C++ Language Server for GitHub CopilotCLI Public Preview
Microsoft C++ Language Server is now in public preview for GitHub CopilotCLI. It brings semantic code intelligence to the command line, using the same IntelliSense engine as Visual Studio to understand complex C++ codebases with macros, templates, and includes.
TL;DR
- Microsoft C++ Language Server now in public preview for GitHub CopilotCLI — brings semantic code intelligence to the command line
- Uses the same IntelliSense engine as Visual Studio and VS Code for precise symbol resolution, not just grep
- CMake projects get automatic setup; MSBuild support coming later
New
- C++ Language Server for CopilotCLI — Available as npm package in public preview. Uses semantic analysis (symbol definitions, references, call hierarchies, type info) instead of text search alone, so CopilotCLI understands complex C++ codebases with macros, templates, and include hierarchies correctly.
Getting Started
- Install the npm package and authenticate with GitHub CopilotCLI
- Generate or provide a
compile_commands.jsonfor your project - CMake users: A skill in the repository automates setup; MSBuild users can use the provided sample tool to extract
compile_commands.json - Pro tip: Add "Use the C++ LSP" to your queries or set up a custom instructions file to prefer the language server
What This Changes
- C++ developers using GitHub CopilotCLI now get workspace symbol search and go-to-definition instead of iterative grep fallbacks, reducing irrelevant results across large codebases
Get started: Check the Microsoft C++ Language Server repository for the quick start guide and configuration instructions. An active GitHub CopilotCLI subscription is required.
Source: GitHub Changelog
