@@ -4,4 +4,6 @@ This repository contains the online guide. The runnable exercise is at https://g
 
 Read README.md and the relevant lesson before editing. Keep the two language paths, relative links, lab theme, and Part 1 navigation intact. Use synthetic examples and copyable fenced prompts. Check provider claims against their official sources and preserve source review dates.
 
+Keep VS Code with GitHub Copilot's Local Ask → Plan → Agent workflow as the default, including Explorer and visual Source Control review and local commits. Complete terminal workflows belong in the CLI appendix; optional clients retain their own controls. Apply `docs/reference/agent-control.md` when explaining approvals, sandboxing, independent coding, and readable repairs. Do not imply that repository instructions grant permissions or that shell checks establish tested UI steps. Prefer focused changes with a concrete need for any additional dependencies or abstractions.
+
 Validate changes with `bundle exec jekyll build --strict_front_matter` and `python3 scripts/py/check_site.py _site`. Keep rendered output, dependencies, caches, and personal settings out of commits.
@@ -1,25 +1,25 @@
 # Practical GenAI Agentic Coding Guide
 
-**[Read the online guide](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/).** Choose [Python](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/docs/paths/python/) or [R](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/docs/paths/r/), then repair a plot with a coding agent in six lessons.
+**[Read the online guide](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/).** Repair a Python or R plot in **VS Code + GitHub Copilot**. Use Chat to understand, plan, and run code; inspect plots in Explorer and color-coded diffs in Source Control.
 
 This is Part 2 of the [Practical GenAI series](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-coding-guide/), from [Lars G. Fritsche](https://medschool.umich.edu/profile/4980/lars-fritsche) and the [Fritsche Lab](https://fritschelab.org/) at the University of Michigan.
 
+**Practising what we teach:** this guide and exercise were developed with substantial AI assistance in writing, coding, testing, and review. They are provided **as is, without warranty**, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Review the code, agent instructions, permissions, and results before use. Read the [AI-assistance disclosure, use guidance, and warranty notice](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/docs/reference/agent-control.html#about-ai-assistance-in-this-guide).
+
 ## Get the exercise
 
-Download the **[example repository](https://github.com/FritscheLab/practical-genai-agentic-coding-example)** for code, invented totals, tests, and offline lessons. Follow the website alongside it.
+Follow the **[VS Code + Copilot setup](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/docs/setup/vscode-copilot.html)** to install the tools, sign in, and clone the **[example repository](https://github.com/FritscheLab/practical-genai-agentic-coding-example)** through Source Control. The download includes code, invented totals, tests, and offline lessons.
 
-```bash
-git clone https://github.com/FritscheLab/practical-genai-agentic-coding-example.git
-cd practical-genai-agentic-coding-example
-```
+Choose [Python](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/docs/paths/python/) or [R](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/docs/paths/r/), then follow six lessons through a reviewed local commit and handoff. Bring basic Python/R knowledge; the guide explains Git and requires no typed shell commands on the main path. Plotting itself needs no model API or credentials; Copilot requires account access.
 
-Start with its README and language setup. Bring basic Python/R and terminal skills; the lessons explain Git. Plotting needs no model API or credentials. Use an institution-approved coding assistant for the agent exercise.
+Prefer another interface? Use the [Claude Code extension alternative](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/docs/platforms/claude-code.html#use-the-vs-code-extension) or the complete [CLI appendix](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/docs/appendix/command-line.html).
 
 Include accessibility in every figure: contrast, readable labels, and reviewed alternative text.
 
 ## Explore the guide
 
-- [Agent setup](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/docs/platforms/): configure your coding client and check its access.
+- [Permissions and independent work](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/docs/reference/agent-control.html): approval fatigue, sandbox limits, maintainable code, and avoiding overreliance.
+- [Agent setup and alternatives](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/docs/platforms/): understand Copilot's controls or adapt the exercise to another client.
 - [Optional R refactoring example](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/docs/platforms/r-refactoring.html): reuse a lab formatting skill or named Codex agent, then verify that results stay the same.
 - [Repository practices](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/docs/practices/): context, testing, logs, and handoffs.
 - [Teaching materials](https://fritschelab.org/practical-genai-agentic-coding-guide/docs/lab_meeting/): a 45-minute workshop and slides.
 
@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
 <div class="guide-path-grid" aria-label="Choose a language path">
   <section class="guide-path-card" aria-labelledby="python-path-heading">
     <h2 id="python-path-heading">Python</h2>
-    <p>Use Python and Matplotlib. Repair a grouped plot, then check its image and tests.</p>
+    <p>Use VS Code + Copilot with Python and Matplotlib. Repair the plot, check its image, and review the diff.</p>
     <p class="guide-path-runtime">Python 3.10–3.12</p>
     <a class="btn btn-primary" href="{{ '/docs/paths/python/' | relative_url }}">Start the Python path <span aria-hidden="true">→</span></a>
   </section>
   <section class="guide-path-card" aria-labelledby="r-path-heading">
     <h2 id="r-path-heading">R</h2>
-    <p>Use base R and native R checks. Repair a grouped plot, then check its image and tests.</p>
+    <p>Use VS Code + Copilot with base R. Repair the plot, check its image, and review the diff.</p>
     <p class="guide-path-runtime">R 4.1 or later</p>
     <a class="btn btn-primary" href="{{ '/docs/paths/r/' | relative_url }}">Start the R path <span aria-hidden="true">→</span></a>
   </section>