How to Create a Simple Web App Using GitHub Copilot in 2 Hours

If you’re a beginner looking to build a simple web app but feel overwhelmed by the coding process, you're not alone. Many indie hackers and solo founders face the same challenge: you have an idea but don’t know how to translate it into code. Thankfully, tools like GitHub Copilot can make this process much more manageable. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to create a basic web app using GitHub Copilot in just 2 hours.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start

Before diving into the coding, make sure you have the following:

• GitHub Account: Sign up for free if you don’t have one.
• Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Download and install this code editor.
• GitHub Copilot: Get the Copilot subscription. Pricing is $10/month or $100/year.
• Basic Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript: You don’t need to be an expert, but familiarity will help.

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment (30 minutes)

1. Install VS Code: Open VS Code and set up your workspace.
2. Install GitHub Copilot: Go to the Extensions panel (Ctrl+Shift+X) and search for "GitHub Copilot". Click "Install".
3. Create a New Project Folder: Name it something like “my-web-app”.
4. Create Basic Files: In your project folder, create index.html, style.css, and script.js.

Step 2: Using GitHub Copilot to Generate Code (1 hour)

HTML Structure

Start by opening index.html and begin typing out the basic structure. Copilot will suggest code snippets as you type.

• Example: Type <!DOCTYPE html> and see Copilot suggest the rest of the boilerplate code.

CSS Styling

Next, move to style.css. You can type comments to let Copilot know what you want.

• Example: Type /* Style the header */ and let Copilot fill in the styles.

JavaScript Functionality

In script.js, start with a comment about the functionality you want.

• Example: Type // Function to handle button click and let Copilot suggest the function body.

Running Your App

Once you have your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript set up, open your index.html file in a browser to see your web app in action.

Step 3: Troubleshooting Common Issues (15 minutes)

It’s possible to encounter a few bumps along the way. Here are some common issues and solutions:

• Copilot Suggestions are Off: If Copilot isn’t suggesting relevant code, try to rephrase your comments or provide more context.
• Browser Not Displaying Changes: Make sure to refresh your browser after making changes to your files.

Step 4: Deploying Your Web App (15 minutes)

Once your web app is working, you can deploy it for free using GitHub Pages.

1. Push Your Code to GitHub: Initialize a git repository in your project folder and push your code.
2. Enable GitHub Pages: Go to your GitHub repository settings, scroll down to the "GitHub Pages" section, and select the main branch for deployment.

Conclusion: What’s Next?

Congratulations! You’ve just built a simple web app using GitHub Copilot in about 2 hours. If you found this process helpful, consider exploring more complex features and functionalities.

Start Here:

If you're eager to continue your journey, I recommend checking out the following resources:

• Explore more advanced tutorials on deploying full-stack apps.
• Listen to the Built This Week podcast for insights on tools and strategies we use in our building journey.