Fast Focus: Dream a Little Dream: Dev with the CLI
Microsoft Developer demonstrates a terminal-first workflow using GitHub Copilot CLI to turn a rough idea into a concrete plan, code edits, and a reviewable set of changes without leaving the command line.
Overview
In this fast-paced, demo-heavy session, the presenter shows a repeatable “dream → plan → build → done” flow using GitHub Copilot CLI on a small repository.
From idea to plan in the terminal
- Start with a small repo and use GitHub Copilot CLI to translate a vague idea into a concrete plan.
- Keep the workflow terminal-native so planning and execution stay in one place.
Generate and iterate on code changes
- Use Copilot CLI to generate code changes directly from the plan.
- Edit and iterate quickly in a tight loop to refine the implementation.
Review and validate changes
- Review changes as part of the same CLI-driven flow.
- Use review/diffing patterns to validate what changed before moving on.
Keeping Copilot predictable (“on rails”)
- Use slash commands to make interactions more consistent and repeatable (including patterns for repo setup and review).
- Provide better grounding by referencing files directly so Copilot stays anchored to the codebase context.
- Use a permissions-oriented workflow so the developer stays in control while Copilot handles the busywork.
Key takeaways
- A practical CLI workflow for moving from an initial idea to implementation quickly.
- A small set of high-leverage commands/patterns for more consistent Copilot results.
- Predictable controls (slash commands/shortcuts and permissions) to keep agentic work aligned with developer intent.