GitHub presents a walkthrough by Scott Hanselman on configuring the Model Context Protocol (MCP) in the GitHub Copilot CLI, enabling developers to connect external documentation and boost Copilot’s contextual capabilities.

Configuring Model Context Protocol in the GitHub Copilot CLI

In this demo, Scott Hanselman demonstrates how to configure the Model Context Protocol (MCP) in the GitHub Copilot CLI. MCP acts like a ‘USB port’ for your AI toolchain, making it possible to connect external sources—such as up-to-date documentation, code, and tools—directly to the Copilot experience.

Key Steps in the Demo

  • MCP Server Setup: Hanselman walks through configuring an MCP server to work with GitHub Copilot CLI.
  • Contextual Documentation Integration: Using Context 7, he demonstrates connecting the demo to recent Next.js documentation. This enables Copilot to access more relevant, current technical information when generating solutions.
  • Improved Code Generation: By supplying external context, Copilot can generate more accurate code suggestions and even create architecture diagrams based on the plugged-in documentation.

Benefits of MCP with Copilot CLI

  • Plug and Play External Resources: Similar to a USB port, MCP allows developers to plug new tools and docs into the Copilot environment.
  • Enhanced AI Contextual Awareness: Results in better, more relevant code completions and architectural outputs.
  • Efficient Developer Workflow: Supports scenarios where documentation and tool context are critical to productivity.

Learn More & Stay Connected

This video illustrates how context-driven AI tooling is evolving, highlighting the value of integrating external resources into code generation workflows with GitHub Copilot.