GitHub Copilot Chat doesn't understand repositories, and the common reason is that you're only asking a normal chat question and don't give it a clear workspace context. To get it to answer by item, start by using '@workspace', referencing a file, selecting code, or adding context, instead of just asking 'how did I change this project'.
Let's see what context it gets first
The VS Code documentation states that Copilot Chat constructs context based on the current file, selections, workspace information, and explicit references. That is, it doesn't necessarily automatically read the entire repository, let alone stuff all the files into it every time.
If the question involves multiple files, it must explicitly ask it to search the codebase, such as using '@workspace', or adding related files, folders, symbols in the chat.
The way of asking questions should be changed
The poor question is, "Why doesn't this login work?" A good question is: "@workspace Search for the login flow, focusing on 'auth', 'session', 'middleware', and describe which files the request goes through from frontend to backend." ”
Let it find the file first, and then let it fix the problem. Otherwise it may only guess the answer based on the currently open file.
Indexes and permissions also look at it
If the workspace index isn't complete, or if organization permissions restrict certain repositories, Copilot will have a weaker understanding of the project. Look at the Copilot status bar and logs to confirm that the account, repository permissions, and index status are normal.
In Azure DevOps, remote warehouses, or enterprise environments, it's important to confirm that Copilot has access.
The most stable process
First, ask "Please list the files related to this issue" to confirm whether the files it finds are correct; Then let it explain the call chain; Finally, let it give a minimum change plan. Don't let it change directly in the first place.
Copilot Chat doesn't naturally understand the entire warehouse. The more accurate the context you give, the more it resembles a project assistant; The more vague the context, the more it resembles a general-purpose question answering bot.
