From df973ee89ad72bc038a29d56fc930d27e08a5404 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Sarita Iyer <66540150+saritai@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:30:13 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] [EDI - Builders] Update MCP docs in light of EDI audit (#56751) Co-authored-by: hubwriter --- content/copilot/concepts/about-mcp.md | 60 +++++++++++++++++++ content/copilot/concepts/index.md | 1 + .../extending-copilot-chat-with-mcp.md | 36 +++-------- .../copilot/mcp/about-github-mcp-server.md | 22 +------ 4 files changed, 70 insertions(+), 49 deletions(-) create mode 100644 content/copilot/concepts/about-mcp.md diff --git a/content/copilot/concepts/about-mcp.md b/content/copilot/concepts/about-mcp.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..a62b619ba2 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/copilot/concepts/about-mcp.md @@ -0,0 +1,60 @@ +--- +title: About Model Context Protocol (MCP) +allowTitleToDifferFromFilename: true +shortTitle: About MCP +intro: 'Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a protocol that allows you to extend the capabilities of {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} by integrating it with other systems.' +versions: + feature: copilot +topics: + - Copilot +type: overview +--- + +>[!NOTE] +> * MCP support is generally available (GA) in {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} for {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}. +> * MCP support for {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}, JetBrains, Eclipse, and Xcode is in {% data variables.release-phases.public_preview %} and is subject to change. +> * The [AUTOTITLE](/free-pro-team@latest/site-policy/github-terms/github-pre-release-license-terms) apply only to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in IDEs where MCP support is still in preview. GA terms apply when using MCP for {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}. + +## Overview of Model Context Protocol (MCP) + +The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that defines how applications share context with large language models (LLMs). MCP provides a standardized way to connect AI models to different data sources and tools, enabling them to work together more effectively. + +You can use MCP to extend the capabilities of {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} by integrating it with a wide range of existing tools and services. For example, the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server allows you to use {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} in your IDE to perform tasks on {% data variables.product.github %}. You can also use MCP to create new tools and services that work with {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}, allowing you to customize and enhance your experience. + +For more information on MCP, see [the official MCP documentation](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/introduction). For information on currently available MCP servers, see [the MCP servers repository](https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/tree/main). + +To learn how to configure and use MCP servers with {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/context/model-context-protocol/extending-copilot-chat-with-mcp). + +Enterprises and organizations can choose to enable or disable use of MCP for members of their organization or enterprise. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/administer/enterprises/managing-policies-and-features-for-copilot-in-your-enterprise#mcp-servers-on-githubcom). The MCP policy only applies to members with {% data variables.copilot.copilot_business_short %}, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_enterprise_short %}, or {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} licenses assigned by the organization or enterprise that configures the policy. {% data variables.copilot.copilot_free_short %}, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_pro_short %}, or {% data variables.copilot.copilot_pro_plus_short %} do not have their MCP access governed by this policy. + +## About the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server + +The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server provided and maintained by {% data variables.product.github %}. + +{% data variables.product.github %} MCP server can be used to: + +* Automate and streamline code-related tasks. +* Connect third-party tools (like Cursor, Windsurf, or future integrations) to leverage {% data variables.product.github %}’s context and AI capabilities. +* Enable cloud-based workflows that work from any device, without local setup. + +You can access the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server remotely through {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, or other editors that support remote MCP; or you can run it locally in any MCP-compatible editor, allowing you to choose between the convenience of a hosted solution or the customizability of a self-hosted setup. + +If you want to utilize the remote {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server, you can do so in a few steps, without any local setup. This is particularly useful for users who want to quickly leverage {% data variables.product.github %}’s AI capabilities without the overhead of managing a local MCP server. + +Running the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server locally requires a bit more setup, but it allows for greater customization and control over your AI interactions. + +To learn how to set up and use the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/context/model-context-protocol/using-the-github-mcp-server). + +## Availability + +There is currently broad support for local MCP servers in clients such as {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, JetBrains IDEs, XCode, and others. + +Support for remote MCP servers is growing, with editors like {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} (with OAuth or PAT), {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} (PAT only), JetBrains IDEs (PAT only), Xcode (PAT only), Eclipse (PAT only), Windsurf (PAT only), and Cursor (PAT only) already providing this functionality. + +To find out if your preferred editor supports remote MCP servers, check the documentation for your specific editor. + +## Next steps + +* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/context/model-context-protocol/extending-copilot-chat-with-mcp) +* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/context/model-context-protocol/using-the-github-mcp-server) +* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/tutorials/enhancing-copilot-agent-mode-with-mcp) diff --git a/content/copilot/concepts/index.md b/content/copilot/concepts/index.md index aafafeaf89..a2360f1eb1 100644 --- a/content/copilot/concepts/index.md +++ b/content/copilot/concepts/index.md @@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ children: - /about-github-copilot-chat - /coding-agent - /code-review + - /about-mcp - /about-organizing-and-sharing-context-with-copilot-spaces - /copilot-billing - /prompt-engineering-for-copilot-chat diff --git a/content/copilot/how-tos/context/model-context-protocol/extending-copilot-chat-with-mcp.md b/content/copilot/how-tos/context/model-context-protocol/extending-copilot-chat-with-mcp.md index e69269d927..62a5c5ff27 100644 --- a/content/copilot/how-tos/context/model-context-protocol/extending-copilot-chat-with-mcp.md +++ b/content/copilot/how-tos/context/model-context-protocol/extending-copilot-chat-with-mcp.md @@ -18,24 +18,21 @@ redirect_from: > * MCP support for {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}, JetBrains, Eclipse, and Xcode is in {% data variables.release-phases.public_preview %} and is subject to change. > * The [AUTOTITLE](/free-pro-team@latest/site-policy/github-terms/github-pre-release-license-terms) apply only to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in IDEs where MCP support is still in preview. GA terms apply when using MCP for {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}. +## Introduction + +The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that defines how applications share context with large language models (LLMs). For an overview of MCP, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/concepts/about-mcp). + +For information on currently available MCP servers, see [the MCP servers repository](https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/tree/main). + {% vscode %} -## Overview - -The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that defines how applications share context with large language models (LLMs). MCP provides a standardized way to connect AI models to different data sources and tools, enabling them to work together more effectively. - -You can use MCP to extend the capabilities of {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} by integrating it with a wide range of existing tools and services. For example, the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server allows you to use {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} to perform tasks on {% data variables.product.github %}. You can also use MCP to create new tools and services that work with {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}, allowing you to customize and enhance your experience. - Enterprises and organizations can choose to enable or disable use of MCP for members of their organization or enterprise. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/administer/enterprises/managing-policies-and-features-for-copilot-in-your-enterprise#mcp-servers-on-githubcom). The MCP policy only applies to members with {% data variables.copilot.copilot_business_short %}, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_enterprise_short %}, or {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} licenses assigned by the organization or enterprise that configures the policy. {% data variables.copilot.copilot_free_short %}, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_pro_short %}, or {% data variables.copilot.copilot_pro_plus_short %} do not have their MCP access governed by this policy. -For more information on MCP, see [the official MCP documentation](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/introduction). - -For information on some of the other currently available MCP servers, see [the MCP servers repository](https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/tree/main). - ## Prerequisites * **Access to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}**. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %} * **{% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} version 1.99 or later**. For information on installing {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, see the [{% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} download page](https://code.visualstudio.com/Download). +* If you are a member of an organization or enterprise with a {% data variables.copilot.copilot_business_short %} or {% data variables.copilot.copilot_enterprise_short %} plan, the "MCP servers in Copilot" policy must be enabled in order to use MCP. ## Configuring MCP servers in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} @@ -125,12 +122,6 @@ If you already have an MCP configuration in Claude Desktop, you can use that con {% jetbrains %} -## Overview - -{% data reusables.copilot.mcp-overview-other-ides %} - -For information on other currently available MCP servers, see [the MCP servers repository](https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/tree/main). - ## Prerequisites * **Access to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}**. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %} @@ -154,12 +145,6 @@ Alternatively, to access the MCP settings, once you're in "Agent Mode," click th {% xcode %} -## Overview - -{% data reusables.copilot.mcp-overview-other-ides %} - -For information on other currently available MCP servers, see [the MCP servers repository](https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/tree/main). - ## Prerequisites * **Access to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}**. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %} @@ -178,12 +163,6 @@ For information on other currently available MCP servers, see [the MCP servers r {% eclipse %} -## Overview - -{% data reusables.copilot.mcp-overview-other-ides %} - -For information on other currently available MCP servers, see [the MCP servers repository](https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/tree/main). - ## Prerequisites {% data reusables.copilot.eclipse-prerequisites %} @@ -211,3 +190,4 @@ For more information on creating and configuring your own MCP servers, see [the * [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/coding-agent/extending-copilot-coding-agent-with-mcp) * [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/customizing-copilot/using-model-context-protocol/using-the-github-mcp-server) +* [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/tutorials/enhancing-copilot-agent-mode-with-mcp) diff --git a/data/reusables/copilot/mcp/about-github-mcp-server.md b/data/reusables/copilot/mcp/about-github-mcp-server.md index 02f2aef8f7..7c4e2d8939 100644 --- a/data/reusables/copilot/mcp/about-github-mcp-server.md +++ b/data/reusables/copilot/mcp/about-github-mcp-server.md @@ -2,24 +2,4 @@ The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server provided and maintained by {% data variables.product.github %}. MCP allows you to integrate AI capabilities with other tools and services, enhancing your development experience by providing context-aware AI assistance. -For more information on MCP, see [the official MCP documentation](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/introduction). - -You can access the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server remotely through {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, or other editors that support remote MCP; or you can run it locally in any MCP-compatible editor, allowing you to choose between the convenience of a hosted solution or the customizability of a self-hosted setup. - -If you want to utilize the remote {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server, you can do so in a few steps, without any local setup. This is particularly useful for users who want to quickly leverage {% data variables.product.github %}’s AI capabilities without the overhead of managing a local MCP server. - -Running the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server locally requires a bit more setup, but it allows for greater customization and control over your AI interactions. - -{% data variables.product.github %} MCP server can be used to: - -* Automate and streamline code-related tasks. -* Connect third-party tools (like Cursor, Windsurf, or future integrations) to leverage {% data variables.product.github %}’s context and AI capabilities. -* Enable cloud-based workflows that work from any device, without local setup. - -## Availability - -There is currently broad support for local MCP servers in clients such as {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, JetBrains IDEs, XCode, and others. - -Support for remote MCP servers is growing, with editors like {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} (with OAuth or PAT), {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} (PAT only), JetBrains IDEs (PAT only), Xcode (PAT only), Eclipse (PAT only), Windsurf (PAT only), and Cursor (PAT only) already providing this functionality. - -To find out if your preferred editor supports remote MCP servers, check the documentation for your specific editor. +For a full introduction to the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server and an overview of MCP, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/concepts/about-mcp).