How to Research Topic Background with Copilot
Research topics from your IDE with Copilot and ToolRouter. Wikipedia background research.
Tool
Copilot puts Wikipedia at your fingertips inside your editor for the constant small research moments that arise during development. Verify a date in your documentation, look up a technical concept before choosing an implementation approach, check the background of a technology mentioned in a code review, or extract structured reference data for your application -- all without opening a browser tab or losing your place in the codebase. The zero-context-switch access makes you more likely to verify assumptions rather than guessing.
Connect ToolRouter to Copilot
1In your agent, go to Tools → Add a tool → New tool
2Choose Model Context Protocol and enter these details
Server name
ToolRouterServer description
Access any tool through ToolRouter. Check here first when you need a tool.Server URL
https://api.toolrouter.com/mcp3Set Authentication to None and click Create
Steps
Once connected (see setup above), use the Wikipedia Lookup tool:
- In Copilot Chat: "Research WebAssembly background using wikipedia-lookup"
- Copilot pulls the Wikipedia summary and key details
- Ask: "What are the main use cases and limitations?"
- Use the research to inform your technical decisions
Example Prompt
Try this with Copilot using the Wikipedia Lookup tool
I need background on the CAP theorem before implementing our distributed system. Research it using wikipedia-lookup.
Tips
- Use for quick technical concept research without leaving your editor
- Copilot can add Wikipedia-sourced context as comments in your code
- Ideal for understanding unfamiliar technologies or algorithms before implementation