Update lab navigation, setup instructions, and VS version

jamesmontemagno · jamesmontemagno · commit 7fd882fc7b2a · 2026-01-06T10:55:59.000-08:00
Added navigation links to all lab parts for easier section-to-section movement. Refactored setup.md to clarify Copilot configuration for both Skillable lab and personal accounts, and improved cloning instructions to recommend forking for full Copilot Agent support. Fixed minor typos and clarified steps. Added setup.md to Solution Items in TinyShop.sln and updated the Visual Studio version to 18.x.
diff --git a/lab/part00-exploring-codebase.md b/lab/part00-exploring-codebase.md
@@ -11,3 +11,7 @@ GitHub Copilot Chat allows you to ask questions about your code and get intellig
 1. [] Notice how Copilot analyzes your codebase to provide contextual answers.
 
 **Key Takeaway**: GitHub Copilot Chat helps you understand unfamiliar codebases by answering questions about the project structure, architecture, and implementation details.
+
+---
+
+[Next: Part 01 - Code Completion with Ghost Text](./part01-code-completion.md) ?
diff --git a/lab/part01-code-completion.md b/lab/part01-code-completion.md
@@ -176,4 +176,6 @@ In this section, you'll use GitHub Copilot's code completion to implement API en
 
 1. [] Stop debugging and close the application
 
-**Key Takeaway**: GitHub Copilot can generate complete API implementations based on your comments or partial code, significantly speeding up development.
+---
+
+[Back: Part 00 - Exploring the Codebase with GitHub Copilot Chat](./part00-exploring-codebase.md) ? | [Next: Part 02 - Enhancing UI with Inline Chat](./part02-enhancing-ui.md) ?
diff --git a/lab/part02-enhancing-ui.md b/lab/part02-enhancing-ui.md
@@ -25,3 +25,7 @@ Now, you'll improve the loading experience using Copilot's inline chat.
 1. [] Stop debugging and close the application
 
 **Key Takeaway**: Inline chat allows you to make targeted improvements to your code without leaving your editor context.
+
+---
+
+[Back: Part 01 - Code Completion with Ghost Text](./part01-code-completion.md) ? | [Next: Part 03 - Referencing Code Files in Chat](./part03-referencing-files.md) ?
diff --git a/lab/part03-referencing-files.md b/lab/part03-referencing-files.md
@@ -21,3 +21,7 @@ In this section, you'll learn how to reference existing code files in your chat
 1. [] Notice how Copilot can reference existing code to provide contextual suggestions.
 
 **Key Takeaway**: Referencing files in your chat provides Copilot with the context it needs to give more accurate, project-specific suggestions.
+
+---
+
+[Back: Part 02 - Enhancing UI with Inline Chat](./part02-enhancing-ui.md) ? | [Next: Part 04 - Using Custom Instructions](./part04-custom-instructions.md) ?
diff --git a/lab/part04-custom-instructions.md b/lab/part04-custom-instructions.md
@@ -48,3 +48,7 @@ Here are some guidelines to consider when creating a Copilot instructions file:
 1. [] Notice how the responses now incorporate your custom instructions.
 
 **Key Takeaway**: Custom instructions make Copilot's suggestions more aligned with your project standards and architecture preferences.
+
+---
+
+[Back: Part 03 - Referencing Code Files in Chat](./part03-referencing-files.md) ? | [Next: Part 05 - Implementing Features with Copilot Agent](./part05-implementing-features.md) ?
diff --git a/lab/part05-implementing-features.md b/lab/part05-implementing-features.md
@@ -87,3 +87,7 @@ GitHub Copilot will propose the following changes to the application including u
 1. [] Stop debugging and close the application
 
 **Key Takeaway**: Copilot Agent can generate complete feature implementations based on your natural language descriptions, saving significant development time.
+
+---
+
+[Back: Part 04 - Using Custom Instructions](./part04-custom-instructions.md) ? | [Next: Part 06 - Using Copilot Vision](./part06-copilot-vision.md) ?
diff --git a/lab/part06-copilot-vision.md b/lab/part06-copilot-vision.md
@@ -14,3 +14,7 @@ In this section, you'll use Copilot Vision. You can share screenshots of errors
 > Note: continue to iterate with Copilot Agent if it isn't to your liking.
 
 **Key Takeaway**: Copilot Vision can understand UI designs from images and help you implement them in your application.
+
+---
+
+[Back: Part 05 - Implementing Features with Copilot Agent](./part05-implementing-features.md) ? | [Next: Part 07 - Debugging with Copilot](./part07-debugging-with-copilot.md) ?
diff --git a/lab/part07-debugging-with-copilot.md b/lab/part07-debugging-with-copilot.md
@@ -42,3 +42,7 @@ In this subsection, you'll learn how to use Copilot to analyze variables using w
 1. [] Click **Continue in Chat** to have Copilot provide the equivalent LINQ query for the same filter criteria.
 
 **Key Takeaway**: Copilot can enhance debugging by providing detailed insights into variables through watch windows and visualizers. Copilot can simplify complex debugging tasks by generating expressions and LINQ queries based on natural language input.
+
+---
+
+[Back: Part 06 - Using Copilot Vision](./part06-copilot-vision.md) ? | [Next: Part 08 - Commit Summary Descriptions](./part08-commit-summary-descriptions.md) ?
diff --git a/lab/part08-commit-summary-descriptions.md b/lab/part08-commit-summary-descriptions.md
@@ -23,3 +23,7 @@ In this section, you'll learn how to use GitHub Copilot to generate commit messa
 1. [] Review the suggestions provided by Copilot and apply any necessary changes if there are any.
 
 **Key Takeaway**: Copilot's Code Review feature can help you identify potential issues and improve code quality before submission.
+
+---
+
+[Back: Part 07 - Debugging with Copilot](./part07-debugging-with-copilot.md) ? | [Next: Part 09 - MCP Servers](./part09-mcp.md) ?
diff --git a/lab/part09-mcp.md b/lab/part09-mcp.md
@@ -44,3 +44,7 @@ The GitHub MCP server allows Copilot to interact with your GitHub repository. Le
 1. [] Navigate to your GitHub repository to verify that the issues have been created.
 
 **Key Takeaway**: MCP servers extend GitHub Copilot's capabilities by connecting it to external services and documentation. This allows Copilot to provide more accurate, up-to-date information and perform actions like creating GitHub issues directly from the chat interface.
+
+---
+
+[Back: Part 08 - Commit Summary Descriptions](./part08-commit-summary-descriptions.md) ? | [Next: Part 10 - Planning Mode in Agent](./part10-planning-mode.md) ?
diff --git a/lab/part10-planning-mode.md b/lab/part10-planning-mode.md
@@ -73,3 +73,7 @@ Also ensure the product detail page handles cases where the product ID doesn't e
 1. [] Click the "Back to Products" button to return to the listing.
 
 **Key Takeaway**: Planning Mode helps you think through complex features before implementation. By creating a structured plan, you can ensure all necessary changes are considered and review the approach before any code is generated. This leads to better-organized code and fewer iterations.
+
+---
+
+[Back: Part 09 - MCP Servers](./part09-mcp.md) ? | [Next: Part 11 - Reusable Prompt Files](./part11-reusable-prompts.md) ?
diff --git a/lab/part11-reusable-prompts.md b/lab/part11-reusable-prompts.md
@@ -139,3 +139,7 @@ public void ImageUrl_SetValue_ReturnsExpectedValue(string imageUrl)
 1. [] Verify that all tests pass.
 
 **Key Takeaway**: Reusable prompt files help standardize how your team uses GitHub Copilot. By creating prompts for common tasks like unit testing, you ensure consistency and encode best practices that everyone on the team can benefit from.
+
+---
+
+[Back: Part 10 - Planning Mode in Agent](./part10-planning-mode.md) ? | [Next: Part 12 - Delegate to the Cloud](./part12-delegate-to-cloud.md) ?
diff --git a/lab/part12-delegate-to-cloud.md b/lab/part12-delegate-to-cloud.md
@@ -107,3 +107,7 @@ Once the cloud agent completes the task:
 1. [] Switch back to light theme and verify it works both ways.
 
 **Key Takeaway**: Delegating to the Cloud lets you offload complex tasks to GitHub Copilot while you focus on other work. This is especially valuable for time-consuming implementations or when you want to explore ideas without blocking your immediate workflow.
+
+---
+
+[Back: Part 11 - Reusable Prompt Files](./part11-reusable-prompts.md) ? | [Next: Setup](./setup.md) ?
diff --git a/lab/setup.md b/lab/setup.md
@@ -18,12 +18,12 @@ Before we begin, let's install the GitHub Node extension for Visual Studio. This
 > [!TIP]
 > You can also install this extension from the [Visual Studio Marketplace](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=MadsKristensen.GitHubNode). The GitHub Node extension is important because it provides the Node.js runtime required by some MCP servers, which you'll use in Part 9 of this lab.
 
-## Configure GitHub Copilot
+## Configure GitHub Copilot - Skillable Lab
 
 > [!IMPORTANT]
 > For your convenience we have the username and password on the instructions, but you can also see their values in the Resources tab
 
-<!--For this lab you need a [GitHub account](https://docs.github.com/get-started/learning-about-github/types-of-github-accounts), if you don't have one no worries, you can create a personal account for free. Create your account in the [GitHub sign up page](https://github.com/signup).-->
+These instructions are for the controlled Skillable lab environment used during the Build workshop.
 
 1. [] Open **Edge** and go to `https://github.com/Microsoft-Build-2025`
 1. [] Select **Continue** for Single sign-on to **Skillable Events**
@@ -36,18 +36,40 @@ Before we begin, let's install the GitHub Node extension for Visual Studio. This
     ![Copilot icon](./images/0-copilot-icon.png)
 1. [] Click on **Sign in to use Copilot** option
 1. [] A browser will automatically open, you should already be signed in, click **Continue** for the signed in user.
-10. [] Authorize Visual Studio access to user by clicking on the green **Authorize github* button at the bottom of the page.
-1. [] Click **open**  browser asks for the confirmation (**This site is trying to open Microsoft Visual Studio.**)
+1. [] Authorize Visual Studio access to user by clicking on the green **Authorize github** button at the bottom of the page.
+1. [] Click **open** when the browser asks for the confirmation (**This site is trying to open Microsoft Visual Studio.**)
 1. [] After Copilot is setup you should now have a **Walkthrough: GitHub Copilot Chat** open tab in Visual Studio and the GitHub Copilot button should be green.
 
 You can close the Walkthrough, we are now ready to start working on our code with the help of Copilot.
 
+## Configure GitHub Copilot - Personal Account
+
+If you prefer to use your personal GitHub account instead of the Skillable lab account, follow these steps.
+
+1. [] Open your browser and go to `https://github.com`.
+1. [] Sign in with your personal GitHub account or create a new account if you don't have one.
+1. [] Open Visual Studio 2026.
+1. [] Select **Continue without code**, if prompted to sign-in, you can click Close.
+1. [] Click the Copilot icon on the top bar (left side next to the search input box).
+1. [] Click **Sign in to use Copilot**.
+1. [] A browser window will open prompting you to sign in to GitHub and authorize Visual Studio and Copilot. Complete the sign-in and click **Authorize** when prompted.
+1. [] When the browser shows the confirmation, click **open** to return to Visual Studio.
+1. [] After setup you should see the **Walkthrough: GitHub Copilot Chat** tab and the Copilot button should be green.
+
+    Note: Using your personal account is recommended if you want Copilot to access your own repositories, settings, and MCP authorizations. For the hands-on lab exercises that create or modify repository data via cloud agents, forking the lab repo into your own account gives the agents permission to operate on your fork.
+
 ## Clone lab repository
 
-Let's clone the repository you'll use for the lab.
+For the full experience � especially if you plan to delegate tasks to cloud agents or allow Copilot to create issues and push changes � fork the repository to your own GitHub account and clone your fork. This gives the cloud agent permissions to operate on your copy of the repo.
 
-1. [] Click on **File -> Clone Repository** button.
-2. [] Type `https://github.com/dotnet-presentations/build-2025-lab300` and press **Clone**. 
+1. [] In your browser, go to `https://github.com/dotnet-presentations/build-2025-lab300` and click **Fork** to create a fork under your GitHub account.
+1. [] In Visual Studio, click **File -> Clone Repository**.
+1. [] Enter the URL of your fork (for example `https://github.com/<your-username>/build-2025-lab300`) and press **Clone**.
+
+If you prefer not to fork you can still clone the upstream repository directly:
+
+1. [] In Visual Studio, click **File -> Clone Repository**.
+2. [] Enter `https://github.com/dotnet-presentations/build-2025-lab300` and press **Clone**.
 
 The code is now opened in Visual Studio, feel free to take a look at it or skip to the next section to start the app.
 
@@ -66,3 +88,7 @@ The code is now opened in Visual Studio, feel free to take a look at it or skip
 ## Summary and next steps
 
 You've now cloned the repository you'll use for this for the rest of the workshop.
+
+---
+
+[Back: Part 12 - Delegate to the Cloud](./part12-delegate-to-cloud.md)
diff --git a/src/TinyShop.sln b/src/TinyShop.sln
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 ﻿
 Microsoft Visual Studio Solution File, Format Version 12.00
-# Visual Studio Version 17
-VisualStudioVersion = 17.8.34004.107
+# Visual Studio Version 18
+VisualStudioVersion = 18.3.11312.210 d18.3
 MinimumVisualStudioVersion = 10.0.40219.1
 Project("{9A19103F-16F7-4668-BE54-9A1E7A4F7556}") = "DataEntities", "DataEntities\DataEntities.csproj", "{E42C986A-98CA-4FBC-9F9F-88F8C7CB1603}"
 EndProject
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ Project("{2150E333-8FDC-42A3-9474-1A3956D46DE8}") = "Solution Items", "Solution
 		..\lab\part11-reusable-prompts.md = ..\lab\part11-reusable-prompts.md
 		..\lab\part12-delegate-to-cloud.md = ..\lab\part12-delegate-to-cloud.md
 		..\README.md = ..\README.md
+		..\lab\setup.md = ..\lab\setup.md
 	EndProjectSection
 EndProject
 Project("{FAE04EC0-301F-11D3-BF4B-00C04F79EFBC}") = "TinyShop.AppHost", "TinyShop.AppHost\TinyShop.AppHost.csproj", "{FF27FDEA-661D-4B0A-81D5-044749BF5BE4}"
