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GitHub Copilot is an exciting new tool that uses artificial intelligence to suggest code as you type. It acts as an AI pair programmer, analyzing the context and making recommendations to increase your productivity. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to start using GitHub Copilot effectively.
See more: GitHub Copilot pricing and plans
What is GitHub Copilot?
GitHub Copilot is an extension available in several popular code editors. It uses a technique called neural code completion to generate suggestions as you write code. Specifically, it is trained on billions of lines of public code to learn common patterns and APIs.
The tool is designed to save you time and reduce repetitive coding tasks. For example, if you start typing code to read a file in Python, GitHub Copilot can suggest relevant sections, such as opening the file, loading content into a variable, and closing the file handle.
Key features and benefits include:
- AI-powered autocomplete for faster coding
- Works with multiple programming languages
- Available as an extension for Visual Studio Code, Vim, Neovim and more
- Contextual suggestions based on code you’ve already written
- Helps reduce bugs by suggesting reliable code snippets
GitHub launched Copilot in Technical Preview, meaning the tool is still being tested and improved as it rolls out. Overall, it aims to increase developer productivity and happiness!
How to use GitHub Copilot
Install the GitHub Copilot extension
Before using GitHub Copilot, you must first install the extension in the code editor of your choice. Here are instructions for the most common options:
Visual Studio code
To install GitHub Copilot in VS Code:
- Open the Extensions view
- Search for ‘GitHub Copilot’
- Click Install
- Reload VS Code to activate the extension
Once installed, you will see a small Copilot icon in the status bar at the bottom.
Vim and Neovim
For Vim and Neovim editors, use the plugin manager of your choice to manage the GitHub copilot plug in.
For example, with Vim Plug this would be:
Plug 'github/copilot.vim'The plugin adds a :Copilot command to bring up suggestions as you code.
Other editors
Support for more code editors such as Visual Studio, IntelliJ and Jupyter Notebooks is planned for future releases.
Log in for access
Because GitHub Copilot is currently in limited technical preview, you will need to join a waitlist to gain access. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Register waiting list: Provide your email address and optionally link your GitHub account on the login page.
- Invite to join: GitHub continuously sends invitation emails as space becomes available. Click the link to continue setting up access.
- Enable Copilot and Pay: Choose between monthly and annual billing plans. GitHub is currently offering discounted pricing as a special introductory rate.
- Configure preferences: Check and adjust settings such as privacy, unsupported languages, etc.
Once installed, Copilot is enabled for use within your coding environments. The number of suggestions you have access to per week depends on whether you choose the free or paid plan.
Using GitHub Copilot
When you start typing code, GitHub Copilot springs into action. It scans what you’ve written so far and determines code suggestions based on statistical patterns.
There are a few ways to activate code suggestions:
- Continuous code: When you start writing a block of code, Copilot can fill in meaningful continuations of what you’ve typed.
- Comment descriptions: Describe in natural language via comments what you want to implement, and Copilot will suggest possible code.
- Keyboard shortcuts: Some editors have keyboard shortcuts such as Ctrl+. or :Copilot to explicitly request completions.
As GitHub Copilot makes suggestions, you’ll see a recommended completion highlighted in your editor. If helpful, press Enter to accept the suggestion.
Try out a few different calling techniques, such as continuous code versus commented descriptions, to get an idea of what works best. The more context you provide, the smarter the suggestions.
Also read: GitHub Copilot general availability
Tips for better suggestions
Here are some tips to get the most out of your AI pair programmer:
- Write clear comments explaining your intentions before asking Copilot to intervene.
- Use good coding practices, such as breaking code into reusable functions. Copilot learns from public code.
- Pre-specify variable names/types for additional context.
- Practice coding patients instead of rushing. Wait a second or two for Copilot to scan the context and generate ideas.
- Integrate feedback by accepting helpful suggestions with Enter or rejecting with Esc.
The more you use GitHub Copilot, the more it adapts to your style. Over time, you’ll develop an intuitive partnership that hybridizes AI capabilities with human judgment.
Customize your installation
Dive into Settings to customize GitHub Copilot to the way you want to code:
Privacy settings
Copilot collects context from your code files to make smart suggestions, but doesn’t send code externally without your permission. You can check the recorded activity via Privacy Settings:
- Files used by Copilot for training
- Anonymized usage statistics
- Bugs to help improve the product
Enable viewing of this activity using the “Usage & Feedback” option.
Unsupported languages
By default, Copilot suggests additions for each language. Disable specific languages if you find suggestions confusing or helpful in that language:
- Under Advanced options, click ‘Unsupported languages’
- Switch between languages you want to exclude from the list of options
Keyboard shortcuts
Assign a handy keyboard shortcut, such as Ctrl+. to explicitly invoke Copilot suggestions without typing anything:
- Find keyboard shortcuts
- Go to ‘GitHub Copilot: Trigger Completions’
- Click the pencil icon to assign a shortcut
Customize it to your preferences so that Copilot fits integrally into your normal coding process.
Responsible coding with Copilot
Because GitHub Copilot suggestions come from absorbing public code, in some cases it may reference outdated syntax or incompatible patterns. You should carefully review each suggestion before accepting it:
- Check for outdated libraries/APIs: Does the code refer to older versions of packages?
- Be aware of unsafe practices: Ensure that references, SQL statements, etc. are handled securely.
- View license details: Fragments can incorrectly reuse licensed code.
Think of Copilot as an intelligent code search engine that recommends ideas to inspire your work. You will take responsibility for ensuring suggestions are properly integrated, meet quality standards and maintain best practices.
The future of AI coding tools
GitHub Copilot represents an exciting new paradigm using AI to improve software development. Here’s a taste of what the future may bring as this technology continues to develop:
- Support for more languages: Going beyond the most common languages will increase Copilot’s benefits for niche communities.
- Integration with IDEs: Closer coupling with dedicated IDEs could even enable smarter completions.
- Code generation: Go beyond autocomplete to also generate entire classes, services, tests, etc. defined via comments.
- Improve accessibility: Reducing repetitive coding can help expand who can successfully build software.
- New collaboration models: Brainstorm requirements in natural language and then implement these ideas automatically.
The launch of GitHub Copilot heralds the next era in which AI transforms the way we code. Although still in its infancy, the implications are far-reaching in terms of boosting developer productivity and software innovation!
Start building with your AI partner
Ready to start coding faster using this groundbreaking AI pair programmer? GitHub Copilot takes collaborative development to the next level. Sign up today and let the suggestions flow!
The extension is available for many popular coding environments such as Visual Studio Code, Vim and more. After installation, use suggestions for faster coding or try describing what you want to build using natural language comments.
As a responsible developer, be sure to review each suggestion carefully before accepting it to ensure quality and security standards are adhered to. Think of Copilot as an intelligent code search engine that ultimately saves you time.
GitHub Copilot lowers the barriers to software creation and turns ideas into reality faster than ever. With the power of AI, the future of coding looks brighter than ever! Now is the perfect time to get on board with this revolutionary new tool.
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