Use Claude, Codex and Copilot together on GitHub

Key Concepts

• GitHub Copilot: An AI pair programmer.
• Agent HQ (Agents Tab on GitHub): A centralized location for managing cloud agent sessions.
• Cloud Agents: AI models like Copilot, Claude, and Codeex accessible through GitHub.
• Ad-hoc Tasks: One-off requests assigned to agents.
• Parallel Coding: Running multiple agent sessions simultaneously.
• VS Code Integration: Accessing and managing agents directly within the VS Code IDE.
• GitHub Mobile: Managing agents and tasks on mobile devices.

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Centralized Agent Management with GitHub

GitHub now offers a centralized hub for managing AI-powered coding agents, referred to as “Agent HQ” and accessible via the “Agents” tab on GitHub. This feature allows developers to move beyond sequential task completion and embrace simultaneous development workflows. The primary function of Agent HQ is to provide a single location to oversee all cloud agent sessions. Users can assign tasks – described as “ad-hoc tasks” – to various agents including GitHub Copilot, Claude (by Anthropic), and Codeex. Crucially, this also extends to the ability to utilize “custom agents,” implying the potential for integration with user-defined AI models.

Issue-Based Task Assignment

A significant portion of change requests originate as issues within GitHub repositories. The new functionality streamlines this process by enabling direct assignment of these issues to agents. When assigning an issue, the user specifies both the desired base branch for the changes and the agent responsible for addressing the issue. The system then facilitates the agent’s work, automating the code modification process based on the issue description. This integration directly addresses a common developer workflow, reducing context switching and manual effort.

Mobile Accessibility & Workflow Continuity

Recognizing that inspiration and the need for quick task assignment can occur outside of the traditional desktop environment, GitHub has extended agent management capabilities to its mobile application. Developers can manage agents and assign tasks directly from GitHub mobile, ensuring workflow continuity regardless of location. This feature highlights GitHub’s commitment to providing a seamless developer experience across all platforms.

IDE Integration: VS Code Orchestration

Given that developers spend a substantial amount of time within Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), GitHub has prioritized integration with VS Code. Within VS Code, developers can orchestrate both local and cloud agent sessions. The assignment process mirrors that of the web-based Agent HQ, allowing selection of agents like Claude, Codeex, Copilot, or a custom agent with a specified model. This integration allows for a fluid and efficient workflow, keeping the coding process within the familiar environment of the IDE.

Parallel Coding & Workflow Enhancement

The core benefit of these tools is the ability to assign and manage parallel coding agent sessions. This means multiple agents can work on different tasks or aspects of the same project simultaneously, significantly accelerating development cycles. The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing workflows, rather than requiring developers to adopt entirely new processes. The emphasis is on augmenting existing practices with AI assistance.

Synthesis

GitHub’s new agent management features, centered around Agent HQ and integrated into GitHub, mobile, and VS Code, represent a significant step towards AI-assisted parallel development. By centralizing agent control, streamlining issue assignment, and providing accessibility across platforms, GitHub aims to empower developers to work more efficiently and effectively. The ability to leverage multiple agents concurrently, including custom models, unlocks new possibilities for code generation, bug fixing, and feature implementation.