A guide to slash commands in the GitHub Copilot app

Slash commands in the GitHub Copilot app offer a powerful way to quickly manage sessions, navigate projects, and customize workflow. These commands are text shortcuts typed into the app's chat composer, which appear as an autocomplete menu when you start typing "/". The commands provide shortcuts that help you work with Copilot in new ways, opening up possibilities beyond the CLI.

The main difference between CLI and app slash commands is their design. CLI slash commands follow a terminal-first workflow, managing tasks like adding directories and setting working directories. In contrast, the GitHub Copilot app specifically caters to a multi-session workflow, focusing on managing context and streamlining workflows.

App slash commands include file access commands like "/add-dir" and "/cwd", but these are not necessary since the app manages project context automatically. Instead, app commands are centered around navigation between sessions, managing projects, and controlling agent behavior. Using slash commands can significantly enhance productivity, allowing you to focus on the task at hand without getting bogged down by searching for tools.

Some of the slash commands available in the GitHub Copilot app include "/plan" for planning tasks and approaches, "/spar" for having Copilot challenge your assumptions, and "/autopilot" for letting Copilot work through implementation. These commands can be utilized in various scenarios such as planning a new feature, preparing for a large refactor, troubleshooting bug reports, validating architecture choices, comparing implementation options, reviewing migration plans, and reviewing performance optimizations.

By leveraging these commands, users can streamline their workflows and maximize the potential of the GitHub Copilot app.