New agent based on Copilot SDK, built-in .NET and Azure skills, and code review features added

GitHub has released the July update for GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio, introducing a new agent based on the Copilot SDK, built-in .NET and Azure skills, and organization-level custom instructions.
The new agent based on the Copilot SDK will improve developer productivity by automating the .NET application upgrade workflow. This includes assessing the application, generating a structured upgrade plan, creating implementation tasks, and executing the work ◉ devblogs.microsoft.com · 7.
Organizations can leverage the organization-level custom instructions feature by creating custom instructions files that give Copilot additional context on how to understand the project and build, test, and validate its changes ◉ docs.github.com · 8.
The July update for GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio introduces built-in .NET and Azure skills, allowing developers to leverage the expertise of these teams to customize their workflows ◉ github.blog · 1. These skills, authored by experts from the .NET and Azure teams, will help developers improve their productivity and efficiency. With the addition of these skills, developers can automate tasks such as .NET application upgrades, making it easier to modernize their applications ◉ devblogs.microsoft.com · 7.
In addition to the new skills, the update also includes code review features for selected code blocks. This feature enables developers to get a second opinion on specific blocks of code, allowing for more effective collaboration and code improvement ◉ github.blog · 1. By selecting code in the editor, right-clicking, and selecting Copilot Actions > Review Selection, developers can receive inline comments that they can act on. This feature is designed to facilitate more efficient workflows and better code quality.
The introduction of built-in .NET and Azure skills and code review features demonstrates GitHub's commitment to enhancing developer productivity and workflow efficiency. As GitHub Copilot continues to evolve, it is likely to have a significant impact on the development community, enabling developers to work more efficiently and effectively ◉ github.blog · 2. With the ability to automate tasks and receive feedback on their code, developers can focus on more complex tasks and deliver high-quality results.
Furthermore, the code review features will also enable organizations to ensure consistency across their codebase. By using the organization-level custom instructions feature, businesses can tailor GitHub Copilot to their specific needs, ensuring that their developers are working with the same standards and best practices ◉ docs.github.com · 8. This will lead to more efficient collaboration and better code quality, ultimately resulting in faster time-to-market and improved customer satisfaction.
The July update for GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio is a significant step forward in enhancing developer productivity and workflow efficiency, and its impact on the development community will be worth watching in the coming months.
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