Key Differences: Commands vs Tools¶
The extension exposes two types of functionality: commands you invoke yourself, and tools that GitHub Copilot invokes on your behalf.
Commands — You invoke them¶
Commands are discrete actions you trigger directly in VS Code.
How to run a command:
- Open the Command Palette with
Ctrl+Shift+Pand typeABAP FS - Click a button in the VS Code UI (e.g., editor toolbar, explorer context menu)
- Use a keyboard shortcut
Examples:
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
ABAP FS: Create object |
Opens a dialog to create a new ABAP object |
ABAP FS: Run ABAP Unit Tests |
Runs unit tests for the current object |
ABAP FS: Text Elements Manager |
Opens the text elements editor |
Language Model Tools — Copilot invokes them¶
Tools are capabilities the extension exposes to GitHub Copilot. You don't call them directly — instead, you describe what you want in the Copilot chat panel, and Copilot selects and calls the right tool automatically.
How to use them:
- Open the Copilot chat panel (
Ctrl+Alt+I) - Ask in plain language
Examples:
| What you type | Tool Copilot calls |
|---|---|
"Where is BAPI_USER_GET_DETAIL used?" |
find_where_used |
"Show me the code for ZCL_MY_CLASS" |
get_abap_object_lines |
| "Run ATC checks on this file" | run_atc_analysis |
New to VS Code? Start with commands for direct actions. Use Copilot chat when you want to explore or analyze SAP objects without knowing the exact steps.