How to Build Your First App Using GitHub Copilot in 2026

Building your first app can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to coding or don't have a team to lean on. But what if I told you that you could leverage AI to help you code faster and more efficiently? Enter GitHub Copilot—an AI-powered coding assistant that can help you build your first app in just 2 hours. In this guide, I'll walk you through the process, share tools that complement Copilot, and give you honest insights from our own experience.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before diving in, here's what you'll need:

• Basic familiarity with JavaScript: Copilot can help you, but understanding the language basics is crucial.
• GitHub account: You'll need this to access GitHub Copilot.
• Visual Studio Code (VS Code): The code editor where you'll use Copilot.
• Node.js: Install this to run your JavaScript app locally.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Environment (Approx. 15 Minutes)

1. Install Visual Studio Code: Download and install VS Code from here.
2. Set Up GitHub Copilot:
   • Open VS Code.
   • Go to Extensions and search for "GitHub Copilot."
   • Click "Install" and authenticate with your GitHub account.
3. Install Node.js: Download and install Node.js from here.

Expected Output:

By the end of this step, you should have a working code editor with GitHub Copilot ready to assist you.

Step 2: Start Coding Your App (Approx. 1 Hour)

Now comes the fun part—coding your app! For this tutorial, let's build a simple to-do list app.

1. Create a New Project

• Open a terminal in VS Code and run:

  mkdir todo-app
  cd todo-app
  npm init -y
  

2. Set Up Your HTML Structure

Create an index.html file and start with a basic HTML structure. Type ! and hit Tab to generate a boilerplate.

3. Use GitHub Copilot for JavaScript

In a new file called app.js, start typing comments to guide Copilot. For example:

// Create an array to hold tasks

Copilot will suggest code to create an array. Accept the suggestion by hitting Tab.

4. Build Functions for Adding and Displaying Tasks

Continue to provide comments for the functions you want, like:

// Function to add a task
// Function to display tasks

Copilot will fill in the code for you.

Expected Output:

After an hour, you should have a working to-do list app that allows you to add and display tasks.

Step 3: Testing Your App (Approx. 30 Minutes)

Open your index.html file in a browser to test your app. Ensure that tasks can be added and displayed correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

• If tasks aren't displaying, check the console for errors.
• Ensure that your JavaScript file is linked correctly in the HTML.

What's Next: Deploying Your App

Once your app is working, consider deploying it using platforms like Vercel or Netlify. Both offer free tiers and are straightforward to set up.

Pricing Breakdown for Deployment:

• Vercel: Free tier available, $20/mo for pro features.
• Netlify: Free tier available, $19/mo for advanced features.

Conclusion: Start Here

Building your first app with GitHub Copilot can be a breeze if you follow this structured approach. Start by setting up your environment, then let Copilot guide your coding process. It’s a practical way to leverage AI without getting bogged down in details.

If you're looking for a more extensive dive into tools like GitHub Copilot, check out our podcast, Built This Week, where we share real experiences and tool recommendations.