GetWeatherParams) -> dict:
return {"city": params.city, "temperature": "72°F", "condition": "sunny"}
session = await client.create_session({"model": "gpt-4.1", "tools": [get_weather]})Go
type WeatherParams struct {
City string `json:"city" jsonschema:"The city name"`
}
getWeather := copilot.DefineTool("get_weather", "Get weather for a city",
func(params WeatherParams, inv copilot.ToolInvocation) (WeatherResult, error) {
return WeatherResult{City: params.City, Temperature: "72°F"}, nil
},
)
session, _ := client.CreateSession(ctx, &copilot.SessionConfig{
Model: "gpt-4.1",
Tools: []copilot.Tool{getWeather},
}).NET
using Microsoft.Extensions.AI;
using System.ComponentModel;
var getWeather = AIFunctionFactory.Create(
([Description("The city name")] string city) => new { city, temperature = "72°F" },
"get_weather", "Get the current weather for a city");
await using var session = await client.CreateSessionAsync(new SessionConfig {
Model = "gpt-4.1", Tools = [getWeather],
});Tool Requirements
Handler must return JSON-serializable data (not
undefined)Parameters must follow JSON Schema format
Tool description should clearly state when the tool should be used
Hooks
Intercept and customize session behavior at key lifecycle points.
| Hook | Trigger | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
onPreToolUse | Before tool executes | Permission control, argument modification |
onPostToolUse | After tool executes | Result transformation, logging, redaction |
onUserPromptSubmitted | User sends message | Prompt modification, filtering, context injection |
onSessionStart | Session begins (new or resumed) | Add context, configure session |
onSessionEnd | Session ends | Cleanup, analytics, metrics |
onErrorOccurred | Error happens | Custom error handling, retry logic, monitoring |
Pre-Tool Use Hook
Control tool permissions, modify arguments, or inject context before tool execution.
const session = await client.createSession({
hooks: {
onPreToolUse: async (input) => {
if (["shell", "bash"].includes(input.toolName)) {
return { permissionDecision: "deny", permissionDecisionReason: "Shell access not permitted" };
}
return { permissionDecision: "allow" };
},
},
});Input fields: timestamp, cwd, toolName, toolArgs
Output fields:
| Field | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
permissionDecision | "allow" | "deny" | "ask" | Whether to allow the tool call |
permissionDecisionReason | string | Explanation for deny/ask |
modifiedArgs | object | Modified arguments to pass |
additionalContext | string | Extra context for conversation |
suppressOutput | boolean | Hide tool output from conversation |
Post-Tool Use Hook
Transform results, redact sensitive data, or log tool activity after execution.
hooks: {
onPostToolUse: async (input) => {
// Redact sensitive data from results
if (typeof input.toolResult === "string") {
let redacted = input.toolResult;
for (const pattern of SENSITIVE_PATTERNS) {
redacted = redacted.replace(pattern, "[REDACTED]");
}
if (redacted !== input.toolResult) {
return { modifiedResult: redacted };
}
}
return null; // Pass through unchanged
},
}Output fields: modifiedResult, additionalContext, suppressOutput
User Prompt Submitted Hook
Modify or enhance user prompts before processing. Useful for prompt templates, context injection, and input validation.
hooks: {
onUserPromptSubmitted: async (input) => {
return {
modifiedPrompt: `[User from engineering team] ${input.prompt}`,
additionalContext: "Follow company coding standards.",
};
},
}Output fields: modifiedPrompt, additionalContext, suppressOutput
Session Lifecycle Hooks
hooks: {
onSessionStart: async (input, invocation) => {
// input.source: "startup" | "resume" | "new"
console.log(`Session ${invocation.sessionId} started (${input.source})`);
return { additionalContext: "Project uses TypeScript and React." };
},
onSessionEnd: async (input, invocation) => {
// input.reason: "complete" | "error" | "abort" | "timeout" | "user_exit"
await recordMetrics({ sessionId: invocation.sessionId, reason: input.reason });
return null;
},
}Error Handling Hook
hooks: {
onErrorOccurred: async (input) => {
// input.errorContext: "model_call" | "tool_execution" | "system" | "user_input"
// input.recoverable: boolean
if (input.errorContext === "model_call" && input.error.includes("rate")) {
return { errorHandling: "retry", retryCount: 3, userNotification: "Rate limited. Retrying..." };
}
return null; // Default error handling
},
}Output fields: suppressOutput, errorHandling ("retry" | "skip" | "abort"), retryCount, userNotification
Python Hook Example
async def on_pre_tool_use(input_data, invocation):
if input_data["toolName"] in ["shell", "bash"]:
return {"permissionDecision": "deny", "permissionDecisionReason": "Not permitted"}
return {"permissionDecision": "allow"}
session = await client.create_session({
"hooks": {"on_pre_tool_use": on_pre_tool_use}
})Go Hook Example
session, _ := client.CreateSession(ctx, &copilot.SessionConfig{
Hooks: &copilot.SessionHooks{
OnPreToolUse: func(input copilot.PreToolUseHookInput, inv copilot.HookInvocation) (*copilot.PreToolUseHookOutput, error) {
return &copilot.PreToolUseHookOutput{PermissionDecision: "allow"}, nil
},
},
})MCP Server Integration
Connect to MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers for pre-built tool capabilities.
Local Stdio Server
const session = await client.createSession({
mcpServers: {
filesystem: {
type: "local",
command: "npx",
args: ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem", "/allowed/path"],
tools: ["*"],
env: { DEBUG: "true" },
cwd: "./servers",
timeout: 30000,
},
},
});Remote HTTP Server
const session = await client.createSession({
mcpServers: {
github: {
type: "http",
url: "https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/",
headers: { Authorization: "Bearer ${TOKEN}" },
tools: ["*"],
},
},
});MCP Config Fields
Local/Stdio:
| Field | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
type | "local" | No | Defaults to local |
command | string | Yes | Executable path |
args | string[] | Yes | Command arguments |
env | object | No | Environment variables |
cwd | string | No | Working directory |
tools | string[] | No | ["*"] for all, [] for none |
timeout | number | No | Timeout in milliseconds |
Remote HTTP:
| Field | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
type | "http" | Yes | Server type |
url | string | Yes | Server URL |
headers | object | No | HTTP headers |
tools | string[] | No | Tool filter |
timeout | number | No | Timeout in ms |
MCP Debugging
Test MCP servers independently before integrating:
echo '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":1,"method":"initialize","params":{"protocolVersion":"2024-11-05","capabilities":{},"clientInfo":{"name":"test","version":"1.0"}}}' | /path/to/your/mcp-serverUse the MCP Inspector for interactive debugging:
npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector /path/to/your/mcp-serverCommon MCP issues:
Tools not appearing → Set
tools: ["*"]and verify server responds totools/listServer not starting → Use absolute command paths, check
cwdStdout pollution → Debug output must go to stderr, not stdout
Authentication
Methods (Priority Order)
Explicit token —
githubTokenin constructorHMAC key —
CAPI_HMAC_KEYorCOPILOT_HMAC_KEYenv varsDirect API token —
GITHUB_COPILOT_API_TOKENwithCOPILOT_API_URLEnvironment variables —
COPILOT_GITHUB_TOKEN→GH_TOKEN→GITHUB_TOKENStored OAuth — From
copilot auth loginGitHub CLI —
gh authcredentials
Programmatic Token
const client = new CopilotClient({ githubToken: process.env.GITHUB_TOKEN });OAuth GitHub App
For multi-user apps where users sign in with GitHub:
const client = new CopilotClient({
githubToken: userAccessToken, // gho_ or ghu_ token from OAuth flow
useLoggedInUser: false, // Don't use stored CLI credentials
});Supported token types: gho_ (OAuth), ghu_ (GitHub App), github_pat_ (fine-grained PAT).
Not supported: ghp_ (classic PAT — deprecated).
Disable Auto-Login
Prevent the SDK from using stored credentials:
const client = new CopilotClient({ useLoggedInUser: false });BYOK (Bring Your Own Key)
Use your own API keys — no Copilot subscription required. The CLI acts as agent runtime only.
Provider Configurations
OpenAI:
provider: { type: "openai", baseUrl: "https://api.openai.com/v1", apiKey: process.env.OPENAI_API_KEY }Azure AI Foundry (OpenAI-compatible):
provider: {
type: "openai",
baseUrl: "https://your-resource.openai.azure.com/openai/v1/",
apiKey: process.env.FOUNDRY_API_KEY,
wireApi: "responses", // Use "responses" for GPT-5 series, "completions" for others
}Azure OpenAI (native endpoint):
provider: {
type: "azure",
baseUrl: "https://my-resource.openai.azure.com", // Just the host — no /openai/v1
apiKey: process.env.AZURE_OPENAI_KEY,
azure: { apiVersion: "2024-10-21" },
}Anthropic:
provider: { type: "anthropic", baseUrl: "https://api.anthropic.com", apiKey: process.env.ANTHROPIC_API_KEY }Ollama (local):
provider: { type: "openai", baseUrl: "http://localhost:11434/v1" }Provider Config Reference
| Field | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
type | "openai" | "azure" | "anthropic" | Provider type |
baseUrl | string | Required. API endpoint URL |
apiKey | string | API key (optional for local providers) |
bearerToken | string | Bearer token auth (takes precedence over apiKey) |
wireApi | "completions" | "responses" | API format (default: "completions") |
azure.apiVersion | string | Azure API version (default: "2024-10-21") |
Azure Managed Identity with BYOK
Use DefaultAzureCredential to get short-lived bearer tokens for Azure deployments:
from azure.identity import DefaultAzureCredential
from copilot import CopilotClient, ProviderConfig, SessionConfig
credential = DefaultAzureCredential()
token = credential.get_token("https://cognitiveservices.azure.com/.default").token
session = await client.create_session(SessionConfig(
model="gpt-4.1",
provider=ProviderConfig(
type="openai",
base_url=f"{foundry_url}/openai/v1/",
bearer_token=token,
wire_api="responses",
),
))Note: Bearer tokens expire (~1 hour). For long-running apps, refresh the token before each new session. The SDK does not auto-refresh tokens.
BYOK Limitations
Static credentials only — no native Entra ID, OIDC, or managed identity support
No auto-refresh — expired tokens require creating a new session
Keys not persisted — must re-provide
providerconfig on session resumeModel availability — limited to what your provider offers
Session Persistence
Resume sessions across restarts by providing your own session ID.
// Create with explicit ID
const session = await client.createSession({
sessionId: "user-123-task-456",
model: "gpt-4.1",
});
// Resume later (even from a different client instance)
const resumed = await client.resumeSession("user-123-task-456");
await resumed.sendAndWait({ prompt: "What did we discuss?" });Session Management
const sessions = await client.listSessions(); // List all
const lastId = await client.getLastSessionId(); // Get most recent
await client.deleteSession("user-123-task-456"); // Delete from storage
await session.destroy(); // Destroy active sessionResume Options
When resuming, you can reconfigure: model, systemMessage, availableTools, excludedTools, provider (required for BYOK), reasoningEffort, streaming, mcpServers, customAgents, skillDirectories, infiniteSessions.
Session ID Best Practices
| Pattern | Example | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
user-{userId}-{taskId} | user-alice-pr-review-42 | Multi-user apps |
tenant-{tenantId}-{workflow} | tenant-acme-onboarding | Multi-tenant SaaS |
{userId}-{taskType}-{timestamp} | alice-deploy-1706932800 | Time-based cleanup |
What Gets Persisted
Session state is saved to ~/.copilot/session-state/{sessionId}/:
| Data | Persisted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conversation history | ✅ Yes | Full message thread |
| Tool call results | ✅ Yes | Cached for context |
| Agent planning state | ✅ Yes | plan.md file |
| Session artifacts | ✅ Yes | In files/ directory |
| Provider/API keys | ❌ No | Must re-provide on resume |
| In-memory tool state | ❌ No | Design tools to be stateless |
Infinite Sessions
For long-running workflows that may exceed context limits, enable auto-compaction:
const session = await client.createSession({
infiniteSessions: {
enabled: true,
backgroundCompactionThreshold: 0.80, // Start background compaction at 80%
bufferExhaustionThreshold: 0.95, // Block and compact at 95%
},
});Thresholds are context utilization ratios (0.0–1.0), not absolute token counts.
Custom Agents
Define specialized AI personas:
const session = await client.createSession({
customAgents: [{
name: "pr-reviewer",
displayName: "PR Reviewer",
description: "Reviews pull requests for best practices",
prompt: "You are an expert code reviewer. Focus on security, performance, and maintainability.",
}],
});System Message
Control AI behavior and personality:
const session = await client.createSession({
systemMessage: { content: "You are a helpful assistant. Always be concise." },
});Skills Integration
Load skill directories to extend Copilot's capabilities:
const session = await client.createSession({
skillDirectories: ["./skills/code-review", "./skills/documentation"],
disabledSkills: ["experimental-feature"],
});Skills can be combined with custom agents and MCP servers:
const session = await client.createSession({
skillDirectories: ["./skills/security"],
customAgents: [{ name: "auditor", prompt: "Focus on OWASP Top 10." }],
mcpServers: { postgres: { type: "local", command: "npx", args: ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-postgres"], tools: ["*"] } },
});Permission & Input Handlers
Handle tool permissions and user input requests programmatically. The SDK uses a deny-by-default permission model — all permission requests are denied unless you provide a handler.
const session = await client.createSession({
onPermissionRequest: async (request) => {
if (request.kind === "shell") {
return { approved: request.command.startsWith("git") };
}
return { approved: true };
},
onUserInputRequest: async (request) => {
return { response: "yes" };
},
});Token Usage Tracking
Subscribe to usage events instead of using CLI /usage:
session.on("assistant.usage", (event) => {
console.log("Tokens:", { input: event.data.inputTokens, output: event.data.outputTokens });
});Deployment Patterns
Local CLI (Default)
SDK auto-spawns CLI as subprocess. Simplest setup — zero configuration.
const client = new CopilotClient(); // Auto-manages CLI processExternal CLI Server (Backend Services)
Run CLI in headless mode, connect SDK over TCP:
copilot --headless --port 4321const client = new CopilotClient({ cliUrl: "localhost:4321" });Multi-client support: Multiple SDK clients can share one CLI server.
Bundled CLI (Desktop Apps)
Ship CLI binary with your app:
const client = new CopilotClient({ cliPath: path.join(__dirname, "vendor", "copilot") });Docker Compose
services:
copilot-cli:
image: ghcr.io/github/copilot-cli:latest
command: ["--headless", "--port", "4321"]
environment:
- COPILOT_GITHUB_TOKEN=${COPILOT_GITHUB_TOKEN}
volumes:
- session-data:/root/.copilot/session-state
api:
build: .
environment:
- CLI_URL=copilot-cli:4321
depends_on: [copilot-cli]
volumes:
session-data:Session Isolation Patterns
| Pattern | Isolation | Resources | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLI per user | Complete | High | Multi-tenant SaaS, compliance |
| Shared CLI + session IDs | Logical | Low | Internal tools |
| Shared sessions | None | Low | Team collaboration (requires locking) |
Production Checklist
Session cleanup: periodic deletion of expired sessions
Health checks: ping CLI server, restart if unresponsive
Persistent storage: mount
~/.copilot/session-state/for containersSecret management: use Vault/K8s Secrets for tokens
Session locking: Redis or similar for shared session access
Graceful shutdown: drain active sessions before stopping CLI
Client Configuration
| Option | Type | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
cliPath | string | Auto-detected | Path to Copilot CLI executable |
cliUrl | string | — | URL of external CLI server |
githubToken | string | — | GitHub token for auth |
useLoggedInUser | boolean | true | Use stored CLI credentials |
logLevel | string | "none" | "none" | "error" | "warning" | "info" | "debug" |
autoRestart | boolean | true | Auto-restart CLI on crash |
useStdio | boolean | true | Use stdio transport |
Session Configuration
| Option | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
model | string | Model to use (e.g., "gpt-4.1", "claude-sonnet-4") |
sessionId | string | Custom ID for resumable sessions |
streaming | boolean | Enable streaming responses |
tools | Tool[] | Custom tools |
mcpServers | object | MCP server configurations |
hooks | object | Session hooks |
provider | object | BYOK provider config |
customAgents | object[] | Custom agent definitions |
systemMessage | object | System message override |
skillDirectories | string[] | Directories to load skills from |
disabledSkills | string[] | Skills to disable |
reasoningEffort | string | Reasoning effort level |
availableTools | string[] | Restrict available tools |
excludedTools | string[] | Exclude specific tools |
infiniteSessions | object | Auto-compaction config |
workingDirectory | string | Working directory |
SDK vs CLI Feature Comparison
✅ Available in SDK
Session management, messaging (send/sendAndWait/abort), message history (getMessages), custom tools, tool permission hooks, MCP servers (local + HTTP), streaming, model selection, BYOK providers, custom agents, system message, skills, infinite sessions, permission handlers, 40+ event types.
❌ CLI-Only Features
Session export (--share), slash commands, interactive UI, terminal rendering, YOLO mode, login/logout flows, /compact (use infiniteSessions instead), /usage (use usage events), /review, /delegate.
Workarounds:
Session export → Collect events manually with
session.on()+session.getMessages()Permission control → Use
onPermissionRequesthandler instead of--allow-all-pathsContext compaction → Use
infiniteSessionsconfig instead of/compact
Debugging
Enable debug logging:
const client = new CopilotClient({ logLevel: "debug" });Custom log directory:
const client = new CopilotClient({ cliArgs: ["--log-dir", "/path/to/logs"] });Common Issues
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
CLI not found | CLI not installed or not in PATH | Install CLI or set cliPath |
Not authenticated | No valid credentials | Run copilot auth login or provide githubToken |
Session not found | Using session after destroy() | Check listSessions() for valid IDs |
Connection refused | CLI process crashed | Enable autoRestart: true, check port conflicts |
| MCP tools missing | Server init failure or tools not enabled | Set tools: ["*"], test server independently |
Connection State
console.log("State:", client.getState()); // "connected" after start()
client.on("stateChange", (state) => console.log("Changed to:", state));Key API Summary
| Language | Client | Session Create | Send | Resume | Stop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Node.js | new CopilotClient() | client.createSession() | session.sendAndWait() | client.resumeSession() | client.stop() |
| Python | CopilotClient() | client.create_session() | session.send_and_wait() | client.resume_session() | client.stop() |
| Go | copilot.NewClient(nil) | client.CreateSession() | session.SendAndWait() | client.ResumeSession() | client.Stop() |
| .NET | new CopilotClient() | client.CreateSessionAsync() | session.SendAndWaitAsync() | client.ResumeSessionAsync() | client.DisposeAsync() |
References
Files
- ATTRIBUTION.mdAdded by AutoGineer853 B
- LICENSELicence file added by AutoGineer1.1 KiB
- SKILL.md27.9 KiB
Requirements and compatibility
Works with: Claude Code, Claude apps, OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Kiro, OpenCode, Goose, Amp, Roo Code, JetBrains Junie, Factory Droid, Devin (ex-Windsurf), Mistral Vibe, OpenHands, Letta
“Works with” means the tool reads the open Agent Skills format; a skill written for one tool may use features others lack.
Needs: Needs an MCP server, Needs an API key, Needs Python, Needs Node.js
Security
What our scanner noticed· Low risk
- Instructions that use the network
A static scan is not a guarantee. Skills are third-party content: review a skill before you let an agent use it.
Attribution and licence
- Published by
- Microsoft
- Publisher
- Microsoft (Official)
- Source
- microsoft/skills · .github/skills/copilot-sdk · commit 0696600
- Licence
- MIT License (redistribution allowed)
- LICENSE (added by AutoGineer from LICENSE)
- ATTRIBUTION.md (written by AutoGineer)
- Synced
AutoGineer is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft.
Download ZIP
The ZIP holds the skill’s files, its licence files and an ATTRIBUTION.md. Download copilot-sdk.zip