GitHub is upgrading its AI coding assistant, Copilot, to enhance its autonomy and compatibility with developers’ workflows. The key features being introduced include the availability of ‘Agent Mode’ in Visual Studio Code, enhanced Model Context Protocol (MCP) support, and several new large language models (LLMs) accessible via a premium request system.
Thomas Dohmke, GitHub’s CEO, noted that these advancements provide Copilot with increased contextual awareness about the developer’s tools and services. Agent Mode, which was first previewed in February to VS Code Insiders, is now rolling out to all users and is expected to be fully available shortly.
Unlike standard interactions, Agent Mode actively performs tasks based on user prompts. It can analyze broad objectives, break them into manageable subtasks, and generate necessary files while also suggesting terminal commands and attempting to rectify errors during execution.
This feature aims to transform ideas directly into executable code, as explained by Dohmke. Developers can choose from robust LLMs including Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet, Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash, and OpenAI’s GPT-4o.
Early results show that Agent Mode achieves a 56% success rate on the SWE-bench Verified benchmark. Additionally, GitHub has launched two new features alongside Agent Mode – the Code Review Agent for assessing pull requests and Next Edit Suggestions to streamline coding processes.
Central to these improvements is the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which facilitates interaction between Copilot Agent Mode and various tools within a developer’s stack. MCP allows the agent to gather context and perform tasks effectively.
To support the MCP ecosystem, GitHub has created an open-source local MCP server for integrating tools with GitHub functions like repository searches and pull request management. Moreover, GitHub unveiled new premium models and pricing tiers to expand its multi-model strategy.
These include advanced LLMs available through a premium request system, alongside the base model included in paid Copilot plans. Starting May 5, Copilot Pro users will receive a set number of monthly premium requests, with additional options for users exceeding their limits.
The new tier, Copilot Pro+, targets individual developers and comes with an increased monthly limit. With these innovations, GitHub aims to evolve from a development platform into a space where anyone can become a developer.