How to Use GitHub Copilot to Boost Your Productivity by 50% in 2 Weeks

If you're a solo founder, indie hacker, or just someone building side projects, you know that coding can be a time sink. You might spend hours debugging, searching for documentation, or figuring out how to implement a feature. What if I told you that using GitHub Copilot could boost your coding productivity by 50% in just two weeks? It sounds bold, but I’m here to break down how to make it happen.

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered code completion tool that suggests entire lines or blocks of code as you type. It's like having a pair of extra hands that can help you write code faster and more efficiently. However, it’s not a magic wand; it has its limitations, and knowing how to leverage it is key.

Pricing Breakdown

• Free: Limited use (trial for individuals)
• $10/month: Individual subscription
• $19/month: Business subscription (includes team features)

In our experience, the individual subscription is sufficient for most indie hackers and solo founders.

Prerequisites for Getting Started

Before diving in, here’s what you’ll need:

1. A GitHub account (free).
2. Visual Studio Code (VS Code) installed.
3. GitHub Copilot extension installed in VS Code.
4. A project to work on (preferably something you’re already familiar with).

Step-by-Step Guide to Boosting Productivity with GitHub Copilot

Step 1: Set Up GitHub Copilot

1. Install the GitHub Copilot extension from the VS Code marketplace.
2. Sign in with your GitHub account to activate the extension.

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Suggested Completions

Start typing code in your project. GitHub Copilot will suggest completions. Press Tab to accept a suggestion or Esc to dismiss it. Spend about 30 minutes just experimenting with different types of code to see how Copilot responds.

Step 3: Use Comments to Guide Copilot

When you write comments about what you want to achieve, Copilot often generates better code. For example, writing // function to calculate the sum of two numbers can lead to a more accurate suggestion.

Step 4: Review and Refactor

Copilot is not perfect. Always review the generated code for accuracy and optimization. In our experience, it’s best to use Copilot as a starting point and refine the output.

Step 5: Set Daily Goals

Incorporate Copilot into your daily coding routine. Aim to complete a specific number of tasks or features each day. Track your progress to see how your speed improves over the two weeks.

Expected Outputs

After two weeks, you should see a noticeable increase in your coding speed. Track metrics like the number of features completed or lines of code written to quantify your productivity boost.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Inaccurate Suggestions: If Copilot suggests incorrect code, try rewriting your comment or providing more context.
• Performance Lag: Ensure your internet connection is stable, as Copilot relies on cloud processing.
• Over-Reliance: Avoid relying solely on Copilot; use it to augment your coding, not replace your understanding.

What’s Next?

Once you’ve integrated Copilot into your workflow and seen productivity improvements, consider exploring additional tools that can further enhance your coding experience. Tools like Linting, Debugging, and Project Management can complement your use of Copilot.

Conclusion: Start Here

To kickstart your journey with GitHub Copilot, start by setting up your environment today. Spend a few hours familiarizing yourself with the tool, then commit to using it daily for two weeks. Track your progress and adjust your approach as necessary. You might just find that your productivity doubles.

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What We Actually Use:

• We primarily use GitHub Copilot for rapid prototyping and feature implementation. It speeds up our workflow significantly, especially when we’re under tight deadlines.