I’m Mashraf Aiman, and today I’ll walk you through how GitHub Copilot really works with MCP tools. What looks like magic is actually a well-orchestrated process that fetches the exact information you need — quickly, accurately, and efficiently.
From Your Question to the Right Tool
When you ask Copilot something like "Are there any pull requests waiting for me?", it doesn’t guess. Behind the scenes, Copilot uses a tool from the GitHub MCP server designed to query your repositories.
The MCP server exposes tools with names, descriptions, and input requirements. Copilot identifies the correct tool, fills in the parameters based on your context, and sends the request to the server.
Structured Data Made Simple
The MCP server returns structured data, which Copilot transforms into a clear, readable answer for you. You see concise pull request information instead of raw data. This step ensures that the model output is human-friendly, actionable, and instantly useful.
How Copilot Knows Your Context
To answer accurately, Copilot needs information like:
- Your GitHub username
- The repository you’re working in
- Current branch and other session metadata
This context is explicitly provided by the client, so Copilot never has to guess.
Why Understanding MCP Matters
Understanding how tools, servers, and structured outputs work helps you:
- Know which tools are available and how to use them
- Configure MCP servers effectively
- Design workflows that maximize efficiency
Magic is impressive, but knowledge gives control.
Final Thoughts
GitHub Copilot with MCP tools is not about replacing developers; it’s about amplifying your capabilities. By understanding what happens behind the scenes, you can work smarter, automate repetitive tasks, and focus on building great software.
Stay tuned for more insights into how Copilot, VS Code, and MCP work together to make development faster and smarter.
Top comments (2)
Great job, Mashraf. Becoming a fan of yours
Thank you very much