How to Use GitHub Copilot to Code Your First App in 2 Hours

If you're a beginner looking to dip your toes into app development, GitHub Copilot can feel like magic. But let's be real: learning to code can be daunting. You might wonder, "Can I really build something functional in just two hours?" The answer is yes, and I'll show you how. In 2026, with tools like Copilot at our disposal, the barriers to entry are lower than ever.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

1. GitHub Account: Create a free account if you don’t have one.
2. Visual Studio Code: Download and install this code editor.
3. GitHub Copilot Subscription: Copilot costs $10/month for individuals, and you can try it for free for 30 days.
4. Basic Understanding of JavaScript: Familiarity with the basics will help, but you can learn as you go.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Environment

1. Install Visual Studio Code: Follow the installation instructions on the official website.
2. Install GitHub Copilot:
   • Open Visual Studio Code.
   • Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X).
   • Search for "GitHub Copilot" and click "Install."
3. Log into GitHub: You’ll need to authenticate your GitHub account within VS Code.

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

Step 2: Start Your First Project

1. Create a New Project Folder: Make a folder on your computer for your app.
2. Open the Folder in VS Code: Drag the folder into the editor or use File > Open Folder.
3. Create a New File: Name it app.js for your JavaScript code.

Step 3: Using GitHub Copilot to Code

With Copilot installed, you can start coding. Here’s how to leverage it effectively:

1. Define Your App's Purpose: For example, let’s build a simple to-do list app.

2. Start Writing Comments: You can type comments in your code to guide Copilot. For example:

   // Create a function to add a new task
   

   Copilot will suggest a function to implement this.

3. Accepting Suggestions: If Copilot suggests a line of code you like, press Tab to accept it. You can tweak the generated code as needed.

Step 4: Building the App

Continue building your app by defining more functions. Here’s a brief outline of what you might create:

• Add Task: A function to add tasks to your list.
• Remove Task: A function to delete tasks.
• Display Tasks: A function to render the tasks on your webpage.

Expected Output: By following these steps, you should have a functional to-do list app by now.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Suggestions Don’t Fit: Sometimes Copilot's suggestions might not fit your needs. Don't hesitate to edit or reject suggestions.
• Errors in Code: If your app doesn’t run, check the console for errors. Common issues might include syntax errors or missing function calls.

What's Next: Expanding Your App

Once you have the basic app working, consider adding features like:

• Task Prioritization: Allow users to mark tasks as high priority.
• Persistent Storage: Use local storage to save tasks even after refreshing the page.
• Styling: Use CSS to make your app visually appealing.

Conclusion: Start Here

Using GitHub Copilot, you can build your first app in just two hours. Remember, the key is to start simple and iterate. Don’t be afraid to experiment with Copilot; it’s there to help you learn as you code.

If you’re eager to see how we use tools like Copilot in our projects, check out our podcast, where we share our building journey and lessons learned.