GitHub Copilot Agent Mode & Plan Mode in IntelliJ IDEA Chat, Edits, AI Coding Models Explained 2026

This content explores the functionality of GitHub Copilot within the IntelliJ IDEA environment, focusing on its advanced modes that enhance the developer workflow. It details Copilot Chat Mode, used for querying the codebase and generating code snippets, and Copilot Edits, which allows for reviewing and applying AI-generated changes across several files simultaneously.

Furthermore, the tutorial explains Copilot Agent Mode, an autonomous feature where the AI can investigate the project, interact with the user, and execute terminal commands. Integrated within Agent Mode is Plan Mode, which generates a preliminary architectural implementation plan for developer review prior to code generation.

The features discussed showcase GitHub Copilot as a comprehensive AI development assistant, utilizing various underlying AI models for tasks ranging from simple code completion to complex project automation within the IntelliJ ecosystem.