-
Notifications
You must be signed in to change notification settings - Fork 61.6k
/
Copy pathasking-github-copilot-questions-in-your-ide.md
419 lines (246 loc) · 31.1 KB
/
asking-github-copilot-questions-in-your-ide.md
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
---
title: Asking GitHub Copilot questions in your IDE
intro: 'Use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} in your editor to give code suggestions, explain code, generate unit tests, and suggest code fixes.'
topics:
- Copilot
redirect_from:
- /copilot/github-copilot-chat/using-github-copilot-chat
- /copilot/github-copilot-chat/using-github-copilot-chat-in-your-ide
- /copilot/github-copilot-chat/copilot-chat-in-ides/using-github-copilot-chat-in-your-ide
- /copilot/github-copilot-chat/copilot-chat-in-ides
- /copilot/using-github-copilot/asking-github-copilot-questions-in-your-ide
defaultTool: vscode
versions:
feature: copilot
shortTitle: Chat in IDE
---
{% vscode %}
## Prerequisites
* **Access to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}**. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/about-github-copilot/what-is-github-copilot#getting-access-to-copilot).
{% data reusables.copilot.vscode-prerequisites %}
{% data reusables.copilot.chat-access-denied %}
## Submitting prompts
You can ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} to give code suggestions, explain code, generate unit tests, and suggest code fixes.
{% data reusables.copilot.open-chat-vs-code %}
> [!TIP]
>
> For additional ways to access {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %}, including inline with your code, see [Additional ways to access {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %}](#additional-ways-to-access-copilot-chat) below.
1. Enter a prompt in the prompt box, or click one of the suggested prompts. For an introduction to the kinds of prompts you can use, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/guides-on-using-github-copilot/getting-started-with-prompts-for-copilot-chat).
1. Evaluate {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s response, and make a follow up request if needed.
The response may contain text, code blocks, buttons, images, URIs, and file trees. The response often includes interactive elements. For example, the response may include a menu to insert a code block, or a button to invoke a {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} command.
To see the files that {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} used to generate the response, select the **Used _n_ references** dropdown at the top of the response. The references may include a link to a custom instructions file for your repository. This file contains additional information that is automatically added to all of your chat questions to improve the quality of the responses. For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/customizing-copilot/adding-repository-custom-instructions-for-github-copilot).
## Using keywords in your prompt
You can use special keywords to help {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} understand your prompt. For examples, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/guides-on-using-github-copilot/getting-started-with-prompts-for-copilot-chat).
### Chat participants
Chat participants are like domain experts who have a specialty that they can help you with.
{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} can infer relevant chat participants based on your natural language prompt, improving discovery of advanced capabilities without you having to explicitly specify the participant you want to use in your prompt.
> [!NOTE] Automatic inference for chat participants is currently in {% data variables.release-phases.public_preview %} and is subject to change.
Alternatively, you can manually specify a chat participant to scope your prompt to a specific domain. To do this, type `@` in the chat prompt box, followed by a chat participant name.
For a list of available chat participants, type `@` in the chat prompt box. See also [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/github-copilot-chat-cheat-sheet?tool=vscode#chat-participants) or [Chat participants](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/copilot-chat#_chat-participants) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} documentation.
### {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_extensions_short %} chat participants
You can also install {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_extensions_short %} that provide chat participants. You can install these extensions from [{% data variables.product.prodname_marketplace %}](https://github.com/marketplace?type=apps&copilot_app=true) and from [{% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_marketplace %}](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/search?target=VSCode&category=Chat&sortBy=Installs). For information about extensions from {% data variables.product.prodname_marketplace %} that provide chat participants, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-chat/github-copilot-extensions/about-github-copilot-extensions).
{% data reusables.copilot.copilot-extensions.public-preview-note %}
### Slash commands
Use slash commands to avoid writing complex prompts for common scenarios. To use a slash command, type `/` in the chat prompt box, followed by a command.
To see all available slash commands, type `/` in the chat prompt box. See also [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/github-copilot-chat-cheat-sheet?tool=vscode#slash-commands) or [Slash commands](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/copilot-chat#_slash-commands) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} documentation.
### Chat variables
Use chat variables to include specific context in your prompt. To use a chat variable, type `#` in the chat prompt box, followed by a chat variable.
To see all available chat variables, type `#` in the chat prompt box. See also [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/github-copilot-chat-cheat-sheet?tool=vscode#chat-variables) or [Chat variables](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/copilot-chat#_chat-variables) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} documentation.
## Using {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %} skills for {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}
> [!NOTE]
> This functionality is available with the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} extension v0.20.3 or later and {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} or {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} Insiders 1.93 or later.
{% data reusables.copilot.using-skills %}
{% ifversion ghec %}
## Asking a question about a knowledge base
> [!NOTE] This feature is only available if you have a {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_enterprise_short %} subscription.
Organization owners can create knowledge bases, grouping together Markdown documentation across one or more repositories. For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/managing-copilot/managing-github-copilot-in-your-organization/managing-github-copilot-features-in-your-organization/managing-copilot-knowledge-bases).
You can tell {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to answer a question within the context of a knowledge base.
1. At the bottom of the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} window, in the **Ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} or type / for commands** text box, type `@github #kb`, then press **Enter** to open the knowledge base selector.
1. Pick one of your available knowledge bases using the arrow keys, then press **Enter**.
1. In the **Ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} or type / for commands** text box, continue your message with your question, and then press **Enter**.
1. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} will process your question and provide an answer, with citations from your knowledge base, in the chat window.
{% endif %}
## AI models for {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %}
{% data reusables.copilot.change-the-ai-model %}
## Additional ways to access {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %}
In addition to submitting prompts through the chat view, you can submit prompts in other ways:
* **Inline:** To start an inline chat directly in the editor or integrated terminal, enter <kbd>Command</kbd>+<kbd>i</kbd> (Mac) / <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>i</kbd> (Windows/Linux).
* **Quick chat:** To open the quick chat dropdown, enter <kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>Command</kbd>+<kbd>i</kbd> (Mac) / <kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>i</kbd> (Windows/Linux)
* **Smart actions:** To submit prompts via the context menu, right click in your editor, select **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}** in the menu that appears, then select one of the actions. Smart actions can also be accessed via the sparkle icon that sometimes appears when you select a line of code.
See [inline chat](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/copilot-chat#_inline-chat), [quick chat](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/copilot-chat#_quick-chat), and [chat smart actions](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/copilot-chat#_chat-smart-actions) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} documentation for more details.
## {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_edits_vscode_short %}
{% data reusables.copilot.about-copilot-edits %}
### Using edit mode
1. To start an edit session, select **Open {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_edits_vscode_short %}** from the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} menu.
1. Optionally, add relevant files to the _working set_ to indicate to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} which files you want to work on.
1. Submit a prompt. In response to your prompt, {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_edits_vscode_short %} determines which files in your _working set_ to change and adds a short description of the change.
1. Review the changes and **Apply** or **Discard** the edits for each file.
For more detailed instructions, see [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_edits_vscode_short %}](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/copilot-edits) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} documentation.
### Using agent mode
{% data reusables.copilot.agent-mode-public-preview-note %}
1. To start an edit session, select **Open {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_edits_vscode_short %}** from the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} menu.
1. Select **Agent** from the mode dropdown menu.
1. Submit a prompt. In response to your prompt, {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} streams the edits in the editor, updates the working set, and if necessary, suggests terminal commands to run.
1. Review the changes. If {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} suggested terminal commands, confirm whether or not {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} can run them. In response, {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} iterates and performs additional actions to complete the task in your original prompt.
For more information, see [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_edits_vscode_short %}](https://aka.ms/vscode-copilot-agent) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} documentation.
## Vision
> [!NOTE] Vision is currently available to [{% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} Insiders](https://code.visualstudio.com/insiders) as a {% data variables.release-phases.public_preview %} and is subject to change.
Vision requires that you use the GPT-4o model and upload one of the following file types: JPEG (`.jpg`, `.jpeg`), PNG (`.png`), GIF (`.gif`), or WEBP (`.webp`).
You can attach images to your chat prompts to help {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} understand your question. For example, you can attach a screenshot of a code snippet to ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to explain the code, or share mockups of new designs to ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to generate code.
You can drag and drop images into the chat window, or attach them through the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} UI.
## Sharing feedback
To indicate whether a response was helpful, use the thumbs up and thumbs down icons that appear next to the response.
To leave feedback about the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} extension, open an issue in the [microsoft/vscode-copilot-release](https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-copilot-release/issues) repository.
## Further reading
* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/prompt-engineering-for-github-copilot)
* [Using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/copilot-chat) and [Getting started with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/getting-started-chat) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} documentation
* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-enterprise/copilot-chat-in-github/using-github-copilot-chat-in-githubcom)
* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-chat/about-github-copilot-chat)
* [AUTOTITLE](/free-pro-team@latest/site-policy/github-terms/github-terms-for-additional-products-and-features#github-copilot)
* [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} Trust Center](https://resources.github.com/copilot-trust-center)
* [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} FAQ](https://github.com/features/copilot#faq)
{% endvscode %}
{% visualstudio %}
## Prerequisites
* **Access to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}**. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/about-github-copilot/what-is-github-copilot#getting-access-to-copilot).
* **{% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} 2022 version 17.8 or later**. See [Install Visual Studio](https://learn.microsoft.com/visualstudio/install/install-visual-studio) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} documentation.
* **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} extension**. See [Install GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio](https://learn.microsoft.com/visualstudio/ide/visual-studio-github-copilot-install-and-states) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} documentation.
* **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} extension**. See [Install GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio](https://learn.microsoft.com/visualstudio/ide/visual-studio-github-copilot-install-and-states) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} documentation.
* **Sign in to {% data variables.product.company_short %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}**. If you experience authentication issues, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/troubleshooting-github-copilot/troubleshooting-issues-with-github-copilot-chat-in-ides#troubleshooting-authentication-issues-in-your-editor).
{% data reusables.copilot.chat-access-denied %}
## Submitting prompts
You can ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} to give code suggestions, explain code, generate unit tests, and suggest code fixes.
1. In the {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} menu bar, click **View**, then click **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %}**.
1. In the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} window, enter a prompt, then press **Enter**. For example prompts, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/guides-on-using-github-copilot/getting-started-with-prompts-for-copilot-chat).
1. Evaluate {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s response, and submit a follow up prompt if needed.
The response often includes interactive elements. For example, the response may include buttons to copy, insert, or preview the result of a code block.
To see the files that {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} used to generate the response, click the **References** link below the response. The references may include a link to a custom instructions file for your repository. This file contains additional information that is automatically added to all of your chat questions to improve the quality of the responses. For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/customizing-copilot/adding-repository-custom-instructions-for-github-copilot).
## Using keywords in your prompt
You can use special keywords to help {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} understand your prompt.
### Extending {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %}
{% data reusables.copilot.copilot-extensions.extending-copilot-chat %}
### Slash commands
Use slash commands to avoid writing complex prompts for common scenarios. To use a slash command, type `/` in the chat prompt box, followed by a command.
To see all available slash commands, type `/` in the chat prompt box. See also [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/github-copilot-chat-cheat-sheet?tool=vscode#slash-commands) or [Slash commands](https://learn.microsoft.com/visualstudio/ide/copilot-chat-context#slash-commands) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} documentation.
### References
By default, {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} will reference the file that you have open or the code that you have selected. You can also use `#` followed by a file name, file name and line numbers, or `solution` to reference a specific file, lines, or solution.
See also [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/github-copilot-chat-cheat-sheet?tool=visualstudio#references) or [Reference](https://learn.microsoft.com/visualstudio/ide/copilot-chat-context#reference) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} documentation.
## Using {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %} skills for {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} (preview)
> [!NOTE]
> The `@github` chat participant is currently in preview, and only available in [{% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} 2022 Preview 2](https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/preview/) onwards.
{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %}-specific skills expand the type of information {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} can provide. To access these skills in {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}, include `@github` in your question.
When you add `@github` to a question, {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} dynamically selects an appropriate skill, based on the content of your question. You can also explicitly ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} to use a particular skill. For example, `@github Search the web to find the latest GPT4 model from OpenAI.`
You can generate a list of currently available skills by asking {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}: `@github What skills are available?`
{% ifversion ghec %}
## Asking a question about a knowledge base (preview)
> [!NOTE]
> * This feature is only available if you have a {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_enterprise_short %} subscription.
> * Support for knowledge bases is currently in preview, and only available in [{% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} 2022 Preview 3](https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/preview/) onwards.
Organization owners can create knowledge bases, grouping together Markdown documentation across one or more repositories. For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-enterprise/managing-copilot-knowledge-bases).
You can tell {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to answer a question within the context of a knowledge base.
1. At the bottom of the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} window, in the **Ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}: Type / for commands and # to reference** text box, type `@github`, press <kbd>#</kbd>, then select a knowledge base from the list.
1. In the **Type / for commands and # to reference** text box, continue your message with your question, and then press **Enter**.
1. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} will process your question and provide an answer, with citations from your knowledge base, in the chat window.
{% endif %}
## AI models for {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %}
{% data reusables.copilot.change-the-ai-model %}
## Additional ways to access {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %}
In addition to submitting prompts through the chat window, you can submit prompts inline. To start an inline chat, right click in your editor window and select **Ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}**.
See [Ask questions in the inline chat view](https://learn.microsoft.com/visualstudio/ide/visual-studio-github-copilot-chat#ask-questions-in-the-inline-chat-view) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} documentation for more details.
## Sharing feedback
To share feedback about {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %}, you can use the **Send feedback** button in {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}. For more information on providing feedback for {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}, see the [{% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} Feedback](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/visualstudio/ide/how-to-report-a-problem-with-visual-studio?view=vs-2022) documentation.
1. In the top right corner of the {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} window, click the **Send feedback** button.
1. Choose the option that best describes your feedback.
* To report a bug, click **Report a problem**.
* To request a feature, click **Suggest a feature**.
## Further reading
* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/prompt-engineering-for-github-copilot)
* [Using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} in the Microsoft Learn documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/visualstudio/ide/visual-studio-github-copilot-chat?view=vs-2022#use-copilot-chat-in-visual-studio)
* [Tips to improve {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat %} results in the Microsoft Learn documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/visualstudio/ide/copilot-chat-context?view=vs-2022)
* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-enterprise/copilot-chat-in-github/using-github-copilot-chat-in-githubcom)
* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-chat/about-github-copilot-chat)
* [AUTOTITLE](/free-pro-team@latest/site-policy/github-terms/github-terms-for-additional-products-and-features#github-copilot)
* [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} Trust Center](https://resources.github.com/copilot-trust-center)
* [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} FAQ](https://github.com/features/copilot#faq)
{% endvisualstudio %}
{% jetbrains %}
## Prerequisites
* **Access to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}**. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/about-github-copilot/what-is-github-copilot#getting-access-to-copilot).
* **A compatible JetBrains IDE**. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} is compatible with the following IDEs:
{% data reusables.copilot.jetbrains-compatible-ides %}
{% data reusables.copilot.jetbrains-plugin-prerequisites %}
{% data reusables.copilot.chat-access-denied %}
## Submitting prompts
You can ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} to give code suggestions, explain code, generate unit tests, and suggest code fixes.
1. Open the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} window by clicking the **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %}** icon at the right side of the JetBrains IDE window.
1. Enter a prompt in the prompt box. For example prompts, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/guides-on-using-github-copilot/getting-started-with-prompts-for-copilot-chat).
1. Evaluate {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s response, and submit a follow up prompt if needed.
The response often includes interactive elements. For example, the response may include buttons to copy or insert a code block.
To see the files that {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} used to generate the response, select the **References** dropdown below the response.
## Using keywords in your prompt
You can use special keywords to help {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} understand your prompt.
### Chat participants
Chat participants are like domain experts who have a specialty that they can help you with. You can use a chat participant to scope your prompt to a specific domain. To do this, type `@` in the chat prompt box, followed by a chat participant name.
For a list of available chat participants, type `@` in the chat prompt box. See also [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/github-copilot-chat-cheat-sheet?tool=jetbrains#chat-participants-1).
### Extending {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %}
{% data reusables.copilot.copilot-extensions.extending-copilot-chat %}
### Slash commands
Use slash commands to avoid writing complex prompts for common scenarios. To use a slash command, type `/` in the chat prompt box, followed by a command.
To see all available slash commands, type `/` in the chat prompt box. See also [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/github-copilot-chat-cheat-sheet?tool=jetbrains#slash-commands-2)
### File references
By default, {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} will reference the file that you have open or the code that you have selected. You can also tell {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} which files to reference by dragging a file into the chat prompt box. Alternatively, you can right click on a file, select **GitHub Copilot**, then select **Reference File in Chat**.
## Using {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %} skills for {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}
{% data reusables.copilot.using-skills %}
## Additional ways to access {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %}
* **Built-in requests**. In addition to submitting prompts through the chat window, you can submit built-in requests by right clicking in a file, selecting **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}**, then selecting one of the options.
* **Inline**. You can submit a chat prompt inline, and scope it to a highlighted code block or your current file.
* To start an inline chat, right click on a code block or anywhere in your current file, hover over **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}**, then select **{% octicon "plus" aria-hidden="true" %} {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}: Inline Chat**, or enter <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>I</kbd>.
## Sharing feedback
To share feedback about {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %}, you can use the **share feedback** link in JetBrains.
1. At the right side of the JetBrains IDE window, click the **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %}** icon to open the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} window.
1. At the top of the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} window, click the **share feedback** link.
## Further reading
* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/prompt-engineering-for-github-copilot)
* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-enterprise/copilot-chat-in-github/using-github-copilot-chat-in-githubcom)
* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-chat/about-github-copilot-chat)
* [AUTOTITLE](/free-pro-team@latest/site-policy/github-terms/github-copilot-pre-release-terms)
* [AUTOTITLE](/free-pro-team@latest/site-policy/github-terms/github-terms-for-additional-products-and-features#github-copilot)
* [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} Trust Center](https://resources.github.com/copilot-trust-center)
* [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} FAQ](https://github.com/features/copilot#faq)
{% endjetbrains %}
{% xcode %}
{% data reusables.copilot.xcode-chat-public-preview-note %}
## Prerequisites
To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} for Xcode, you must install the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} for Xcode extension. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/configuring-github-copilot/installing-the-github-copilot-extension-in-your-environment).
{% data reusables.copilot.chat-access-denied %}
## Submitting prompts
You can ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} to give code suggestions, explain code, generate unit tests, and suggest code fixes.
1. To open the chat view, click **{% octicon "copilot" aria-hidden="true" %} {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}** in the menu bar, then click **Open Chat**.
1. Enter a prompt in the prompt box. For example prompts, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/guides-on-using-github-copilot/getting-started-with-prompts-for-copilot-chat).
1. Evaluate {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s response, and submit a follow up prompt if needed.
The response often includes interactive elements. For example, the response may include buttons to copy or insert a code block.
## Using keywords in your prompt
You can use special keywords to help {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} understand your prompt.
### Slash commands
Use slash commands to avoid writing complex prompts for common scenarios. To use a slash command, type `/` in the chat prompt box, followed by a command.
To see all available slash commands, type `/` in the chat prompt box. For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/github-copilot-chat-cheat-sheet?tool=xcode#slash-commands).
## File references
By default, {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} will reference the file that you have open or the code that you have selected. To attach a specific file as reference, click {% octicon "paperclip" aria-label="Add attachments" %} in the chat prompt box.
## Chat management
You can open a conversation thread for each Xcode IDE to keep discussions organized across different contexts. You can also revisit previous conversations and reference past suggestions through the chat history.
## Sharing feedback
To indicate whether a response was helpful, use {% octicon "thumbsup" aria-label="Thumbs up" %} or {% octicon "thumbsdown" aria-label="Thumbs down" %} that appear next to the response.
## Further reading
* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/prompt-engineering-for-github-copilot)
* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-enterprise/copilot-chat-in-github/using-github-copilot-chat-in-githubcom)
* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-chat/about-github-copilot-chat)
* [AUTOTITLE](/free-pro-team@latest/site-policy/github-terms/github-copilot-pre-release-terms)
* [AUTOTITLE](/free-pro-team@latest/site-policy/github-terms/github-terms-for-additional-products-and-features#github-copilot)
* [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} Trust Center](https://resources.github.com/copilot-trust-center)
* [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} FAQ](https://github.com/features/copilot#faq)
{% endxcode %}