How To Use GitHub Copilot? An AI-Powered Coding Assistant

Listen to this article

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered coding assistant that suggests code completions, explains concepts, generates code, and assists with debugging, primarily integrated into IDEs like Visual Studio Code (VS Code). It offers a free tier with limits, while paid plans like Pro ($10/month) provide unlimited access and advanced features; eligibility for free Pro includes students and open source maintainers.

GitHub Copilot has emerged as a transformative tool in software development, acting as an AI-powered assistant that integrates seamlessly into popular integrated development environments (IDEs) to enhance coding efficiency. Launched in 2021 by GitHub in collaboration with OpenAI, it leverages generative AI models trained on vast repositories of public code to provide real time suggestions, explanations, and automations. While it excels in boosting productivity (studies indicate up to 55% faster coding and improved job satisfaction) it requires users to review outputs for quality, security, and relevance, as suggestions are probabilistic and context dependent.

GitHub Copilot’s Core Features

Copilot extends beyond basic autocompletion, offering a suite of capabilities tailored to different stages of development. It supports code completions in all programming languages represented in public repositories, with stronger performance in popular ones like JavaScript, Python, and Java. Key features include:

• Code Completions: Suggests lines or blocks of code as you type, based on context from your cursor position, open files, and workspace.
• Chat Assistance: An interactive panel for asking questions, generating code, or explaining snippets, available in IDEs like VS Code and JetBrains.
• Agent Mode: Autonomous agents that handle tasks like fixing issues or creating pull requests, using models from providers like Anthropic or Google.
• Terminal Integration: Natural language commands in tools like GitHub CLI for workflow automation.
• Custom Agents and Models: Select from various large language models (LLMs) for tasks prioritizing speed, accuracy, or cost.
• Copilot Spaces: Shared knowledge bases from repositories and docs for team consistent suggestions.
• Autofix and Code Review: Security vulnerability fixes and AI-driven pull request reviews.
• Mobile Support: Chat and search on GitHub Mobile apps.

For a quick overview, here’s a table comparing feature availability across plans:

Compatibility spans IDEs like VS Code, Visual Studio, Vim/Neovim, JetBrains, and Azure Data Studio, with platforms including GitHub.com, mobile apps, and terminals. For beginners, starting with VS Code is recommended due to its popularity and extensive Copilot integration.

Step 1: Installation and Setup

Setting up Copilot is accessible even for absolute beginners. Follow these steps primarily for VS Code, the most common entry point, but notes for other IDEs are included.

Create a GitHub Account and Sign Up for Copilot:

• Visit https://github.com/signup if you don’t have an account.
• Go to https://github.com/settings/copilot or the features page to enable Copilot.
• Choose a plan: Free for basics, Pro for unlimited use (free for verified students/teachers/open source maintainers via application).
• Authenticate and opt-in; a 30 day trial is often available for paid tiers.

Install VS Code:

• Download from https://code.visualstudio.com/download and install on your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux).

Install Copilot Extensions:

• Open VS Code.
• Go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X or Cmd+Shift+X on macOS).
• Search for “GitHub Copilot” and install the official extension by GitHub.
• Also install “GitHub Copilot Chat” for chat features.
• Sign in to GitHub when prompted; authorize the extension.

Verify Setup:

• Hover over the Copilot icon in the status bar; it should show as active.
• If issues arise, check settings via Ctrl+, (or Cmd+,) and search for “Copilot” to enable features.

For other IDEs:

• JetBrains: Install from the marketplace and authenticate.
• Vim/Neovim: Use plugin managers like Vim-Plug; configure in init.vim.
• Visual Studio: Install via Extensions and Updates menu.

Step 2: Inline Suggestions and Simple Projects

Once set up, dive in with these steps:

Experience Inline Suggestions:

• Create a new file (e.g., index.js).
• Start typing, like “function add(a, b) {“.
• Gray “ghost text” appears; press Tab to accept or Enter for partial.
• Cycle alternatives with Alt+] / Alt+[ (Option+] / Option+[ on macOS).

Build a Simple Project:

• Create a folder and open in VS Code.
• Make index.html and type “<!DOC”; accept suggestions for boilerplate.
• Add comments like “// Create a function to fetch data” to guide generations.

Use on GitHub.com:

• In a repository, open a file.
• Click the Copilot icon; ask questions like “How does this code work?”

Step 3: Chat and Agent Features

For interactive help:

Open Chat:

• Press Ctrl+Cmd+I (macOS) or Ctrl+Alt+I (Windows/Linux), or click the chat icon.
• Type prompts like “Explain this code” or “Generate a factorial function”.

Agent Mode:

• Select “Agent” in the chat picker.
• Prompt: “Build a task manager app with add/delete features.”
• Review generated files; accept with “Keep”.

Inline Chat:

• Highlight code; press Cmd+I (macOS) or Ctrl+I.
• Ask “/fix this bug” for targeted edits.

Use cases include code generation (e.g., translating text), debugging (fixing errors in matrices), and documentation (auto adding comments).

Step 4: Customization and Optimization

Personalize with instructions files:

Create Custom Instructions:

• Run “Chat: New Instructions File” in Command Palette.
• Add Markdown like “# Use camelCase; Prefer ES6”.
• Save in .github/instructions.md.

Custom Agents:

• Run “Chat: New Custom Agent”.
• Define in .md file, e.g., for code reviews.

Choose models via the picker: Fast ones like GPT-4o for coding, reasoning ones like o1 for planning.

Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices for Beginners

To maximize value:

• Provide Context: Open relevant files; use descriptive comments and names.
• Prompt Engineering: Start broad, then specify; give examples.
• Review Outputs: Always check for bugs/security; enable duplication filters.
• Slash Commands: Use /explain, /fix, /tests for quick tasks.
• Iterate: Refine with follow-ups; clear irrelevant chat history.
• Keyboard Shortcuts Table (VS Code focused):

• Common Pitfalls: Avoid vague prompts; don’t rely solely on Copilot for critical code, combine with tests and reviews.
• Security Note: Suggestions may include insecure patterns; use tools like Dependabot alongside.

Beginners should start with simple tasks, like data imports or basic functions, and gradually tackle complex projects like apps. Explore free resources, such as Microsoft Learn modules, for hands-on practice. As you gain experience, Copilot becomes a collaborative partner, accelerating learning and innovation while emphasizing the importance of developer judgment.

Troubleshooting and Next Steps

If suggestions don’t appear, check internet connection, extension status, or disable conflicting plugins. For limits on free plans, monitor usage via settings. Next, experiment with terminal integration or mobile apps for on the go assistance. Join communities like Reddit or GitHub forums for shared experiences. Remember, Copilot evolves, check the blog for updates on new models or features.