How to Use GitHub Copilot to Improve Your Code Reviews in 30 Minutes

In the fast-paced world of coding, code reviews can often feel like a necessary evil. They take time, require attention to detail, and can sometimes lead to friction among team members. But what if I told you that you could streamline this process with GitHub Copilot? This AI-powered coding assistant can help you spot issues, suggest improvements, and even enhance communication during reviews. In this post, I’ll show you how to make the most of GitHub Copilot in just 30 minutes.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

• A GitHub account (Free or Pro)
• Access to a code repository (public or private)
• GitHub Copilot enabled (subscription costs $10/month)
• Basic understanding of Git and code review processes

Step 1: Set Up GitHub Copilot

First things first, you need to enable GitHub Copilot in your development environment. Here’s how:

1. Install the GitHub Copilot plugin in your IDE (like Visual Studio Code).
2. Sign in with your GitHub account and authorize Copilot access.
3. Open a code file from your repository.

Expected Output: Once enabled, you should see Copilot suggestions appear as you type.

Step 2: Start Your Code Review

Now that you have GitHub Copilot set up, it’s time to kick off your code review. Here’s how to leverage Copilot effectively:

1. Navigate to the Pull Request you want to review.
2. Use Copilot to generate comments on the code by typing specific prompts. For example:
   • “What are the potential bugs in this function?”
   • “Suggest improvements for this code block.”
3. Review the suggestions provided by Copilot and incorporate them into your feedback.

Expected Output: A more thorough and constructive code review, highlighting areas for improvement.

Step 3: Automate Documentation Improvements

Good documentation is crucial for any codebase. GitHub Copilot can help you enhance documentation during your code review by:

1. Identifying areas lacking comments or explanations.
2. Generating suggested comments based on the function or method.
3. Encouraging consistent documentation practices across your team.

Expected Output: Improved documentation with clear comments and explanations.

Step 4: Collaborate with Your Team

Effective code reviews are not just about identifying issues but also about fostering communication. Use GitHub Copilot to facilitate discussions by:

1. Summarizing complex code logic in simpler terms.
2. Creating a list of questions or concerns that can be discussed in the review meeting.
3. Encouraging team members to use Copilot for their own reviews, creating a collaborative environment.

Expected Output: A more engaged team with clearer communication during reviews.

What Could Go Wrong

While GitHub Copilot is a powerful tool, it’s not infallible. Here are some limitations to be aware of:

• Context Limitations: Copilot may not always understand the full context of your code, leading to irrelevant suggestions.
• Dependence on AI: Relying too heavily on Copilot can hinder your own critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Cost: At $10/month, it’s an added expense that might not fit every budget, especially for solo founders or indie hackers.

What's Next: Continuous Improvement

After your initial code review, consider these steps for ongoing improvement:

• Regularly assess Copilot's effectiveness in your reviews.
• Encourage feedback from your team on how Copilot is impacting their review process.
• Explore other tools that can complement Copilot, such as static analysis tools or linters.

Conclusion: Start Here

If you’re looking to improve your code reviews and save time, GitHub Copilot is a practical solution worth trying. In just 30 minutes, you can set it up and start reaping the benefits. Remember to balance AI assistance with your own expertise to maintain a high-quality review process.

What We Actually Use: We use GitHub Copilot in our code reviews and have found it particularly helpful for generating comments and suggesting improvements. While it’s not perfect, it significantly speeds up the review process.