Andrea Griffiths shows how developers can use GitHub Copilot Spaces and the Copilot coding agent to streamline debugging processes, automate code changes, and enhance team knowledge sharing.

Accelerate Debugging with GitHub Copilot Spaces and Copilot Coding Agent

Every developer faces the pain of hunting for context before fixing issues—searching old pull requests, digging through design docs, and locating security guidelines. GitHub Copilot Spaces helps solve this by giving Copilot access to all relevant project knowledge, ensuring AI-generated insights are grounded in your actual codebase.

Step-by-Step Debugging Process

1. Start with an Issue

When a new issue arises (e.g., unsafe usage of check_call), Copilot Spaces enables curating all the relevant files, documentation, and the specific issue URL into one context-rich environment.

2. Create a Copilot Space

Add key resources to your space such as:

  • Design patterns (like /docs/security/check-patterns.md)
  • Security and accessibility guidelines
  • The entire repository or selected files
  • The issue URL

Spaces function best when curated intentionally based on the debugging task.

3. Set Copilot Instructions

Configure the Instructions panel to guide Copilot’s response. Example instructions:

You are an experienced engineer working on this codebase. Always ground your answers in the linked docs and sources in this space. Before writing code, produce a 3–5 step plan that includes:
- The goal
- The approach
- The execution steps
Cite the exact files that justify your recommendations. After I approve a plan, use the Copilot coding agent to propose a PR.

These keep Copilot consistent and accurate, citing relevant sources for every suggestion.

4. Ask Copilot to Debug

Request Copilot to help debug the issue. With all resources linked, it parses the context and returns a concrete plan, such as:

  • Goal: Secure unsafe usages of runBinaryCheck.
  • Approach: Search usages, compare with security docs, refactor as needed, and prepare file diffs.

5. Auto-Generate Pull Requests

Upon approval, use Copilot coding agent to propose code changes. The pull request includes:

  • Before/after snapshots
  • Explanation of modifications
  • File references
  • Instructions that informed the changes

Everything is fully auditable before merging.

6. Iterate and Share

Mention @copilot in PR comments to iterate or generate new suggestions. Spaces can be shared with individuals, teams, or organizations, subject to admin policies for privacy and security.

IDE Integration and Coming Features

Copilot Spaces now work within IDEs via the GitHub MCP server. This reduces context switching and boosts developer productivity. Upcoming features include a public API, image support, and expanded file types (doc, PDF).

Use Cases and Team Benefits

Teams utilize Spaces for:

  1. Code generation and debugging
  2. Technical planning and drafting requirements
  3. Knowledge sharing and onboarding

Try It Yourself

  • Create a Copilot Space
  • Add an issue and core files
  • Set instructions for Copilot
  • Ask for a debugging plan
  • Approve and trigger the coding agent

This integrated workflow helps Copilot deliver context-rich, actionable recommendations, saving significant developer time.

References:

This post appeared first on “The GitHub Blog”. Read the entire article here