AI Coding Agent vs GitHub Copilot
March 19, 2026
GitHub Copilot is one of the best-known AI coding tools. Here’s how it compares to broader “AI coding agents.”
GitHub Copilot
Focused on inline suggestions in the editor: completions, function bodies, and comments. Tight IDE integration (VS Code, JetBrains). Trained on public code; suggests as you type.
AI coding agents (broader)
“Agent” often means more than completions: code review, refactoring, docs, multi-file edits, and sometimes repo-wide context. Tools like Cursor, Cody, or Codeium add agent-style features on top of or alongside Copilot-like completion.
Context and scope
Copilot is primarily local to the file and cursor. Some agents pull in full repo, docs, or issues for broader context and multi-step tasks.
When to use which
- Copilot: Fast, lightweight completion in your existing IDE. Best for daily typing and small edits.
- Agent-style tools: When you want review, refactors, docs, or repo-aware suggestions. Some teams use both.
For alternatives, GitHub Copilot Alternatives. For the niche, AI Coding Agent.