How to Use GitHub Copilot for Faster Coding in 5 Simple Steps

As a solo developer or indie hacker, you're likely always on the lookout for ways to speed up your coding process without sacrificing quality. That's where GitHub Copilot comes in. This AI-powered coding assistant can help you write code faster by suggesting whole lines or blocks of code based on your input. But how do you get the most out of it? Let’s break it down in five simple steps.

Time Estimate: 1 Hour

You can finish this setup and familiarization in about an hour, depending on your coding experience.

Prerequisites

• A GitHub account (free)
• Visual Studio Code (free)
• GitHub Copilot subscription (cost details below)

Step 1: Sign Up for GitHub Copilot

First things first, you'll need to subscribe to GitHub Copilot. Here’s how:

1. Go to the GitHub Copilot page.
2. Click on "Sign Up" and follow the prompts.
3. Pricing: GitHub Copilot costs $10/month or $100/year. There's a free trial available for new users.

Our Take:

The subscription is worth it if you code regularly. The free trial lets you test its capabilities without commitment.

Step 2: Install the GitHub Copilot Extension in Visual Studio Code

Once you’re signed up, the next step is to install the extension:

1. Open Visual Studio Code.
2. Go to the Extensions view by clicking on the square icon in the sidebar or pressing Ctrl+Shift+X.
3. Search for "GitHub Copilot" and click "Install".

Expected Output:

You should see a Copilot icon in the sidebar once installed.

Step 3: Start Coding with Copilot's Suggestions

Now that you have the extension, you can start coding! Here’s how to leverage Copilot effectively:

1. Start typing a comment describing the function you want to build. For example, // function to calculate the factorial of a number.
2. Copilot will automatically suggest code. You can accept it by pressing Tab.

What Could Go Wrong:

Sometimes Copilot can suggest code that doesn’t quite fit your needs. Be prepared to edit or reject suggestions.

Step 4: Use Contextual Prompts for Better Suggestions

To get the best results from Copilot, provide context. Here are a couple of tips:

• Use clear, descriptive comments before your code.
• Name your variables and functions meaningfully.

Limitation:

Copilot's suggestions are based on the context you provide, so vague or ambiguous comments can lead to subpar code suggestions.

Step 5: Review and Test the Code

After accepting suggestions, always review and test the code. Here's a good workflow:

1. Run the code to see if it behaves as expected.
2. Check for edge cases or potential bugs.
3. If needed, prompt Copilot again for refinements.

Our Experience:

We've found that Copilot can significantly speed up the initial coding phase, but thorough testing is essential. It doesn’t replace the need for a developer's insight.

Pricing Breakdown

| Feature | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Verdict | |-------------------------|-----------------------|------------------------------|----------------------------------|----------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo or $100/yr | Developers looking to speed up coding | May suggest incorrect code | Worth it for frequent coders |

What's Next?

Once you’re comfortable with GitHub Copilot, consider exploring other AI-powered coding tools like Tabnine or Codeium for different perspectives and suggestions. Each tool has its strengths, so it’s beneficial to try a few.

What We Actually Use:

In our workflow, we primarily use GitHub Copilot for quick coding tasks, but we also keep Tabnine handy for when we need alternative suggestions.

Conclusion: Start Here

If you’re looking to code faster, start by signing up for GitHub Copilot and installing it in Visual Studio Code. Follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll be on your way to more efficient coding in no time.