Beginner's Guide: How to Use GitHub Copilot to Boost Your Coding Skills in Just 1 Week

If you're a beginner coder looking to level up your skills, GitHub Copilot might seem like a magic wand. But let’s be real: it’s not going to write your code for you. Instead, it’s a powerful tool that can enhance your learning curve—if you know how to use it effectively. In this guide, we'll walk through how to leverage GitHub Copilot over the course of one week to boost your coding skills.

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered code completion tool that suggests code snippets and functions as you type. Think of it as your coding buddy that helps you write better code faster.

Pricing:

• $10/month for individual use
• $19/month for business tier, which includes additional features like team collaboration and security controls.

Best for: Beginners who want real-time assistance while coding.

Limitations: It can sometimes suggest outdated or inefficient code, and it’s not a substitute for understanding programming concepts.

Day 1: Setting Up GitHub Copilot

Prerequisites

• An active GitHub account
• Visual Studio Code installed (free)
• GitHub Copilot enabled in your settings

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Install the GitHub Copilot extension in Visual Studio Code.
2. Sign in with your GitHub account.
3. Enable Copilot in the settings (you can find this under extensions).
4. Start a new project or open an existing one.

Expected output: You should see suggestions appearing as you start typing code.

Troubleshooting

• If suggestions aren’t appearing, check your internet connection and ensure you’re logged into GitHub.

Day 2: Learning by Doing

Coding Simple Functions

Use Copilot to help you write simple functions, like calculating the factorial of a number.

1. Start typing the function definition.
2. Observe the suggestions and choose the one that best fits your needs.
3. Test the function to see if it works as expected.

What could go wrong: Sometimes Copilot might suggest overly complex solutions. Don’t hesitate to simplify them.

Day 3: Exploring Documentation

Use Copilot to Understand Libraries

When you’re using a new library, start typing a function from that library, and see how Copilot suggests its usage.

1. For example, if you’re working with a library like React, start typing import React from.
2. Let Copilot help you with the setup, and then read the suggested code to understand how it works.

Expected output: A better grasp of how to use libraries effectively.

Day 4: Pair Programming with Copilot

Simulate a Pair Programming Session

Treat Copilot as your pair programmer.

1. Write a piece of code and then ask for Copilot's suggestions.
2. Analyze the suggestions critically—why did it suggest that?
3. Refactor your code based on its recommendations.

Our take: This is a great way to learn best practices in coding.

Day 5: Debugging with Copilot

Identify and Fix Bugs

Use Copilot to help identify bugs in your code.

1. Write a piece of buggy code intentionally.
2. Use Copilot to suggest fixes and learn why they work.

Limitations: Sometimes it won’t catch all bugs, so ensure you’re doing manual testing.

Day 6: Building a Small Project

Create a Simple Application

By now, you should feel comfortable using Copilot.

1. Choose a small project, like a to-do list app.
2. Use Copilot to help you write the main functionalities.
3. Test and debug as you go along.

Expected output: A functioning small project that showcases your skills.

Day 7: Reflect and Iterate

Review Your Week

Take a step back and reflect on what you’ve learned.

1. Look at the code you wrote with Copilot's help.
2. Identify patterns in the suggestions and your own coding style.
3. Plan your next steps—what areas do you want to explore next?

Conclusion: Start Here

If you want to boost your coding skills, GitHub Copilot is a valuable tool, but remember—it's just that: a tool. Start your journey by setting it up today, and follow the steps outlined above to make the most of your first week.

What We Actually Use

In our experience, GitHub Copilot is a great addition to our coding stack, especially when paired with other resources like online coding courses. Try it out, and see how it fits into your learning process.