5 Lessons Learned From Using GitHub Copilot for 6 Months

As a solo founder, diving into the world of AI coding tools can feel daunting. I decided to give GitHub Copilot a try for six months, and boy, did I learn a lot. Initially, I thought it would be a magic bullet for speeding up my development process. However, as I navigated the complexities, I found that it’s not just about writing code faster—it's about writing better code. Here are the five key lessons I've learned from using GitHub Copilot.

1. It's a Great Assistant, Not a Replacement

What it does: GitHub Copilot suggests code snippets based on context and comments you write. It’s designed to assist developers, not replace them.

Pricing: $10/month for individuals, $19/month for teams.

Best for: Developers who need quick coding suggestions and want to speed up repetitive tasks.

Limitations: It can generate incorrect or insecure code if you're not careful.

Our take: We found that Copilot is a fantastic tool for speeding up boilerplate code but it doesn't replace the need for understanding what you're writing. You'll still need to review and test everything it suggests.

2. Context Matters—Provide Clear Comments

What it does: Copilot uses context from your code and comments to generate suggestions.

Pricing: Same as above.

Best for: Developers who can articulate their thoughts in comments—this helps Copilot help you.

Limitations: Vague comments lead to vague suggestions.

Our take: I learned that the more specific and detailed my comments were, the better Copilot's suggestions became. For example, instead of saying "function to calculate," I’d say "function to calculate the average of an array of numbers." This dramatically improved the quality of the output.

3. Be Prepared for Inaccuracies

What it does: It predicts code based on patterns from the training data but isn't infallible.

Pricing: Same as above.

Best for: Those comfortable with debugging and code review.

Limitations: You must be diligent about reviewing suggestions for accuracy and security.

Our take: There were times when Copilot suggested entire blocks of code that were not only incorrect but also insecure. I had to adopt a habit of double-checking everything, which sometimes negated the time-saving aspect.

4. It Can Boost Learning but Also Create Dependency

What it does: Provides learning opportunities by suggesting different coding patterns and libraries.

Pricing: Same as above.

Best for: Junior developers or those looking to learn new frameworks.

Limitations: Can lead to over-reliance, hindering personal growth.

Our take: While I learned a lot from Copilot's suggestions, I also found myself relying on it too much. There were moments I would have spent more time understanding a concept if I hadn’t let Copilot do the heavy lifting. Balance is key.

5. Integrate with Your Workflow Wisely

What it does: Copilot integrates seamlessly into various IDEs like Visual Studio Code.

Pricing: Same as above.

Best for: Developers who use modern IDEs and want to enhance their coding environment.

Limitations: Not all IDEs support Copilot, and performance may vary.

Our take: I initially tried to use Copilot everywhere but found that it worked best in specific contexts. Focusing on my main projects and integrating Copilot there led to the best outcomes.

Comparison Table

| Feature | GitHub Copilot | Other AI Tools (e.g., Tabnine) | |--------------------------|--------------------------|---------------------------------| | Pricing | $10/month | $12/month | | Best for | Code suggestions | Code completion | | Context Awareness | High | Medium | | Learning Capability | Moderate | High | | Integration | Excellent with VS Code | Good with multiple IDEs | | Accuracy of Suggestions | Variable | Generally reliable |

What We Actually Use

After six months, we’ve settled on using GitHub Copilot primarily for boilerplate code and repetitive tasks. We complement it with manual coding practices to ensure quality and security. If you're looking for a tool to speed up development, Copilot is a great choice—but be prepared to do the groundwork yourself.

Conclusion

In summary, GitHub Copilot can be a powerful ally for developers, but it’s not without its pitfalls. Start by using it for specific tasks while ensuring you maintain a solid grasp of coding principles. If you’re a solo founder or indie hacker, this tool can save you time, but always remain vigilant about the quality of the code it produces.

If you're just getting started, I recommend diving in with a clear project in mind and using Copilot to assist you along the way.