The Microsoft C++ Language Server for GitHub Copilot CLI now bundles its MSBuild compile commands extractor and invokes it automatically. An agent no longer needs to discover and run a separate configuration skill before it can get precise code intelligence for your project. For more information, including the installation instructions, see the main repository page.
What changed #
Previously, setting up go-to-definition, find references, and other language server features for an MSBuild-based C++ project required you to either provide your own compile_commands.json file or Copilot to locate and run a configuration skill before it could generate a compilation database. That extra discovery step added setup time and consumed tokens before Copilot could start working with your code.
Now:
- The compile commands extractor is bundled directly with the C++ language server, so it’s always available.
- Copilot invokes the extractor when starting the language server on project open, with no manual or agent-driven setup skill required.
- Compilation database generation for MSBuild projects is deterministic, reducing setup token usage.
## [Configure other build systems](#configure-other-build-systems)
For other build systems, you can provide your own `compile_commands.json` or use a skill to generate one:
- For CMake projects, use the generate compile commands skill introduced in the earlier C++ language server release by asking Copilot CLI to “load project.”
- For custom build systems, follow the guide to [create a custom build extractor skill](https://github.com/microsoft/cpp-language-server/blob/main/docs/compile-commands.md#other-build-systems) .
## [Get started](#get-started)
Follow the Microsoft C++ Language Server quick start to install the plugin and accept the EULA. If your repository contains an MSBuild-based C++ project, Copilot will automatically generate the compilation database it needs for accurate code intelligence.
An active GitHub Copilot subscription is required.
Help improve the Microsoft C++ Language Server by completing the C++ language server survey. To report a problem or suggest an improvement, open an issue in the Microsoft C++ Language Server repository.