Agents & tools
Copilot
An AI assistant embedded directly into a workflow — like coding, writing, or design — that suggests, completes, or generates work alongside the user.
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In plain English
A copilot is an AI feature integrated into the tool you're already using, helping you work faster without forcing you to switch apps. The name was popularised by GitHub Copilot but is now used across many categories.
Examples:
- GitHub Copilot, Cursor — code completion in your editor
- Microsoft 365 Copilot — drafting in Word, summarising in Outlook
- Notion AI, Coda AI — generating and editing in your docs
- Figma AI — design suggestions
How copilots differ from chatbots:
- Embedded in the existing UI, not a separate chat window
- Aware of the document or code you're working on
- Optimised for completion and suggestion, not standalone conversation
Copilots are typically the easiest entry point for AI in a business — they augment workflows people already do.
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Related terms
AI Assistant
A conversational AI tool that helps users with tasks like writing, scheduling, research, or answering questions in natural language.
Agent
An AI system that can take actions, use tools, and make decisions autonomously to complete a goal.
Chatbot
A program that simulates conversation with users — increasingly powered by LLMs to handle natural-language questions and tasks.
LLM
Large Language Model — the type of AI behind tools like ChatGPT and Claude, trained to understand and generate text.
Workflow Automation
AI-powered tools that chain together multiple steps — apps, APIs, and AI models — to automate end-to-end business processes.
Back to glossaryLast reviewed May 2026