How to Build Your First Project with GitHub Copilot in Under 60 Minutes

If you’re diving into coding for the first time, the sheer volume of tools and resources can be overwhelming. Enter GitHub Copilot: an AI-powered coding assistant that promises to make writing code faster and easier. But can it really help you build your first project in under an hour? Absolutely, but there are some nuances to consider. Let’s break down exactly how to get started with GitHub Copilot and build a simple project quickly.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before you dive in, make sure you have the following:

1. GitHub Account: Sign up for free at GitHub.
2. Visual Studio Code: Download and install it from VS Code.
3. GitHub Copilot Subscription: As of February 2026, pricing is $10/month for individuals. There’s a free trial available for the first month.
4. Basic Understanding of JavaScript: Familiarity with at least basic JavaScript will help, but Copilot can assist you along the way.

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment (10 Minutes)

1. Install Visual Studio Code: Open your terminal and download VS Code if you haven’t already.
2. Install GitHub Copilot Extension: In VS Code, navigate to Extensions (or press Ctrl+Shift+X) and search for “GitHub Copilot.” Click Install.

Expected Output: You should see a Copilot icon in the top right of your VS Code interface.

Step 2: Create a New Project (10 Minutes)

1. Create a New Folder: Name it something like my-first-copilot-project.
2. Open the Folder in VS Code: Use File > Open Folder to select your new project folder.
3. Create an index.js File: Right-click in the Explorer sidebar and select New File, then name it index.js.

Expected Output: You should have an empty index.js file ready for coding.

Step 3: Start Coding with Copilot (30 Minutes)

1. Write Your First Function: Start by typing function greet(name) { and then hit Enter. Copilot will suggest the rest of the function.

   Example:

   function greet(name) {
       return `Hello, ${name}!`;
   }
   

2. Add a Simple User Interface: Type console.log(greet("World")); to test your function.

3. Experiment with Copilot: Try typing comments or incomplete code snippets and watch how Copilot suggests completions.

Expected Output: You should see the greeting printed in your terminal when you run the file.

Step 4: Run Your Project (5 Minutes)

1. Open Terminal in VS Code: Use the shortcut Ctrl+`.
2. Run Your Code: Type node index.js and hit Enter.

Expected Output: You should see Hello, World! in the terminal.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Copilot Not Suggesting Code: Ensure you’re signed in to your GitHub account and that the Copilot extension is enabled.
• Errors in Code: If you encounter errors, double-check your syntax. Copilot is a great assistant but it can still make mistakes.

What’s Next: Building on Your Foundation

Once you’ve built a simple project, consider expanding it. Here are a few ideas:

• Add More Functions: Create additional functions for different greetings.
• Use External Libraries: Explore how to integrate libraries like Axios for making API calls.
• Deploy Your Project: Look into platforms like Vercel or Netlify for deploying your project online.

Conclusion: Start Here with GitHub Copilot

If you’re looking to get your feet wet in coding, GitHub Copilot is an excellent tool to help you build your first project quickly. Just remember that while Copilot can assist you, coding fundamentals are still crucial. Get started today, and you might just surprise yourself with what you can create in under an hour!