How to Use GitHub Copilot for Error-Free Coding in 60 Minutes

As an indie hacker or solo founder, your time is precious, and writing error-free code is a top priority. But let’s face it: coding can be tedious and error-prone, especially when you're racing against the clock to ship your next project. Enter GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered coding assistant that promises to make your life easier. In this guide, I’ll show you how to get started with GitHub Copilot in just 60 minutes and maximize its potential for error-free coding.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

• GitHub Account: Create a free account if you don't have one.
• Visual Studio Code: Download and install VS Code (free).
• GitHub Copilot Subscription: Pricing starts at $10/month after a free trial.
• Basic Coding Skills: Familiarity with JavaScript, Python, or any other language you plan to use.

Step 1: Install GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code

1. Open Visual Studio Code: Launch the application.
2. Go to Extensions: Click on the Extensions icon in the sidebar.
3. Search for GitHub Copilot: Type "GitHub Copilot" in the search bar.
4. Install the Extension: Click "Install" and wait for the process to complete.
5. Sign in to GitHub: Once installed, you’ll be prompted to sign in to your GitHub account.

Expected Output: You should see a Copilot icon in the bottom right corner of the VS Code window.

Step 2: Writing Your First Lines of Code

With GitHub Copilot set up, it’s time to write some code. Let's create a simple function.

1. Create a New File: Open a new JavaScript file (e.g., app.js).
2. Start Typing a Comment: For example, type // Function to calculate the sum of two numbers.
3. Let Copilot Suggest Code: After typing the comment, press Enter. Copilot will suggest a function.

Expected Output: You should see a function that looks something like this:

function sum(a, b) {
    return a + b;
}

Step 3: Test and Refine Your Code

Once you have your code, it’s essential to test it.

1. Write Test Cases: Below your function, write some test cases.
2. Use Copilot Again: As you write, Copilot will continue to suggest improvements or additional test cases.

Expected Output: A set of test cases that validate your function, something like:

console.log(sum(1, 2)); // 3
console.log(sum(-1, 1)); // 0

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

While using GitHub Copilot, you might encounter some hiccups. Here are common issues and how to solve them:

• Inaccurate Suggestions: If Copilot’s suggestions are off, try providing more context in your comments.
• No Suggestions: Ensure your file is saved with the correct extension (e.g., .js for JavaScript).
• Performance Lag: If VS Code slows down, consider disabling other extensions temporarily.

What’s Next? Progressing with GitHub Copilot

Now that you’ve got the basics down, consider these next steps:

• Explore Advanced Features: Copilot can assist with entire classes, API integrations, and even documentation.
• Integrate with Other Tools: If you’re using frameworks like React or Django, test Copilot's ability to assist in those environments.
• Share Your Experience: Join communities to share tips and learn from others using Copilot.

Conclusion: Start Here for Error-Free Coding

In just 60 minutes, you can set up GitHub Copilot and begin writing error-free code. While it’s not a silver bullet—there will still be bugs to fix and logic to refine—Copilot can significantly reduce the initial coding grunt work.

For the best results, keep experimenting and refining your prompts to Copilot. If you’re serious about shipping high-quality code faster, GitHub Copilot is a tool worth integrating into your workflow.

What We Actually Use

In our experience, we’ve found that GitHub Copilot is most effective when used alongside a good testing framework. We recommend using Jest for JavaScript projects, as it complements Copilot by helping catch errors that might slip through.