> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://v2.dataos.info/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://v2.dataos.info/consume/consume-with-ai/connect-a-client/copilot-vs-code.md).

# Copilot in VS Code

Configure GitHub Copilot in VS Code to use Data Product MCP.

Connecting Copilot in VS Code to Data Product MCP lets it answer from governed products instead of guessing, using a project-level config so trusted data is available where you code. From a product page, select **Activate → MCP**, then **View install guide** on the Copilot in VS Code card.

## What you need

VS Code with the GitHub Copilot extension installed and signed in, your DataOS instance URL, and a [DataOS API token](/consume/get-started/before-you-begin.md).

## Steps

1. In VS Code, open the project folder you want to use Data Product MCP in, then create `.vscode/mcp.json` at the root of that folder. Data Product MCP is available in this project only, so repeat these steps for each project that needs it.
2. Add the server, replacing the placeholders:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="OAuth" %}

```json
{
  "servers": {
    "DataProduct-MCP": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://<instance-url>/mcp/api/v1"
    }
  }
}
```

VS Code prompts you to authorize in a browser window after you reload.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="API Token" %}

```json
{
  "servers": {
    "DataProduct-MCP": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://<instance-url>/dataproduct-mcp/api/v1",
      "headers": {
        "apikey": "<API_TOKEN>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

3. Reload the VS Code window so Copilot reads the config.

{% hint style="danger" %}
[API tokens](https://v2.dataos.info/references/key-concepts/api-tokens) are secrets, and `.vscode/mcp.json` sits at the project root where it is easy to commit by accident. Prefer a user-level config or an environment variable. If you do put the token here, add `.vscode/mcp.json` to `.gitignore` immediately.
{% endhint %}

## Verify

Open Copilot Chat, confirm **DataProduct-MCP** appears in the MCP tools list, then ask `What data products are available to consume?`. A working connection returns products scoped to your token. Next: [Discover in natural language](/consume/consume-with-ai/discover-in-natural-language.md).


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://v2.dataos.info/consume/consume-with-ai/connect-a-client/copilot-vs-code.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.