
Microsoft Code Reference
OfficialFreeQuickly access Microsoft API documentation and code samples.
Free · Opens the source repo
What Microsoft Code Reference does
The Microsoft Code Reference skill is designed for developers working with Microsoft APIs, Azure SDKs, and .NET libraries. It provides a streamlined way to look up API methods, verify SDK code correctness, and find working code samples. By querying official documentation, this skill helps ensure that developers are using the right method signatures and avoiding deprecated patterns. It is particularly useful for those who need to troubleshoot errors or confirm the existence of methods and classes before implementing them in their code.
With tools like microsoft_docs_search, microsoft_code_sample_search, and microsoft_docs_fetch, users can efficiently gather the information they need. For instance, if a developer is unsure about how to upload a file to Azure Blob Storage, they can use the skill to find a relevant code sample in their preferred programming language. The skill also assists in error troubleshooting by allowing users to search for specific error messages and receive guidance on resolving them.
This skill is ideal for both novice and experienced developers who frequently interact with Microsoft technologies. It can be used before writing code to find a working pattern, after encountering errors to compare implementations with known-good samples, or whenever there is uncertainty about initialization and setup. By providing direct access to official documentation and code samples, it helps reduce the time spent searching for information and increases coding efficiency.
In summary, the Microsoft Code Reference skill is a valuable tool for anyone developing applications using Microsoft services, enabling them to write accurate and efficient code with confidence.
When to use it
Use this skill when you need to look up Microsoft API methods, find working code examples, or troubleshoot errors in your code.
When not to use it
This skill may not be suitable for non-Microsoft technologies or for users who do not require detailed API documentation.
What you can build with it
Finding Code Samples for Azure Blob Storage
Use the skill to search for code samples on how to upload files to Azure Blob Storage in C# or Python.
Verifying SDK Method Signatures
Before implementing a method, confirm its existence and correct usage by querying the API documentation.
Troubleshooting Authentication Errors
When encountering authentication issues, search for troubleshooting steps related to the DefaultAzureCredential.
How to install Microsoft Code Reference
View source1. Install with the skills CLI
npx skills add github/awesome-copilot/microsoft-code-reference --agent claude-code2. Or install it manually
Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.
Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs
Inside SKILL.md
Written by githubMicrosoft Code Reference
Tools
| Need | Tool | Example |
|---|---|---|
| API method/class lookup | microsoft_docs_search | "BlobClient UploadAsync Azure.Storage.Blobs" |
| Working code sample | microsoft_code_sample_search | query: "upload blob managed identity", language: "python" |
| Full API reference | microsoft_docs_fetch | Fetch URL from microsoft_docs_search (for overloads, full signatures) |
Finding Code Samples
Use microsoft_code_sample_search to get official, working examples:
microsoft_code_sample_search(query: "upload file to blob storage", language: "csharp")
microsoft_code_sample_search(query: "authenticate with managed identity", language: "python")
microsoft_code_sample_search(query: "send message service bus", language: "javascript")
When to use:
- Before writing code—find a working pattern to follow
- After errors—compare your code against a known-good sample
- Unsure of initialization/setup—samples show complete context
API Lookups
# Verify method exists (include namespace for precision)
"BlobClient UploadAsync Azure.Storage.Blobs"
"GraphServiceClient Users Microsoft.Graph"
# Find class/interface
"DefaultAzureCredential class Azure.Identity"
# Find correct package
"Azure Blob Storage NuGet package"
"azure-storage-blob pip package"
Fetch full page when method has multiple overloads or you need complete parameter details.
Error Troubleshooting
Use microsoft_code_sample_search to find working code samples and compare with your implementation. For specific errors, use microsoft_docs_search and microsoft_docs_fetch:
| Error Type | Query |
|---|---|
| Method not found | "[ClassName] methods [Namespace]" |
| Type not found | "[TypeName] NuGet package namespace" |
| Wrong signature | "[ClassName] [MethodName] overloads" → fetch full page |
| Deprecated warning | "[OldType] migration v12" |
| Auth failure | "DefaultAzureCredential troubleshooting" |
| 403 Forbidden | "[ServiceName] RBAC permissions" |
When to Verify
Always verify when:
- Method name seems "too convenient" (
UploadFilevs actualUpload) - Mixing SDK versions (v11
CloudBlobClientvs v12BlobServiceClient) - Package name doesn't follow conventions (
Azure.*for .NET,azure-*for Python) - Using an API for the first time
Validation Workflow
Before generating code using Microsoft SDKs, verify it's correct:
- Confirm method or package exists —
microsoft_docs_search(query: "[ClassName] [MethodName] [Namespace]") - Fetch full details (for overloads/complex params) —
microsoft_docs_fetch(url: "...") - Find working sample —
microsoft_code_sample_search(query: "[task]", language: "[lang]")
For simple lookups, step 1 alone may suffice. For complex API usage, complete all three steps.
CLI Alternative
If the Learn MCP server is not available, use the mslearn CLI from a terminal or shell (for example, Bash, PowerShell, or cmd) instead:
# Run directly (no install needed)
npx @microsoft/learn-cli search "BlobClient UploadAsync Azure.Storage.Blobs"
# Or install globally, then run
npm install -g @microsoft/learn-cli
mslearn search "BlobClient UploadAsync Azure.Storage.Blobs"
| MCP Tool | CLI Command |
|---|---|
microsoft_docs_search(query: "...") | mslearn search "..." |
microsoft_code_sample_search(query: "...", language: "...") | mslearn code-search "..." --language ... |
microsoft_docs_fetch(url: "...") | mslearn fetch "..." |
Pass --json to search or code-search to get raw JSON output for further processing.
Frequently asked questions about Microsoft Code Reference
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