How to Leverage GitHub Copilot for Your First Project in Under 1 Hour

Starting your first coding project can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to programming. You might be wondering how to get started, which tools to use, and how to code efficiently. Enter GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered code assistant that can help you write code faster and with fewer errors. In this guide, I’ll show you how to leverage GitHub Copilot for your first project in under an hour.

Time Estimate: 1 Hour

You can finish this project in about an hour if you follow the steps closely.

Prerequisites

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

1. A GitHub account (free)
2. Visual Studio Code (VS Code) installed (free)
3. GitHub Copilot subscription ($10/month after a free trial)
4. Basic understanding of JavaScript (or the language you choose)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment

1. Install Visual Studio Code: If you haven’t already, download and install VS Code from the official website.

2. Install GitHub Copilot: Go to the Extensions view in VS Code (Ctrl+Shift+X), search for "GitHub Copilot," and click "Install."

3. Sign in to GitHub: Open the command palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) and type "GitHub: Sign in." Follow the prompts to link your GitHub account.

Step 2: Create a New Project

1. Create a New Folder: Make a folder for your project, e.g., my-first-project.

2. Open the Folder in VS Code: Drag the folder into VS Code or use "File > Open Folder".

3. Create a New File: Inside your project folder, create a new file named app.js.

Step 3: Start Coding with Copilot

1. Write a Comment: Start with a comment that describes your function. For example:

   // Function to add two numbers
   

2. Let Copilot Suggest: After the comment, start typing the function name and parameters. Copilot will suggest code as you type. Press Tab to accept the suggestion.

3. Repeat for Additional Functions: Continue writing comments for other functions. Copilot will assist with suggestions based on your comments.

Expected Output

By the end of this step, you should have a basic JavaScript application with several functions that Copilot helped you create.

Step 4: Test Your Code

1. Run Your Code: Open the terminal in VS Code (Ctrl+`) and run your code using Node.js:

   node app.js
   

2. Debug if Necessary: If there are errors, Copilot can help you debug. Simply describe the issue in a comment, and Copilot may suggest fixes.

Troubleshooting

• What Could Go Wrong: You might encounter syntax errors or unexpected behavior.
  • Solution: Use the terminal to check for errors and read the error messages carefully. Copilot can often help you refine your code.

What's Next

Once you’ve completed your first project, consider building on it by adding features or exploring new programming languages. You can also check out our podcast, Built This Week, for more insights on coding and building projects.

Conclusion

Getting started with programming doesn’t have to be daunting. With GitHub Copilot, you can write code more efficiently and confidently. Start your first project today, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in just one hour.

What We Actually Use

For our projects, we primarily use GitHub Copilot alongside VS Code. It’s a powerful combination that speeds up our development process significantly, but keep in mind that it’s not perfect. We often have to refine the suggestions, especially for more complex logic. If you're just starting out, it’s a great way to learn and get accustomed to coding.