How to Use GitHub Copilot for Pair Programming in 30 Minutes

Pair programming is one of the most effective ways to improve code quality and foster collaboration, but it can be a challenge to find the right balance between two developers working together. Enter GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered coding assistant that can enhance your pair programming experience. In just 30 minutes, you can set up GitHub Copilot to help you code faster and more efficiently, whether you're working remotely or side by side.

Prerequisites

Before diving in, make sure you have the following ready:

• A GitHub account (Free tier is sufficient)
• An IDE that supports GitHub Copilot (like Visual Studio Code)
• GitHub Copilot subscription ($10/month after a 60-day free trial)
• Basic knowledge of the programming language you'll be using

Step 1: Setting Up GitHub Copilot

1. Install Visual Studio Code: If you haven’t already, download and install VS Code from here.
2. Sign in to Your GitHub Account: Open VS Code and sign in with your GitHub account through the Extensions view.
3. Install GitHub Copilot: Search for "GitHub Copilot" in the Extensions Marketplace and click "Install".
4. Enable GitHub Copilot: Once installed, you may need to enable the extension in your settings.

Expected Output: You should see a GitHub Copilot icon in the sidebar, indicating that it's ready to assist.

Step 2: Pair Programming Setup

1. Create a New Project: Start a new repository or clone an existing one to your local machine.
2. Open a Terminal: Use the integrated terminal in VS Code to set up your development environment.
3. Invite Your Pair: If you're working remotely, share your screen or use Live Share in VS Code to collaborate in real-time.

Expected Output: Both you and your partner should have access to the same codebase and be able to see each other's changes.

Step 3: Start Coding with Copilot

1. Write Comments for Context: Start with comments in your code that describe what you want to achieve. GitHub Copilot will generate code based on these comments.
2. Accept or Modify Suggestions: Copilot will provide suggestions as you type. You can cycle through multiple suggestions using the arrow keys and hit "Tab" to accept.
3. Discuss and Iterate: Use the suggestions as a discussion point. If the first suggestion isn’t what you want, discuss it with your partner and tweak the comment for better results.

Expected Output: You should see Copilot generating relevant code snippets based on your comments, facilitating a more interactive coding session.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Copilot Doesn’t Suggest Anything: Make sure the extension is enabled and you’re writing clear, descriptive comments.
• Suggestions Are Irrelevant: If you're getting off-base suggestions, refine your comments or provide more context.
• Performance Issues: If VS Code is lagging, consider closing other heavy applications or restarting the IDE.

What's Next?

Once you’re comfortable with using GitHub Copilot, consider integrating it into your regular pair programming sessions. You can also explore advanced features, such as learning how to train Copilot on your specific coding style or project.

Conclusion: Start Here

Using GitHub Copilot for pair programming can significantly enhance productivity and collaboration between developers. Follow these steps to set it up in just 30 minutes, and you'll be well on your way to coding smarter, not harder.

What We Actually Use: In our experience, GitHub Copilot has been a great asset for our pair programming sessions, particularly for generating boilerplate code and automating repetitive tasks. However, we still recommend having a strong understanding of the codebase and context as Copilot is not infallible.