GitHub has rolled out slash commands for its Copilot CLI tool, giving developers a faster way to run terminal tasks without typing out full instructions. The feature, now available in the command-line interface, lets users trigger common actions by typing a forward slash followed by a keyword.
What the slash commands do
Instead of describing a task in natural language and waiting for Copilot to generate a command, developers can now use shortcuts like /explain to get a breakdown of a shell command, or /fix to have Copilot suggest a correction for a failed command. The commands are designed to cut down on repetitive typing and speed up common debugging and exploration workflows.
GitHub Copilot CLI, which launched in public preview last year, already let developers ask questions in plain English and get shell commands in return. The new slash commands add a layer of efficiency for users who know what they want but want to skip the back-and-forth.
How the commands work
To use a slash command, a developer types a forward slash and then a keyword, such as /explain, followed by the command they want explained. Copilot then returns a plain-English description of what that command does. Similarly, /fix takes the last error message and suggests a corrected command. Other commands include /git for Git-specific questions and /help to list available options.
The feature runs entirely in the terminal, so developers don't need to switch to a browser or a separate chat interface. It works with both bash and PowerShell, and it's available on macOS, Linux, and Windows.
For many developers, the terminal is still the fastest way to get work done — but only if they know the right commands. Copilot CLI's slash commands aim to reduce the friction of recalling obscure flags or syntax. Instead of Googling or asking a colleague, a developer can get an instant explanation or fix without leaving the command line.
The move also signals GitHub's push to make AI-assisted development more seamless. The company has been adding Copilot features across its platform, including code completion in editors and chat in pull requests. The CLI slash commands are another step toward embedding AI into everyday developer tools.
No specific release date or pricing changes were announced alongside the feature. It's available now to anyone using GitHub Copilot CLI.
