How to Use GitHub Copilot for Simple Projects in Under 2 Hours

If you're a solo founder or indie hacker, you know that time is often your most precious resource. Enter GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered code assistant that can help you write code faster and reduce the friction of getting started on simple projects. But how do you actually leverage this tool in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming? In this guide, I'll walk you through using GitHub Copilot effectively for simple projects, all within about 2 hours.

Prerequisites: What You'll Need

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

• GitHub Account: You’ll need an account to use Copilot.
• Visual Studio Code: Install this code editor if you haven't already. It's free and integrates smoothly with Copilot.
• GitHub Copilot Subscription: As of May 2026, pricing starts at $10/month for individuals after a free trial.
• Basic Programming Knowledge: Familiarity with JavaScript or Python is helpful but not mandatory.

Step 1: Setting Up GitHub Copilot

1. Install Visual Studio Code: Download and install Visual Studio Code from here.
2. Install GitHub Copilot Extension: Open Visual Studio Code, go to Extensions (or press Ctrl+Shift+X), and search for "GitHub Copilot". Click "Install".
3. Sign In: After installation, you'll be prompted to sign in to your GitHub account. Follow the on-screen instructions to authorize the extension.

Expected Output: A working instance of Visual Studio Code with GitHub Copilot enabled.

Step 2: Start a Simple Project

Let’s create a small project, like a to-do list app using JavaScript. Here’s how to get started:

1. Create a New File: In Visual Studio Code, create a new file named todo.js.
2. Initialize Your Project: Type // To-Do List Application at the top of the file.
3. Ask Copilot for Suggestions: Start typing a function, like function addTask(task), and wait for Copilot to suggest code. You can accept suggestions by pressing Tab.

Expected Output: A functioning addTask function that adds tasks to your list.

Step 3: Building Out the Functionality

Continue building your app by following these steps:

1. Create Functions: For each feature (add, delete, view tasks), type the function name and let Copilot suggest the code.
2. Test Your Code: Run your code frequently to ensure everything works as expected.

Example Functions You Can Create:

• function deleteTask(taskId)
• function viewTasks()
• function markTaskAsDone(taskId)

Expected Output: A fully functional to-do list app with the ability to add, delete, and view tasks.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Code Doesn't Work as Expected: If Copilot's suggestions aren't working, try rephrasing your request. Sometimes, more context helps.
2. Errors in Code: Remember to check for syntax errors and ensure you're using the correct programming language features.

What's Next: Expanding Your Project

Once you’ve built your simple app, consider these next steps:

• Add a User Interface: Use HTML/CSS to create a basic front-end for your app.
• Deploy Your App: Consider using platforms like Vercel or Netlify for easy deployment.
• Integrate with a Database: If you want to save tasks permanently, look into Firebase or MongoDB.

Conclusion: Start Here

Using GitHub Copilot can significantly speed up your coding process for simple projects. By following these steps, you can create a functional to-do list app in under 2 hours. Copilot isn’t perfect, but it can be a great way to jumpstart your coding tasks and help you focus on building your project rather than getting bogged down in syntax.

What We Actually Use: We use GitHub Copilot for quick prototypes and to help accelerate our development process, especially for repetitive code patterns. However, we always double-check its suggestions for accuracy.