How to Use GitHub Copilot for Efficient Code Reviews in 1 Hour

As a solo founder or indie hacker, you’re often juggling multiple roles, and code reviews can feel like a time-sucking black hole. I’ve been there—spending hours sifting through lines of code, trying to spot bugs or inconsistencies. But what if I told you that GitHub Copilot could help streamline this process? In 2026, leveraging AI for code reviews isn’t just a nice-to-have; it can be a game-changer for your productivity. Here’s how to use GitHub Copilot effectively for code reviews in just one hour.

Prerequisites

Before diving in, ensure you have the following:

• GitHub Copilot subscription: This costs around $10/month for individuals, with a free trial available.
• Access to your code repository on GitHub.
• Basic knowledge of Git and GitHub: Familiarity with pull requests and code review processes is essential.

Step 1: Set Up GitHub Copilot

1. Install GitHub Copilot: If you haven’t done so already, install the GitHub Copilot extension in your code editor (VS Code or JetBrains).
2. Sign in: Connect your GitHub account and enable Copilot in your editor’s settings.

Expected Output: You should see Copilot suggesting code snippets as you type.

Step 2: Initiate the Code Review

1. Open the Pull Request (PR): Navigate to the PR you want to review on GitHub.
2. Clone the PR locally: Use Git to clone the repository to your local machine.
3. Open in your code editor: Start reviewing the changes using your editor with Copilot enabled.

Expected Output: You can see the modified files highlighted in your editor.

Step 3: Use Copilot for Suggestions

1. Review each function or method: As you read through the code, Copilot will suggest improvements or highlight potential issues.
2. Accept or modify suggestions: If Copilot suggests a better way to handle a function, you can accept the changes or tweak them as needed.

Expected Output: A more optimized version of the code with fewer bugs.

Step 4: Document Your Findings

1. Add comments directly in the PR: Use Copilot to quickly generate comments based on your observations. For instance, if you notice a security issue, you can type “// Suggest a security improvement” and see suggestions from Copilot.
2. Summarize the review: At the end of the review, compile your findings into a summary comment.

Expected Output: A comprehensive review summary, ready to submit.

Troubleshooting

• Issue: Copilot isn’t suggesting relevant code.

  • Solution: Ensure you’re in a valid coding context (e.g., reviewing functions) and that the extension is active.

• Issue: Suggestions are off-mark.

  • Solution: Don’t hesitate to ignore suggestions that don’t fit your code style. Copilot learns from your adjustments over time.

What’s Next?

After completing your code review, consider the following steps:

• Merge the PR: If you’re satisfied with the changes, merge the PR.
• Reflect on the review process: Note what worked well and what could improve for your next review.

Conclusion

Using GitHub Copilot for code reviews can save you significant time and enhance your code quality. By following these steps, you can streamline the review process and make it more efficient. Start integrating Copilot into your workflow today, and you’ll likely find that code reviews become less of a chore and more of a productive session.

What We Actually Use

We personally use GitHub Copilot alongside traditional code review practices. While it’s not perfect, it significantly reduces the time spent on identifying issues.