What is Copilot?
TL;DR
A general term for AI assistants that work as a human's 'co-pilot.' Microsoft Copilot and GitHub Copilot are leading examples.
Copilot: Definition & Explanation
Copilot is a widely adopted name for AI assistants that support humans as partners. GitHub Copilot popularized the term in programming, followed by Microsoft Copilot (for Office products), Salesforce Einstein Copilot, and many others. Unlike 'AI agents' that autonomously complete tasks, the copilot concept emphasizes humans maintaining control while leveraging AI suggestions. Copilot-style tools have emerged across programming, document creation, data analysis, design, and many other domains.