Most people use Copilot to generate code. That’s fine. But there’s a powerful mode that some developers skip: thinking together before writing a single line.
Start your next complex task with this prompt:
“Do NOT write any code yet. I want to discuss the approach first.”
or better yet - use Plan mode.
Then describe the problem. Ask Copilot to:
- Identify ambiguities and edge cases you haven’t considered
- Propose 2-3 different approaches with trade-offs
- Challenge your assumptions
- Consider refactoring to simplify before adding new stuff
- Consider if the solution can be slightly more general
One underrated use: scope sizing. Before the agent starts coding, ask whether the task is too large and how it might be broken into smaller steps. Agents generate internal todo-lists before they start.
Once you’ve talked it through and aligned on an approach — then let it execute.
Mitchell Hashimoto puts it simply: “For vague requests, split the work into separate planning vs. execution sessions.”
💡 Try this: On your next task, start in Plan mode. See what it surfaces before you commit to an approach.
Have you tried plan mode before coding?
🟢 Yes — it’s a game changer
🟡 Sometimes, for bigger tasks
🔴 No, I go straight to generating code
⚪ I split plan and execute, but not using plan mode
Tried plan mode and want to share what happened?