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code.visualstudio.com

Free

Create portable, specialized skills for GitHub Copilot and other AI agents

FreeFree tier
Inputs: textOutputs: text
Type
Open Source
Company
Microsoft
Visit Website GitHub (40 stars)

About code.visualstudio.com

Agent Skills is an open standard that enables AI agents, including GitHub Copilot, to load specialized instructions, scripts, and resources for performing domain-specific tasks. Developed by Microsoft and integrated into Visual Studio Code, Agent Skills allows users to create reusable, portable skill packages that can be shared across multiple AI agents such as GitHub Copilot in VS Code, GitHub Copilot CLI, and the GitHub Copilot cloud agent. Skills are stored in directories with a SKILL.md file and can be placed in project repositories or personal user profiles, supporting both project-level and personal-level customization. The system is designed to reduce repetition by automatically loading relevant skills into context when needed, and it supports composing multiple skills to build complex workflows. Agent Skills is distinct from custom instructions, which are primarily for coding guidelines and are limited to VS Code and GitHub.com, whereas skills are portable across different agents and can include scripts, examples, and other resources. The feature is part of the broader GitHub Copilot ecosystem within Visual Studio Code, a free, open-source code editor.

Key Features

Open standard for portable AI agent skills
Works across GitHub Copilot in VS Code, Copilot CLI, and Copilot cloud agent
Supports project-level and personal-level skill storage
Skills include instructions, scripts, examples, and resources
Automatic context loading based on relevance
Composable skills for complex workflows
Integration with VS Code's chat interface via /skills command
Agent Customizations editor for managing customizations

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Portable across multiple AI agents and tools
  • Reduces need to repeat context in conversations
  • Supports complex workflows by combining multiple skills
  • Efficient context loading only when relevant
  • Open standard encourages community sharing and collaboration
  • Integrated into the widely used, free VS Code editor
Cons
  • Requires familiarity with VS Code and GitHub Copilot setup
  • Skill creation may involve scripting and resource management
  • Effectiveness depends on the quality of skill definitions and scripts
  • Limited to agents that support the Agent Skills standard
  • Free tier of GitHub Copilot may have usage limits that affect skill execution

Best For

Creating reusable testing or debugging workflows for AI agentsDefining specialized deployment processes that can be shared across teamsBuilding domain-specific capabilities for code analysis or code generationAutomating repetitive coding tasks with scripts and examplesSharing skill packages with the AI community for collaborative developmentEnhancing Copilot's behavior for project-specific needs without repeating context

FAQ

What is an Agent Skill?
An Agent Skill is a folder of instructions, scripts, and resources that an AI agent like GitHub Copilot can load when relevant to perform specialized tasks. It is part of an open standard that works across multiple AI agents.
How do Agent Skills differ from custom instructions?
Agent Skills are designed for specialized capabilities and workflows, can include scripts and resources, and are portable across VS Code, Copilot CLI, and Copilot cloud agent. Custom instructions are primarily for coding guidelines, are limited to VS Code and GitHub.com, and only contain instructions.
Where are skills stored?
Skills can be stored as project skills in directories like .github/skills/, .claude/skills/, or .agents/skills/ within a repository, or as personal skills in user profile directories like ~/.copilot/skills/, ~/.claude/skills/, or ~/.agents/skills/.
Can I use Agent Skills with other AI agents besides GitHub Copilot?
Based on available information, Agent Skills is an open standard that works across multiple AI agents, including GitHub Copilot in VS Code, GitHub Copilot CLI, and GitHub Copilot cloud agent. Compatibility with other agents should be verified.
Is there a cost to use Agent Skills?
Agent Skills is a feature of Visual Studio Code, which is free and open-source. However, using GitHub Copilot may require a subscription; the free tier of GitHub Copilot has usage limits that should be checked on the official pricing page.
How do I create a skill?
Skills are created by setting up a directory with a SKILL.md file that defines the skill's behavior. You can use the /skills command in the VS Code chat input to open the Configure Skills menu, or use the Agent Customizations editor for discovery and management.