How to Create Your First Project Using GitHub Copilot in Under 2 Hours

Imagine you’re sitting at your desk, staring at a blank screen, and the thought of starting a new project feels overwhelming. You know you need to write code, but where do you even begin? Enter GitHub Copilot. This AI-powered coding assistant can help you build your first project in under two hours. Yes, really. In this guide, I’m going to walk you through the process step-by-step, sharing what works, what doesn’t, and how you can leverage Copilot to get your project off the ground quickly.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start

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

• GitHub Account: You’ll need this to access Copilot and host your project.
• Visual Studio Code: Download and install this code editor if you don’t have it already. It’s free and works great with Copilot.
• GitHub Copilot Subscription: As of July 2026, it costs $10/month after a free trial. This is a small price to pay for the productivity boost.
• Basic Programming Knowledge: Familiarity with at least one programming language (e.g., JavaScript or Python) will help you understand and modify the code Copilot suggests.

Step 1: Setting Up GitHub Copilot

1. Install Visual Studio Code: Go to Visual Studio Code's website and download the version for your operating system.
2. Install GitHub Copilot: Open Visual Studio Code, go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X), search for "GitHub Copilot," and install it.
3. Sign In to GitHub: Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P), type "GitHub: Sign In," and follow the prompts to authenticate your account.

Step 2: Starting Your Project

1. Create a New Repository: Go to GitHub, create a new repository, and clone it to your local machine using Git.
2. Open Your Project in VS Code: Navigate to the cloned repository folder and open it in Visual Studio Code.
3. Initialize Your Project: Depending on your chosen language, run the appropriate command (e.g., npm init for JavaScript projects) to set up your project structure.

Step 3: Using GitHub Copilot to Write Code

1. Start Coding: Begin by writing a simple function or description of what you want to build. For example, type // Function to calculate the area of a rectangle and hit enter. Copilot will suggest code based on your comment.
2. Review Suggestions: Use the arrow keys to scroll through Copilot’s suggestions. Accept the one that fits best by hitting Tab.
3. Iterate: Continue writing comments and let Copilot generate the rest of your code. If you’re not satisfied with a suggestion, modify it or ask for a different one.

Step 4: Testing Your Code

1. Run Your Project: Depending on your language, run your project using the terminal in VS Code (e.g., node index.js for JavaScript).
2. Debugging: If something doesn’t work, use the integrated debugging tools in VS Code to troubleshoot your code. Copilot can suggest fixes, but you may need to refine its suggestions based on your specific error messages.

Step 5: Finalizing and Pushing to GitHub

1. Commit Your Changes: Use Git to commit your code: git add ., followed by git commit -m "Initial commit".
2. Push to GitHub: Finally, push your code to the remote repository using git push origin main.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Copilot Isn’t Suggesting Code: Ensure you’re connected to the internet and that your subscription is active.
• Suggestions Don’t Make Sense: Copilot learns from context, so providing clear comments can help improve its suggestions.
• Code Doesn’t Run: Double-check for syntax errors or missing dependencies, as Copilot can sometimes generate code that isn't 100% correct.

What’s Next?

Once you’ve successfully created your project, consider these next steps:

• Expand Your Project: Add more features or functionalities based on user feedback or your own ideas.
• Experiment with Other Tools: Explore other AI coding tools like Tabnine or Codeium to see how they compare with Copilot.
• Join Developer Communities: Engage with others on platforms like GitHub Discussions or Reddit to share your project and get feedback.

Conclusion: Start Here

Getting started with GitHub Copilot can be a game-changer for indie hackers and solo founders. By following this guide, you can create your first project in under two hours. Just remember to keep your project scope manageable and leverage Copilot’s suggestions wisely.

By the way, if you're looking for more insights and tools to aid your building journey, check out our podcast, Built This Week. We share real experiences and recommendations based on our weekly shipping of products.