How to Use GitHub Copilot for Automated Code Reviews in 30 Minutes

Automated code reviews can save you a ton of time, but many of us still do them manually, which is a drag. If you’re a solo founder, indie hacker, or side project builder, you probably find yourself knee-deep in code and short on time. GitHub Copilot can be a game changer here—if you know how to use it effectively. In this guide, I’ll show you how to set up and leverage GitHub Copilot for automated code reviews in just 30 minutes.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

• GitHub Account: You need an account to access repositories and use Copilot.
• Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Install this code editor if you haven’t already.
• GitHub Copilot Subscription: Copilot costs $10/month for individual developers. Make sure you have an active subscription.
• Basic Coding Knowledge: Familiarity with your codebase and the programming languages you are using.

Step 1: Install GitHub Copilot in VS Code

1. Open Visual Studio Code.
2. Go to the Extensions Marketplace (Ctrl+Shift+X).
3. Search for "GitHub Copilot" and click "Install."
4. Sign in with your GitHub account to activate the extension.

Expected Output: Once installed, you should see the Copilot icon in the sidebar.

Step 2: Configure Copilot for Code Reviews

1. Open the code file you want to review.
2. Start typing comments or questions about specific lines or functions.
3. Copilot will automatically suggest improvements or highlight potential errors.

Expected Output: You should see inline suggestions from Copilot that you can accept or reject.

Step 3: Use Copilot’s Review Features

1. To check for common issues, use the command palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) and type "Copilot: Review Code."
2. Copilot will analyze the code and provide a summary of potential issues, including bugs, performance concerns, and style inconsistencies.

Expected Output: A list of suggestions will appear in a new window, helping you understand areas for improvement.

Step 4: Incorporate Feedback into Your Code

1. Review the suggestions provided by Copilot.
2. Accept the changes you agree with by clicking on the suggestion or typing the code manually.
3. Make sure to run tests to verify that the changes don’t break existing functionality.

Expected Output: Your code should reflect the improvements suggested by Copilot.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Copilot Not Suggesting Changes: Ensure you have a stable internet connection and your subscription is active.
• Irrelevant Suggestions: Sometimes Copilot may suggest code that isn’t applicable. Use your judgment and don’t accept everything blindly.

What’s Next: Leveling Up Your Code Review Process

Once you’ve got the hang of using Copilot for code reviews, consider integrating it into your CI/CD pipeline. This can help automate code quality checks even further. You might also explore combining Copilot with other tools like ESLint or Prettier for comprehensive code quality assurance.

Comparison of GitHub Copilot with Other Code Review Tools

| Tool | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |------------------|----------------------|----------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo | Automated code suggestions | Limited to VS Code and GitHub | We use this for code reviews. | | CodeClimate | $12/mo per user | Code quality metrics | Can get expensive with scale | Good for overall code health. | | SonarQube | Free tier + $150/mo | Security and bugs | Requires setup and maintenance | Not as quick for small projects. | | Reviewable | $15/mo | Peer code reviews | Limited integrations | Great for team collaboration. | | Codacy | Free tier + $15/mo | Automated code quality | May miss context-specific issues | Good for continuous integration. | | Crucible | $12/user/mo | In-depth code reviews | Requires setup | Good for larger teams. |

Conclusion: Start Here

If you want to speed up your code reviews and save valuable time, start using GitHub Copilot right away. With just 30 minutes of setup, you’ll be on your way to a more efficient coding process. Remember, while Copilot is powerful, it’s not a substitute for human judgment—always review its suggestions critically.