# GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot Chat in VS Code can use Memside through MCP. This gives Agent
mode access to selected Memories, project checkpoints, Operating Rules, and
other saved context while work continues in a repository.

Copilot uses the MCP configuration provided by VS Code. Memside is therefore
added to VS Code first, then selected from Copilot Chat.

## Before starting

- Install a current VS Code version.
- Install and sign in to GitHub Copilot Chat.
- Confirm that Agent mode and MCP servers are available.
- Create a Memside API key under **Settings > Developer & API**.

## Add Memside to the current project

1. Open the project in VS Code.
2. Create or open `.vscode/mcp.json`.
3. Add the following configuration.

```json
{
  "inputs": [
    {
      "type": "promptString",
      "id": "memside-api-key",
      "description": "Memside API key",
      "password": true
    }
  ],
  "servers": {
    "memside": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://api.memside.com/mcp/",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer ${input:memside-api-key}"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

4. Save the file.
5. Enter the Memside API key when VS Code requests it.
6. Approve the server if a trust prompt appears.
7. Open Copilot Chat.
8. Switch to Agent mode and open the tools menu.
9. Confirm that Memside tools are available.

This configuration uses a password input so the real API key is not stored in
the workspace file.

## Make Memside available across projects

Open the Command Palette and run **MCP: Open User Configuration** or **MCP: Add
Server**. Add the same Memside URL and bearer header to the user-level
configuration.

## Confirm the connection

1. Run **MCP: List Servers**.
2. Select `memside`.
3. Confirm that the server is running and tools were discovered.
4. Return to Copilot Chat in Agent mode.

Start with a read-only request:

```text
Use Memside to load the latest checkpoint and summarize the next action.
```

## Troubleshooting

- Update VS Code and the Copilot Chat extension.
- Confirm that the workspace is trusted.
- Check the `memside` status under **MCP: List Servers**.
- Confirm that the Copilot plan or organization policy permits MCP servers.
- Recreate the Memside API key if the server reports an authentication error.

See [VS Code](/connect/vscode/) for user-level and workspace-level manual setup.

## Next steps

- [VS Code](/connect/vscode/)
- [API keys](/developers/api-keys/)
- [Troubleshooting](/help/troubleshooting/)