---
id: post/thinkaboutit-be/7299
type: post
title: Introduction to GitHub Copilot in VSCode for AL Development
summary: GitHub Copilot in VSCode offers multiple AI-powered modes - Inline Suggestions, Chat, Ask, Edit, Agent, and Plan - to assist AL developers with code generation, refactoring, and understanding existing code. This guide explains how to set up Copilot and when to use each mode for different development tasks.
tier: community
language: en
tags:
  - github copilot
  - al development
  - vscode
  - code generation
  - refactoring
  - ai assistance
system: development
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  at: "2026-10-08T01:57:59.812Z"
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    url: https://thinkaboutit.be/2025/12/introduction-to-github-copilot-in-vscode-for-al-development/
    title: Introduction to GitHub Copilot in VSCode for AL Development
    date: "2025-12-16"
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    url: https://thinkaboutit.be/2025/12/introduction-to-github-copilot-in-vscode-for-al-development/
    title: Introduction to GitHub Copilot in VSCode for AL Development
    date: "2025-12-16"
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    quote: GitHub Copilot has quietly become one of the most helpful tools for anyone working with Business Central.
  - kind: blog
    url: https://thinkaboutit.be/2025/12/introduction-to-github-copilot-in-vscode-for-al-development/
    title: Introduction to GitHub Copilot in VSCode for AL Development
    date: "2025-12-16"
    commit: null
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    quote: Agent is where Copilot begins to feel like a collaborator rather than a suggestion engine.
  - kind: blog
    url: https://thinkaboutit.be/2025/12/introduction-to-github-copilot-in-vscode-for-al-development/
    title: Introduction to GitHub Copilot in VSCode for AL Development
    date: "2025-12-16"
    commit: null
    t: null
    quote: Used well, it saves time, reduces repetition, and helps you maintain higher-quality code - without taking away your control or expertise.
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post_id: "7299"
source_id: thinkaboutit-be
source_name: think about IT - Steven Renders
url: https://thinkaboutit.be/2025/12/introduction-to-github-copilot-in-vscode-for-al-development/
published_at: "2025-12-16T08:00:59.000Z"
author: Steven Renders
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quotes:
  - text: GitHub Copilot has quietly become one of the most helpful tools for anyone working with Business Central.
    why_it_matters: Establishes Copilot's practical value for BC developers across various development scenarios
  - text: Agent is where Copilot begins to feel like a collaborator rather than a suggestion engine.
    why_it_matters: Highlights the evolution from autocomplete to multi-step workspace-wide automation capabilities
  - text: Used well, it saves time, reduces repetition, and helps you maintain higher-quality code - without taking away your control or expertise.
    why_it_matters: Summarizes the key benefits of Copilot adoption for AL developers while emphasizing developer autonomy
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---

# Introduction to GitHub Copilot in VSCode for AL Development

[Read the post](https://thinkaboutit.be/2025/12/introduction-to-github-copilot-in-vscode-for-al-development/) · think about IT - Steven Renders (Steven Renders) · 2025-12-16 · 892 words · tier community · reviewed (checked by Opus)

> GitHub Copilot in VSCode offers multiple AI-powered modes - Inline Suggestions, Chat, Ask, Edit, Agent, and Plan - to assist AL developers with code generation, refactoring, and understanding existing code. This guide explains how to set up Copilot and when to use each mode for different development tasks.

## Key points

- Copilot provides six distinct modes tailored to different AL development workflows, from quick autocomplete to workspace-wide refactoring
- Chat mode allows developers to generate full AL objects, explain code, troubleshoot errors, and propose refactors through conversation
- Agent mode performs multi-step changes across multiple files, such as applying ApplicationArea properties or adding telemetry hooks
- Plan mode previews changes before applying them, which is important for AL projects with dependencies and object IDs
- Ask mode provides lightweight code explanations by selecting and highlighting code snippets

## Quotes

- "GitHub Copilot has quietly become one of the most helpful tools for anyone working with Business Central." (Establishes Copilot's practical value for BC developers across various development scenarios)
- "Agent is where Copilot begins to feel like a collaborator rather than a suggestion engine." (Highlights the evolution from autocomplete to multi-step workspace-wide automation capabilities)
- "Used well, it saves time, reduces repetition, and helps you maintain higher-quality code - without taking away your control or expertise." (Summarizes the key benefits of Copilot adoption for AL developers while emphasizing developer autonomy)

## Context

- Features: Inline Suggestions, Chat, Ask, Edit, Agent, Plan

Source: think about IT - Steven Renders, community blog. Summary, key points and quotes are derived (CONTENT-NOTICE.md); read the original for the full text.