Extend Microsoft 365 Copilot with declarative agents by using Visual Studio Code Training

Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces powerful AI capabilities that enhance productivity across modern workplaces. However, many organizations require customized solutions that go beyond the default Copilot capabilities.

The Extend Microsoft 365 Copilot with Declarative Agents using Visual Studio Code course teaches developers how to expand Copilot’s functionality by building intelligent agents that integrate external data sources and services.

During the course participants will:

• build declarative agents using Visual Studio Code and Teams Toolkit

• integrate external APIs through API plugins

• improve user experience using Adaptive Cards

• configure secure authentication mechanisms for APIs

These skills enable organizations to create customized Copilot experiences tailored to specific business scenarios.

Participants should have knowledge in the following areas:

• basic proficiency in JavaScript or TypeScript

• familiarity with Visual Studio Code

• understanding of RESTful APIs

• knowledge of API authentication methods

• access to an active Microsoft 365 tenant with appropriate permissions

This course is suitable for professionals such as:

• developers building Microsoft 365 Copilot solutions

• technical specialists extending Microsoft 365 applications

• IT professionals integrating external data sources into Copilot

• technology teams implementing AI-driven productivity solutions

By the end of the course participants will be able to:

• design declarative agents for specific business scenarios

• integrate external APIs using API plugins

• build interactive user interfaces using Adaptive Cards

• implement secure API authentication using API keys and OAuth2

• integrate external data sources using Microsoft Graph connectors

1. Introduction to Declarative Agents

Participants explore the concept of declarative agents and how they extend Microsoft 365 Copilot functionality.

Topics include:

• declarative agent architecture

• Copilot extensibility

• custom knowledge and action scenarios

2. Building Your First Declarative Agent

Participants learn how to define and create a declarative agent using Visual Studio Code.

Topics include:

• defining agent capabilities

• integrating custom knowledge

• customizing Copilot responses

3. Working with API Plugins

This module introduces API plugins and their role in extending agent functionality.

Topics include:

• API plugin architecture

• integration scenarios

• external data access

4. Building Actions with API Plugins

Participants develop actions that allow declarative agents to interact with external systems.

Topics include:

• connecting APIs

• processing real-time data

• scenario-based responses

5. Displaying Data with Adaptive Cards

This section focuses on improving user experience through visual presentation of data.

Topics include:

• Adaptive Card templates

• rendering API data visually

• enhancing user interaction

6. Securing API Access

Participants learn how to implement secure API authentication.

Topics include:

• API key authentication

• OAuth2 authentication

• secure data access

7. Integrating External Data with Microsoft Graph Connectors

This module explains how external data can be incorporated into Copilot responses.

Topics include:

• Microsoft Graph connectors

• accessing external information sources

• enriching Copilot knowledge and responses