Visual Studio Code demonstrates how MCP Apps bring interactive UI components to Copilot Chat, improving collaboration. This update, presented by the VS Code team, explores the new MCP extension and the broader advancements in the VS Code environment.

Introducing MCP Apps: Interactive UI Components in VS Code Chat

Visual Studio Code presents advancements in Copilot Chat through MCP Apps, a system that enables tool calls to return rich, interactive UI components—such as dashboards, forms, visualizations, and multi-step workflows—directly in the chat interface.

What Are MCP Apps?

• MCP Apps extend Copilot Chat and compatible tools in VS Code
• Allow tools to present dashboards, custom forms, and complex workflows inside chat
• Facilitate more natural and powerful collaboration between humans and AI agents

Key Features Covered

• Official MCP extension: The first extension enabling this capability in VS Code
• Interactive components: Return UI elements rather than plain text answers
• Use cases: Data visualization, filling forms, triggering automation, and more

Latest Updates

• New MCP features available in VS Code Insider builds
• Enhanced integration with Copilot Chat
• Improved workflow for developers engaging with AI directly within the editor

Resources

• Video: Latest on MCP Apps in VS Code
• Try Insiders: VS Code Insiders
• Live Demos: VS Code Live
• Read More: VS Code 109 Blog
• Explore: Awesome Copilot

Summary

MCP Apps signal a step forward in integrating interactive, human-agent collaborative workflows within VS Code. This extension and the ongoing updates expand what developers can do with AI-driven tooling in their everyday coding environment.