How to Set Up GitHub Copilot for Your Next Project in 30 Minutes

If you're a solo founder or indie hacker, you know the struggle of maximizing productivity while juggling multiple tasks. GitHub Copilot can feel like a magical assistant that suggests code snippets, but setting it up can seem daunting. In reality, you can get it running in about 30 minutes, and it’s worth every second.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start

Before diving in, make sure you have:

• GitHub Account: Sign up at GitHub if you don’t have one.
• Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Download and install it from here.
• GitHub Copilot Subscription: It costs $10/month after a 60-day free trial.

Step 1: Install Visual Studio Code

1. Download: Go to the VS Code website.
2. Install: Follow the installation instructions for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Expected output: You should have VS Code open and ready to use.

Step 2: Install the GitHub Copilot Extension

1. Open VS Code.
2. Navigate to Extensions: Click on the Extensions icon in the sidebar or press Ctrl+Shift+X.
3. Search for "GitHub Copilot": Find the official extension and click on Install.

Expected output: The extension is now installed, and you should see a Copilot icon in the sidebar.

Step 3: Sign In to GitHub

1. Open the Command Palette: Press Ctrl+Shift+P.
2. Type "GitHub: Sign In": Select it and follow the prompts to authenticate your GitHub account.

Expected output: You should see a confirmation that you are signed in.

Step 4: Enable GitHub Copilot

1. Open the Command Palette again.
2. Type "Copilot: Enable": Select this option to activate Copilot.

Expected output: You should see a message confirming that Copilot is enabled.

Step 5: Start Coding!

Open any code file (JavaScript, Python, etc.) and begin typing. GitHub Copilot will start suggesting completions based on the context of your code.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Copilot Suggestions Aren't Appearing: Make sure you're in a supported file type and that the extension is enabled.
• Authentication Issues: Double-check your GitHub account status and permissions.

What's Next: Maximizing Your Workflow with Copilot

Once you’ve set up Copilot, consider integrating it with other tools to enhance your productivity. For instance, using it alongside a project management tool like Trello or Notion can help keep your coding organized.

Pricing Breakdown

| Tool | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |---------------------|-----------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo after trial | AI code suggestions | May not understand complex logic | We use it for quick code snippets| | Trello | Free + $10/mo for Pro| Project management | Limited features on free tier | We don’t use it because we prefer Notion for documentation | | Notion | Free + $10/mo for Team| Documentation & project tracking | Can be overwhelming for new users | We use it extensively for team collaboration | | Slack | Free + $6.67/mo for Pro| Team communication | Limited features in free tier | We use it for real-time updates | | Figma | Free + $12/mo for Teams| Design collaboration | Can get expensive for larger teams | We don’t use it; prefer simpler tools for quick mockups | | GitHub Actions | Free for public repos | CI/CD automation | Limited usage for private repos | Essential for our deployment process |

Conclusion: Start Here

Setting up GitHub Copilot can significantly enhance your coding experience, saving you time and effort. This setup guide will help you get started in just 30 minutes. Don't forget to explore other tools that can complement your workflow.

If you’re ready to boost your productivity, start by setting up GitHub Copilot today!