How to Use GitHub Copilot for Your First Coding Project in 90 Minutes

Getting started with coding can feel overwhelming, especially if you're diving into a new project. If you're anything like me, you might have faced the dreaded blank screen syndrome where you know what you want to build, but you’re stuck on how to actually start coding it. This is where GitHub Copilot can be a real game changer. In this guide, I’ll show you how to leverage GitHub Copilot to kickstart your first coding project in just 90 minutes.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before you dive in, make sure you have the following:

1. A GitHub account: Sign up for free if you don’t have one already.
2. Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Download and install this code editor.
3. GitHub Copilot subscription: As of 2026, GitHub Copilot costs $10/month after a free trial.
4. Basic understanding of programming: Familiarity with JavaScript or Python will help, but Copilot is designed to assist you regardless of your skill level.

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment (15 Minutes)

1. Install Visual Studio Code: Go to the VS Code website and download the installer for your operating system.
2. Install the GitHub Copilot extension: Open VS Code, go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X), search for "GitHub Copilot," and click install.
3. Sign in to GitHub: Once the extension is installed, authenticate it with your GitHub account to activate Copilot.

Step 2: Start Your Project (15 Minutes)

1. Create a new folder: Make a new directory for your project on your computer.
2. Open the folder in VS Code: Use File > Open Folder to open the new directory.
3. Create your main file: For example, if you're building a simple web app, create an index.html file.

Step 3: Let Copilot Assist You (30 Minutes)

1. Start writing code: Begin by typing a comment that describes what you want to do, like <!-- Create a simple web page with a header and a button -->.
2. Let Copilot suggest code: After typing your comment, you’ll see Copilot suggest code. Accept the suggestion by pressing Tab.
3. Iterate: Keep writing comments and let Copilot fill in the gaps. For example, you can write <!-- Add a button that says "Click me" --> and see what Copilot suggests.

Example Outputs

• Header code might look like this:

  <h1>Welcome to My Project</h1>
  

• Button code might look like this:

  <button>Click me</button>
  

Step 4: Test Your Code (15 Minutes)

1. Open your HTML file in a browser: Right-click the file in VS Code and select "Open with Live Server" (you may need to install the Live Server extension).
2. Interact with your web page: Click the button and see if it behaves as expected. If not, modify the code and let Copilot assist in troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Copilot suggests incorrect code: Sometimes the suggestions might not be what you need. Don't hesitate to modify the code manually.
• Errors in the browser: If your page doesn’t load correctly, check the Console in your browser’s Developer Tools for error messages. This can guide you to what needs fixing.

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve built your first project, consider expanding it. Here are some paths you might take:

• Add styles: Use CSS to style your web page.
• Implement JavaScript functionality: Make the button do something, like displaying an alert.
• Explore other projects: Use Copilot to help you build something more complex, like a to-do list app or a simple game.

Conclusion: Start Here

Using GitHub Copilot can significantly reduce the barrier to entry for coding projects. You can complete a simple project in 90 minutes with the right setup and guidance. If you’re a beginner or someone looking to get back into coding, Copilot is a powerful ally. Just remember, it’s a tool to assist you, not a replacement for learning the fundamentals.

What We Actually Use

For our projects, we rely heavily on GitHub Copilot for quick iterations and code suggestions, especially when trying out new technologies. The $10/month investment feels worth it for the time saved and the learning experience.