> 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/v1/consume-with-ai/connect-a-client/copilot-vs-code.md).

# Copilot in VS Code

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/v1/get-started/before-you-begin.md).

## Connect

1. Select **Open in VS Code**. VS Code opens and prompts you for your DataOS API token.
2. Paste your [DataOS API token](/consume/v1/get-started/before-you-begin.md) into the prompt and confirm.

VS Code stores the token as a secret input and adds the server for you, with no config file to create or edit. Reload the VS Code window so Copilot picks up the new server.

{% hint style="info" %}
The one-click install is per DataOS instance. If you connect to a different instance, go back to the product page and select **Activate → MCP** again to get an install link for that instance.
{% endhint %}

### Manual setup

If the one-click install isn't available, add the server by hand:

1. Create `.vscode/mcp.json` at the root of your project.
2. Add the server, replacing the placeholders:

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

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/v1/consume-with-ai/discover-in-natural-language.md).


---

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