copilot-cli workflow-automation agent-profiles repository-config team-standards

GitHub Copilot CLI gains repository-scoped custom agents

Define agent behavior in repository Markdown files with YAML frontmatter; agents execute team workflows consistently across CLI, IDE, and GitHub.

June 10, 2026

Summary

Encodes repeated task patterns and team standards once, then invokes them from the terminal without re-explaining context or re-running manual steps each time.

Why it matters

Encodes repeated task patterns and team standards once, then invokes them from the terminal without re-explaining context or re-running manual steps each time.

Implementation verdict

Replaces ad-hoc prompts and shell scripts with versioned, reviewable agent profiles stored in `.github/agents/`. Requires Copilot CLI access and repository write permissions. Worth adopting now for teams running repetitive security, compliance, or code-quality workflows.

Sources

1.A custom agent is a Copilot agent that can be defined using a Markdown file.
2.Because the agent profile lives in your repository, your team can review it, version it, and share it
3.The agent profile is a Markdown file with YAML frontmatter that defines the agent's role, scope, capabilities, and guardrails, so it behaves consistently in your workflows.
4.The agent profile file ends with .agent.md – for example, accessibility.agent.md.

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