lsp-setup
Enable code intelligence (go-to-definition, find-references, hover, type info) for any programming language by installing and configuring an LSP server for Copilot CLI. Detects the OS, installs the right server, and generates the JSON configuration (user-level or repo-level). Use when you need deeper code understanding and no LSP server is configured, or when the user asks to set up, install, or configure an LSP server.
Best use case
lsp-setup is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
Enable code intelligence (go-to-definition, find-references, hover, type info) for any programming language by installing and configuring an LSP server for Copilot CLI. Detects the OS, installs the right server, and generates the JSON configuration (user-level or repo-level). Use when you need deeper code understanding and no LSP server is configured, or when the user asks to set up, install, or configure an LSP server.
Teams using lsp-setup should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.
When to use this skill
- You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.
When not to use this skill
- You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/lsp-setup/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How lsp-setup Compares
| Feature / Agent | lsp-setup | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Enable code intelligence (go-to-definition, find-references, hover, type info) for any programming language by installing and configuring an LSP server for Copilot CLI. Detects the OS, installs the right server, and generates the JSON configuration (user-level or repo-level). Use when you need deeper code understanding and no LSP server is configured, or when the user asks to set up, install, or configure an LSP server.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
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SKILL.md Source
# LSP Setup for GitHub Copilot CLI
**UTILITY SKILL** — installs and configures Language Server Protocol servers for Copilot CLI.
USE FOR: "setup LSP", "install language server", "configure LSP for Java", "add TypeScript LSP", "enable code intelligence", "I need go-to-definition", "find references not working", "need better code understanding"
DO NOT USE FOR: general coding tasks, IDE/editor LSP configuration, non-Copilot-CLI setups
## Workflow
1. **Ask the language** — use `ask_user` to ask which programming language(s) the user wants LSP support for
2. **Detect the OS** — run `uname -s` (or check for Windows via `$env:OS` / `%OS%`) to determine macOS, Linux, or Windows
3. **Look up the LSP server** — read `references/lsp-servers.md` for known servers, install commands, and config snippets
4. **Ask scope** — use `ask_user` to ask whether the config should be user-level (`~/.copilot/lsp-config.json`) or repo-level (`lsp.json` at the repo root or `.github/lsp.json`)
5. **Install the server** — run the appropriate install command for the detected OS
6. **Write the config** — merge the new server entry into the chosen config file (`~/.copilot/lsp-config.json` for user-level; `lsp.json` or `.github/lsp.json` for repo-level). If a repo-level config already exists, keep using that location; otherwise ask the user which repo-level location they prefer. Create the file if missing and preserve existing entries.
7. **Verify** — confirm the LSP binary is on `$PATH` and the config file is valid JSON
## Configuration Format
Copilot CLI reads LSP configuration from user-level or repo-level locations, and repo-level config takes precedence over user-level config:
- **User-level**: `~/.copilot/lsp-config.json`
- **Repo-level**: `lsp.json` (repo root) or `.github/lsp.json`
The JSON structure:
```json
{
"lspServers": {
"<server-key>": {
"command": "<binary>",
"args": ["--stdio"],
"fileExtensions": {
".<ext>": "<languageId>",
".<ext2>": "<languageId>"
}
}
}
}
```
### Key rules
- `command` is the binary name (must be on `$PATH`) or an absolute path.
- `args` almost always includes `"--stdio"` to use standard I/O transport.
- `fileExtensions` maps each file extension (with leading dot) to a [Language ID](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/languages/identifiers#_known-language-identifiers).
- Multiple servers can coexist in `lspServers`.
- When merging into an existing file, **never overwrite** other server entries — only add or update the target language key.
## Behavior
- Always use `ask_user` with `choices` when asking the user to pick a language or scope.
- If the language is not listed in `references/lsp-servers.md`, search the web for "<language> LSP server" and guide the user through manual configuration.
- If a package manager is not available (e.g. no Homebrew on macOS), suggest alternative install methods from the reference file.
- After installation, run `which <binary>` (or `where.exe` on Windows) to confirm the binary is accessible.
- Show the user the final config JSON before writing it.
- If the config file already exists, read it first and merge — do not clobber.
## Verification
After setup, tell the user:
1. Type `/exit` to quit Copilot CLI — this is **required** so the new LSP configuration is loaded on next launch
2. Re-launch `copilot` in a project with files of the configured language
3. Run `/lsp` to check the server status
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