GitHub Introduces Base Branch Selection for Copilot Coding Agents

GitHub has announced a significant update to its Copilot coding agent, allowing users to select a specific base branch when delegating tasks. This new capability is set to enhance the flexibility and efficiency of coding workflows, according to GitHub's recent blog post.

Enhanced Task Delegation

The update enables users to choose a base branch from the Agents page when assigning tasks to Copilot. Previously, Copilot would initiate tasks from the repository's default branch. Now, users can direct Copilot to create a new branch from a selected base and push changes to a pull request targeting that branch.

This feature is particularly beneficial for developers working on feature branches or those utilizing a branching model that deviates from starting at the default branch. By allowing Copilot to operate on different branches, developers can integrate changes more seamlessly into ongoing projects.

Availability and Integration

The updated functionality is available in public preview for users with Copilot Pro, Copilot Pro+, Copilot Business, and Copilot Enterprise subscriptions. However, enterprise users must ensure that the relevant policy is enabled by an administrator to access this feature.

Beyond the Agents page, Copilot coding agent is also integrated into various platforms such as Visual Studio Code, GitHub Mobile, the GitHub CLI, and the GitHub MCP Server. This widespread integration allows developers to delegate tasks across different environments, enhancing productivity and workflow continuity.

For more information on this update and to learn how to enable the new feature, users can visit the official GitHub documentation here.