GitHub Introduces Copilot Agent Mode and Previews Autonomous AI Project Padawan

The new Copilot Agent mode enhances coding automation, while Project Padawan hints at a future of fully autonomous AI-driven development.

GitHub's new Copilot Agent mode allows for more autonomous coding, including iterating on its own output, debugging errors, and executing necessary subtasks without constant human input.
Developers can now choose from multiple AI models, including OpenAI's GPT-4o, Anthropic's Claude, and Google's Gemini 2.0 Flash, for tailored performance and flexibility.
Copilot Edits, now generally available, enables developers to make natural language-based edits across multiple files, improving workflow and accuracy with a dual-model architecture.
Project Padawan, currently in preview, aims to be a fully autonomous AI software engineer capable of completing tasks such as repository setup, code development, and assigning human reviewers.
The rise of agentic AI in coding is intensifying competition, with GitHub facing rivals like Cursor and Replit, but its deep integration into existing workflows gives it a strong position.