# AI Assistance Directly in Your Terminal with GitHub Copilot CLI

You already live in the terminal — cloning repositories, installing dependencies, debugging issues, and running builds.  
Until now, when you needed AI help, you had to leave the CLI and switch to an editor or browser.  

**Not anymore.**  

[GitHub Copilot CLI](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/use-copilot-for-common-tasks/use-copilot-in-the-cli) brings AI assistance **directly into your shell** — no context switching, no interruptions.

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## 1. Install Once, Authenticate, and Start Working

With [Copilot CLI](https://github.com/github/copilot-cli), you don’t need to juggle API keys.  
Just install, sign in with your existing GitHub Copilot plan, and get started.

Install via npm

npm install -g @github/copilot-cli

Launch Copilot CLI

copilot

Authenticate with your GitHub account

/login

**Requirements:**
- Node v22+  
- npm v10+  
- Copilot CLI installed  
- GitHub account (Pro, Pro+, Business, or Enterprise)

From here, you can debug, deploy previews, or write scripts — all **without leaving your terminal**.

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## 2. Use Case: Clone to Pull Request — Entirely in the Terminal

Imagine cloning a repo and contributing without touching your browser.  
Normally, you'd *read the README*, *check dependencies*, then browse open issues.  
With **Copilot CLI**, you can let AI handle much of that work.

Example workflow:

1. **Clone and Launch Copilot**

gh repo clone github/spec-kit

cd spec-kit

copilot

   - Type `/` anytime to see available commands.  
   - Press **Ctrl+R** to review logs of commands Copilot executed.

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## 3. Explore the Repository Layout

Instead of manually exploring directories:

> **You say:** *Explain the layout of this project.*

Copilot uses commands like `find` or `tree` and README parsing to return a clean **Markdown summary** of the structure.

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## 4. Verify Build Environment

> **You say:** *Make sure my environment is ready to build this project.*

Copilot will:
- Check required dependencies and versions  
- Install missing tools  
- Confirm you can build locally without errors

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## 5. Find a "Good First Issue"

> **You say:** *Find good first issues in this repository and rank them by difficulty.*

Copilot queries GitHub Issues via the [GitHub MCP server](https://github.blog/changelog/2025-04-04-github-mcp-server-public-preview/)  
and returns a curated, difficulty-ranked list.

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## 6. Implement the Solution

> **You say:** *Start implementing issue #1234. Show me the diff before applying.*

Copilot:
- Drafts a plan  
- Applies code changes  
- Shows you the **diff** for approval before committing

**Pro Tip:** Use `@filename` in prompts to target specific files.

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## 7. Commit & Open a Draft Pull Request

> **You say:** *Stage changes, write a commit referencing #1234, and open a draft PR.*

Copilot stages changes, writes a commit, and opens a draft PR — all in one go.

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## 8. Kill a Process Hogging Your Port

> **You say:** *Find out what process is using port 8080, kill it, and verify it's free.*

Copilot:
- Runs the correct `lsof` command  
- Finds the PID  
- Terminates the process  
- Ensures the port is clear

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## 9. Stay in Control

Copilot **always prompts** before running commands or accessing directories.

Options:
- **Allow once**
- **Allow always for this command**
- **Deny**

Handy commands:
- `/session` — view current permissions  
- `/reset` — reset permissions  
- `/add-directory` — whitelist a directory

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## 10. Extend Copilot CLI with MCP Servers

The GitHub MCP server comes pre-installed. Add more via `/mcp`:
- Integrate **Playwright** for testing
- Connect to internal tools
- Customize workflow to your needs

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## Bonus: Cross-Platform Publishing with AiToEarn

Beyond coding, share and monetize your work using [AiToEarn](https://aitoearn.ai/) —  
an open-source global AI content monetization platform.  

**Features:**
- AI content generation  
- Simultaneous publishing to Douyin, Kwai, WeChat, Bilibili, Rednote, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, YouTube, Pinterest, X (Twitter)  
- Analytics & model ranking

Explore:
- [AiToEarn Documentation](https://docs.aitoearn.ai/)  
- [AiToEarn GitHub](https://github.com/yikart/AiToEarn)  
- [AI Model Rankings](https://rank.aitoearn.ai)

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![image](https://blog.aitoearn.ai/content/images/2025/10/img_001-39.png)

## Why This Matters

Copilot CLI **meets me exactly where I work** — the terminal.

I can:
- Explore project structure
- Verify dependencies
- Find issues
- Implement fixes

…without switching between IDE, browser, and CLI.

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## What’s Next

Copilot CLI is in **public preview** — your feedback helps shape its future.

**Install now:**

npm install -g @github/copilot-cli

Then share your experience using `/feedback`.

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## Final Thought

In modern development, combining **Copilot CLI** with platforms like **AiToEarn** lets you:
- Code more effectively  
- Share insights instantly  
- Monetize your creations globally

Both tools keep you productive, connected, and in control.