Welcome to this beginner-friendly guide to GitHub Copilot CLI! In this series, we'll help you master the command-line AI assistant, from your first prompt to advanced workflows. Today, we focus on the two core modes: interactive and non-interactive. You'll learn what each mode is, when to use them, and how to switch between them. Let's get started!
What is Interactive Mode in GitHub Copilot CLI?
Interactive mode is your go-to for a chat-like, real-time conversation with Copilot. By default, when you type copilot in your terminal, you're already in interactive mode. This mode allows you to ask questions, review responses, and then follow up with additional prompts or modifications—all within the same session. It's perfect for exploratory tasks where you want to iterate on a solution, ask for clarifications, or work through a problem step-by-step.
For example, you might start with "How do I run this project?" and then say "Can you run it for me?" after getting instructions. Copilot will analyze your project and act on your request. This back-and-forth makes interactive mode ideal for deeper, collaborative work where you want to refine answers as you go.
What is Non-Interactive Mode and How is it Different?
Non-interactive mode is designed for speed and simplicity. Instead of entering a full session, you provide a single prompt directly on the command line using the -p flag, and Copilot responds immediately without further follow-up. This mode is perfect for quick, one-shot tasks like summarizing a repository, generating code snippets, or integrating with automated scripts. You get your answer and return to your terminal flow instantly—no extra steps.
For instance, typing copilot -p "Quickly summarize what this repository does" yields a concise response. This makes non-interactive mode ideal when you know exactly what you need and want minimal disruption to your workflow.
How Do I Enter Interactive Mode?
To start interactive mode, follow these simple steps:
- Open your terminal and type
copilot, then press Enter. - If prompted, grant Copilot permission to read and modify files in your current folder (this is required for context).
- Ask any question, for example: "How do I run this project locally?"
- Copilot will provide instructions. You can choose to execute them yourself, or ask Copilot to run them for you by saying "Can you run it for me?"
- Continue the conversation—review output, ask follow-ups, or modify your requests—all within the same session.
That's it! You're now in a collaborative loop with Copilot, ideal for iterative problem-solving.
How Do I Use Non-Interactive Mode?
Using non-interactive mode is even simpler. Just follow these steps:
- Ensure you're at your normal command prompt (if you were in an interactive session, exit with
Ctrl+Cor typeexit). - Type
copilot -pfollowed by your request in quotes. For example:copilot -p "Summarize the key folders in this repository". - Hit Enter. Copilot will analyze your project and instantly provide a response in the terminal.
- You're done—no further prompts needed. The response appears, and you're back to your regular shell.
This mode is fantastic for quick checks or automating Copilot into scripts where you don't need a dialogue.
When Should I Use Interactive vs Non-Interactive Mode?
Choosing the right mode depends on your task:
- Use Interactive mode when you need to explore a problem, refine your request over several exchanges, or collaborate with Copilot on complex tasks. Examples: debugging a build, learning a new framework, or writing a multi-step script.
- Use Non-Interactive mode when you have a specific, one-off question and want the fastest possible answer without interrupting your flow. Examples: summarizing a file, generating a quick code snippet, or checking a command syntax.
Think of interactive as a conversation, and non-interactive as a single query. Many developers use both in tandem—starting with a quick non-interactive check, then switching to interactive for deeper work.
Can I Resume a Previous Interactive Session?
Yes! Copilot CLI saves your session history, so you can pick up where you left off. To resume a previous interactive session, simply start a new interactive mode by typing copilot in the same directory you were working in. Copilot will recall the context from your last conversation (within that folder) and allow you to continue. This is extremely helpful when you're working on a project over multiple days or after a break.
Keep in mind that session history is tied to the folder you're in. If you move to a different directory, you'll start fresh. For long-term projects, ensure you stay in the same working directory to maintain continuity.