GitHub’s November 10 changelog describes a shorter setup for MSBuild-based C++ projects in Copilot CLI. The Microsoft C++ Language Server now bundles the extractor it needs to generate a compilation database. Copilot invokes it when the language server starts after opening the project.
The language server gets the build context at startup
A compilation database records how source files are compiled. That context matters for features such as finding references or jumping to a definition, particularly when headers and macros depend on build settings. Previously, GitHub says users could supply a compile commands file themselves or rely on Copilot to find and run a separate setup skill.
The automatic path covers MSBuild. GitHub documents a separate skill for generating compile commands in CMake projects and points teams with custom build systems to a guide for writing their own extractor. An existing compilation database is also an option for those other build systems.
The plugin requires an active Copilot subscription. GitHub directs users to Microsoft’s quick start to install the language server plugin and accept its license agreement. A practical first check is to open an MSBuild project and follow a symbol whose definition depends on the project’s include paths.
Sources
GitHub changelog, November 10 · Microsoft’s language server quick start
