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The New copilot CLI: Replacing gh copilot
Use the standalone Copilot CLI — Oct 25, 2025 deprecation of gh copilot.
What You Will Learn
- Install the new copilot CLI.
- Migrate from gh copilot.
- Use basic commands.
- Distinguish from gh copilot.
- Plan CLI adoption.
Why This Matters
The new standalone copilot CLI (October 2025) replaces the deprecated gh copilot extension. It's editor-agnostic and more capable. Knowing how to use it unlocks terminal-native workflows.
Concept Explained
The copilot CLI is a standalone command-line tool. Type `copilot` in your terminal to start an interactive session, or `copilot [command]` for one-off tasks. Replaces the deprecated `gh copilot`.
How It Works
Install via brew/npm/curl. Run `copilot` to start an interactive session. Use slash commands (/run, /explain) or natural language. The CLI can edit files directly.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
1. Install
brew install copilot-cli (or npm install -g @github/copilot-cli, or curl install script).2. Authenticate
copilot auth login — sign in via browser.3. Start interactive
copilot — opens an interactive session.4. One-off command
copilot 'explain what this repo does'5. Migrate from gh copilot
Uninstall gh copilot. Update scripts/aliases to use copilot.Real-World Example
A DevOps engineer used the new copilot CLI to debug a production issue from a terminal: `copilot 'this kubectl output shows a CrashLoopBackOff, why?'`. Copilot analyzed the output, suggested a fix. Engineer applied via kubectl. Five-minute resolution from a terminal-only workflow.
Example Prompts / Commands / Code
# Start interactive session:
copilot
# One-off questions:
copilot 'explain what this repo does'
copilot 'why did npm run build fail?' # reads recent terminal output
copilot 'refactor src/auth.ts to use async/await'
# Slash commands in CLI:
copilot /run 'npm test'
copilot /explain src/parser.ts
copilot /tests src/utils.ts
# File edits:
copilot 'replace all usages of getUser with fetchUser across src/'
# Old (deprecated Oct 25, 2025):
gh copilot suggest 'how to find large files'
gh copilot explain 'du -sh *'
# New:
copilot 'how to find large files'
copilot explain 'du -sh *'
# Update scripts:
sed -i 's/gh copilot/copilot/g' your-scripts/*.sh
Common Mistakes
- Still using gh copilot — deprecated, may stop working.
- Not authenticating — first command fails.
- Treating CLI like Chat — CLI can edit files; Chat can't.
- Forgetting CLI is editor-agnostic — use it anywhere.
Best Practices
- Migrate from gh copilot before it stops working.
- Authenticate once; use across sessions.
- Use CLI for terminal-native workflows (ops, infra, scripts).
- Use CLI for multi-file edits (Chat can't).
- Combine CLI with editor for max flexibility.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | How to Fix |
|---|---|
| 'copilot: command not found' | Install via brew/npm/curl. Verify PATH. |
| 'Authentication required' | Run copilot auth login. |
| gh copilot still works | It may, but deprecated. Migrate ASAP. |
Practical Exercise
Your Turn
Install the new copilot CLI. Authenticate. Run `copilot 'explain what this repo does'` from a project root. Compare to using Chat in your editor.
Professional Challenge
Replace 3 daily tasks you do in your editor with CLI equivalents. Measure time saved and workflow improvement.
Key Takeaways
- New copilot CLI replaced gh copilot (Oct 25, 2025).
- Install via brew/npm/curl.
- Authenticate once.
- Use for terminal-native workflows and multi-file edits.
- Editor-agnostic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CLI free?
Can I use it without an editor?
Further Reading
Official References
SEO Metadata
SEO title: The New copilot CLI: Replacing gh copilot
Meta description: Use the standalone Copilot CLI — Oct 25, 2025 deprecation of gh copilot.
Primary keyword: the new copilot cli
Secondary keywords: the new copilot cli: replacing gh copilot
Search intent: Informational
URL slug: /new-copilot-cli-replacing-gh-copilot
Categories: AI Tools, GitHub Copilot
Tags: GitHub Copilot, Intermediate, CLI, Terminal, Copilot CLI, IMCSEIAN, Tutorial, IMCSEIAN
Featured image concept: IMCSEIAN lesson card for The New copilot CLI: Replacing gh copilot
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