# GitHub Copilot CLI and your knowledge base

Client: GitHub Copilot CLI

GitHub Copilot CLI lets you use Copilot directly from a terminal. It can connect to MCP servers, and KnowMan provides a hosted MCP server for accessing [saved items](https://www.knowman.io/guides/how-to-save-articles) and personal context. Read more about [MCP servers and personal knowledge bases](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base).

## Add the hosted KnowMan MCP server to GitHub Copilot CLI.

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "knowman": {
      "url": "https://api.knowman.io/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer <key>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

## What GitHub Copilot CLI does

GitHub Copilot CLI lets you work with Copilot directly from a terminal. It can answer questions, write and debug code, and interact with GitHub.com. See [GitHub's Copilot CLI documentation](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/concepts/agents/about-copilot-cli).

## Interactive and command-line use

In an interactive session, you can converse with Copilot, assign tasks, give feedback, and steer its work. You can also pass one prompt on the [command line](https://www.knowman.io/integrations). Copilot completes the task and exits. Plan mode can ask clarifying questions and build an implementation plan before writing code. See GitHub's Copilot CLI documentation.

## How MCP servers add context

MCP is an open standard for sharing context with large language models. GitHub Copilot CLI can connect to MCP servers for access to external tools, data sources, and services. It supports local servers over STDIO and remote servers over HTTP or SSE. See [GitHub's MCP server guide](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-mcp-servers).

## Adding a remote MCP server

Use `/mcp add` in interactive mode, or run `copilot mcp add --transport http SERVER-NAME URL`. Remote server configuration can include a URL, HTTP headers, and the tools Copilot may use. User configuration is stored in `~/.copilot/mcp-config.json`, while `.github/mcp.json` can hold project-level configuration. See GitHub's MCP server guide.

## What a KnowMan knowledge base adds

KnowMan saves articles and links, reads and tags them, [answers questions](https://www.knowman.io/guides/ai-knowledge-base) with citations, and keeps claims, decisions, and playbooks as memories. Its MCP tools can search saved items, ask questions, retrieve content, [save links](https://www.knowman.io/guides/best-bookmark-manager), view [recent items](https://www.knowman.io/guides/personal-knowledge-base), and access memories. See the [KnowMan MCP project](https://github.com/Essatt/knowman-mcp) and [guide to MCP knowledge bases](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base).

## Connecting KnowMan

KnowMan's hosted MCP server is available at `https://api.knowman.io/mcp` over Streamable HTTP. It accepts OAuth sign-in or an API key sent as `Authorization: Bearer <key>`. See KnowMan's MCP project and GitHub's MCP server guide.

## Where KnowMan fits

KnowMan can provide context from your own library to an [MCP client](https://www.knowman.io/guides/what-is-an-mcp-server). Its tools support searching saved items, asking questions, retrieving an item, saving links, and accessing memories. You can also read about [giving AI context](https://www.knowman.io/guides/give-your-ai-context) and [persistent memory for AI agents](https://www.knowman.io/guides/persistent-memory-for-ai-agents).

## Questions

### What is GitHub Copilot CLI?

GitHub Copilot CLI is a command-line interface for using Copilot directly from a terminal. It can answer questions, write and debug code, and interact with GitHub.com. See GitHub's documentation.

### Can GitHub Copilot CLI use MCP servers?

Yes. Copilot CLI can connect to local STDIO servers and remote HTTP or SSE servers. These connections can provide external tools, data sources, and services. See GitHub's MCP server guide.

### What does KnowMan add to an MCP client?

The hosted KnowMan MCP server provides tools for searching saved items, asking questions, retrieving content, saving links, viewing recent items, and accessing memories. See the KnowMan MCP project.

### Which Copilot CLI platforms are supported?

GitHub documents support for Linux, macOS, and Windows through PowerShell or WSL. See GitHub's Copilot CLI documentation.

## Related pages

- [Connect your knowledge base through KnowMan's MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base)

- [What Is a Knowledge Base for AI Agents?](https://www.knowman.io/guides/knowledge-base-for-ai-agents)

- [How Do You Connect AI to Your Notes?](https://www.knowman.io/guides/connect-any-ai-to-your-notes)

- [How to Give Your AI Context from What You Read](https://www.knowman.io/guides/give-your-ai-context)

- [Persistent Memory for AI Agents](https://www.knowman.io/guides/persistent-memory-for-ai-agents)

## More in this topic

- [KnowMan MCP server for Amazon Q Developer](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/amazon-q-developer)
- [Connect KnowMan to Kimi Code CLI](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/kimi-code-cli)
- [KnowMan MCP server for Msty](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/msty)

## Bring your saved reading into your AI workflow

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Source: https://www.knowman.io/integrations/github-copilot-cli-knowledge-base