GitHub Copilot CLI for Beginners: Overview of common slash commands

Welcome back to GitHub Copilot CLI for Beginners! In this series (available in video and blog format), we’ll give you everything you need to get started using GitHub Copilot CLI . So far in this series, we’ve covered how to get started and when to use interactive and non-interactive modes . In this edition, we’ll learn what slash commands are, why they matter, and how to use slash commands to control GitHub Copilot efficiently. You can complete tasks like switching models, checking token usage, and resuming past sessions right from your terminal. Let’s dive in! Understanding slash commands in GitHub Copilot CLI When working in Copilot CLI, one of the most powerful concepts to learn early on is slash commands. Slash commands are built-in controls that you can access directly from the command line. Acting as your control surface within Copilot CLI, slash commands allow you to: Guide Copilot’s behavior Inspect changes Manage context Move efficiently across sessions and projects Keep permissions tidy Slash commands can be thought of as your command center for interacting with Copilot CLI. To look at all of the options available, just type / in the command line for a scrollable list of all currently supported slash commands. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones. Choosing the right model Different models are optimized for different kinds of work. If you want to switch models, type /model into the command line. This will display a list of available models, along with key details like: Capabilities : Some are better for quick, lightweight tasks like refactoring, while others more efficiently handle deeper reasoning such as feature planning. Availability : The list may vary depending on your plan or organization’s settings. Cost : Numbers shown on the right of each model indicate cost multiplier, helping you choose the right balance between performance and usage in relation to your plan. Choosing the right model can significantly impact both speed and results.