[ad_1]
GitHub Copilot is a revolutionary tool that has changed the way developers write code. Developed by GitHub in partnership with OpenAI, this AI-powered coding assistant helps developers by providing code suggestions, improving productivity and reducing coding errors. In this article, we will show you how to use GitHub Copilot effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, these steps will help you unleash the full potential of this remarkable tool.
See more: Is GitHub Copilot better than ChatGPT: GitHub Copilot vs. ChatGPT
Step 1: Install the GitHub Copilot extension
To start your journey with GitHub Copilot, you will need to install the GitHub Copilot extension. Follow these simple steps:
- Open Visual Studio: Launch Visual Studio, the primary IDE supported by GitHub Copilot.
- Access to extensions: Click on the “Extensions” menu at the top of your Visual Studio interface.
- Manage extensions: Select ‘Manage extensions’ from the drop-down list.
- Visual Studio Marketplace: In the “Manage Extensions” window, navigate to the “Visual Studio Marketplace” tab.
- Search for GitHub Copilot: In the search bar, type “GitHub Copilot” and press Enter.
- To download: Find the GitHub Copilot extension in the search results and click the “Download” button next to it.
- Exit and restart Visual Studio: After the download is complete, close the “Manage Extensions” window. To ensure the extension is installed correctly, quit Visual Studio and then restart it.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed the GitHub Copilot extension and you are now ready to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Sign up for GitHub Copilot
Before you can dive into the world of GitHub Copilot, you’ll need to create a GitHub Copilot account. Follow these steps:
- Profile settings: In Visual Studio, click your profile photo in the upper right corner of the interface.
- Access GitHub Copilot settings: Click on ‘Settings’ from the drop-down menu.
- Enable GitHub Copilot: In the ‘Code, Scheduling & Automation’ section of the sidebar, find and click ‘GitHub Copilot’.
- Choose Subscription: On the GitHub Copilot settings page, you will be prompted to enable GitHub Copilot. Choose whether you want to pay monthly or annually depending on your preferences.
- Full payment details: Follow the steps to confirm your payment details. This usually involves entering your payment information and billing information.
- Confirm payment: After entering your payment details, click ‘Submit’.
- Select Preferences: After submitting your payment, you can select your preferences for GitHub Copilot. These preferences can be tailored to your specific needs.
- Save and get started: Finally, click ‘Save & Get Started’.
You are now officially signed up for GitHub Copilot and have access to its powerful features.
Also read: Troubleshooting ChatGPT Plus Not Working: Causes and Solutions
Step 3: Use GitHub Copilot
Now that the GitHub Copilot extension is installed and your account is set up, you’re ready to start using this powerful tool. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Accept suggestions: As you write code in Visual Studio, GitHub Copilot makes suggestions as you type. These suggestions appear above your code. To accept a suggestion, simply click ‘Accept Solution’.
- Reject suggestions: If you come across a suggestion that you want to dismiss, click the “X” icon next to the suggestion.
- Duplication detection: GitHub Copilot comes with a duplication detection feature. When enabled, it can limit the number of suggestions you receive or even not provide any suggestions if duplications are detected in your code. In such cases, you can start typing your code, and GitHub Copilot will still make suggestions based on your input.
It’s important to remember that GitHub Copilot is a tool, not an entity responsible for your code. GitHub does not own the suggestions it provides; you remain the sole owner of the code you write with the help of GitHub Copilot.
However, it is critical to perform due diligence. Before pushing the code to production, thoroughly test, review, and examine the code. As with any code you write independently, it is your responsibility to ensure the quality and accuracy of your work.
GitHub Copilot tips and best practices
Now that you’ve learned how to install, set up, and use GitHub Copilot, let’s look at some tips and best practices to maximize your experience:
1. Familiarize yourself with GitHub Copilot documentation
Before you dive into coding, take a moment to read the official GitHub Copilot documentation. Understanding its features and capabilities will help you use it more effectively.
2. Train GitHub copilot
GitHub Copilot learns from your code as you use it. The more you code, the smarter it becomes. Be patient and let it adapt to your coding style.
3. Use descriptive comments
Add descriptive comments to your code to get more accurate suggestions. GitHub Copilot can better understand your intentions and deliver more relevant code snippets.
4. Collaborate with GitHub Copilot
Consider GitHub Copilot as a coding partner. Participate in a collaborative coding experience and you will find it more beneficial.
5. Learn from suggestions
Even if you don’t accept every suggestion, take the time to review them. GitHub Copilot’s suggestions can be educational and help you improve your coding skills.
6. Take safety and quality into account
While GitHub Copilot is a fantastic tool, you need to make sure that the code it proposes meets security and quality standards. Don’t compromise on best practices and code quality.
7. Explore GitHub Copilot’s supported languages
GitHub Copilot supports multiple programming languages. Make sure you explore and experiment with different languages to broaden your coding skills.
8. Seek community support
Join online communities and forums where developers share their experiences and tips for using GitHub Copilot. Working with others can enhance your skills.
GitHub Copilot supported languages
GitHub Copilot supports a wide range of programming languages. Here is a table of some of the major languages that GitHub Copilot currently supports:
| Language | Description |
| JavaScript | A versatile scripting language. |
| Python | Known for its simplicity and readability. |
| C++ | A powerful, object-oriented language. |
| Java | Popular for building robust applications. |
| Ruby | A dynamic, object-oriented language. |
| C# | A language for developing Windows apps. |
| PHP | Used for web development. |
| Fast | Ideal for developing iOS applications. |
| To go | Known for its efficiency and concurrency support. |
| Typescript | A typed superset of JavaScript. |
Conclusion
GitHub Copilot is a groundbreaking developer tool that delivers significant increases in productivity and code quality. By following the steps in this guide, you can quickly get started with GitHub Copilot and take full advantage of its capabilities.
Remember that GitHub Copilot is a valuable assistant, but it is essential to stay accountable for the code you produce. Use the best practices and tips in this article to ensure that your code is not only efficient, but also secure and of high quality. GitHub Copilot is here to make your coding journey more fun and efficient, so embrace it as a partner in your coding adventures.
🌟 Do you have burning questions about “How to use GitHub Copilot”? Do you need some extra help with AI tools or something else?
💡 Feel free to email Pradip Maheshwari, our expert at OpenAIMaster. Send your questions to support@openaimaster.com and Pradip Maheshwari will be happy to help you!