How to Use GitHub Copilot to Improve Your Coding in 2 Hours

If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at a blank screen or struggled to remember the syntax for a specific function, you’re not alone. Even seasoned developers can hit walls when coding. In 2026, GitHub Copilot emerges as a powerful AI tool designed to assist you in writing code more efficiently. The best part? You can significantly improve your coding skills with just two hours of focused practice using it. Here’s how.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Getting Started

Before diving into GitHub Copilot, make sure you have the following:

• A GitHub Account: Sign up for free if you don’t have one.
• Visual Studio Code (VS Code): You can download it for free from the official website.
• GitHub Copilot Subscription: A paid subscription is required. As of April 2026, it costs $10/month or $100/year.

Step 1: Setting Up GitHub Copilot in VS Code (30 Minutes)

1. Install Visual Studio Code: Download and install VS Code if you haven't done so already.
2. Install the GitHub Copilot Extension:
   • Open VS Code.
   • Go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X).
   • Search for "GitHub Copilot" and click "Install".
3. Sign In to GitHub: After installation, sign in to your GitHub account to activate Copilot.

Expected output: You should see the Copilot logo in the bottom-right corner of VS Code indicating it’s active.

Step 2: Exploring Copilot’s Features (30 Minutes)

Now that Copilot is set up, let’s explore its features to see how it can assist you in real-time coding:

1. Code Suggestions: Start typing a function or comment, and Copilot will suggest completions. For example, type // function to calculate and see how it generates a full function.

2. Learning from Examples: Create a new file and type a prompt like // create a simple REST API. Watch how Copilot generates a boilerplate code structure.

3. Refactoring Code: Copy a block of code you’ve written, and ask Copilot to refactor it by adding a comment like // refactor this. It will suggest improvements.

Expected output: You should receive context-aware suggestions that can help you write code faster and learn best practices.

Step 3: Hands-On Practice with Coding Challenges (30 Minutes)

To truly benefit from GitHub Copilot, tackle some coding challenges. Here’s how:

1. Choose a Coding Platform: Use platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to find beginner-friendly problems.
2. Start Coding: As you write out your solution, let Copilot assist you. For example, when solving a sorting algorithm, type function quickSort and see how Copilot suggests the implementation.
3. Iterate and Improve: After you complete a challenge, ask Copilot for alternative solutions by typing // alternative solution.

Expected output: You’ll have multiple approaches to the same problem, enhancing your understanding of algorithms.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Inaccurate Suggestions: Sometimes, Copilot might suggest incorrect or inefficient code. Always review its suggestions critically.
• Limited Language Support: Copilot works best with popular languages like JavaScript, Python, and TypeScript. If you’re coding in a niche language, results may vary.

What's Next: Building a Project with Copilot

Once you feel comfortable with Copilot, consider building a small project. This could be a personal website or a simple application. Use Copilot to generate components, manage states, and even write tests. This will solidify your understanding and give you practical experience.

Conclusion: Start Here for Effective Coding Improvement

To sum it up, spending two hours with GitHub Copilot can dramatically enhance your coding skills. Follow the steps outlined, and you’ll not only improve your coding efficiency but also learn best practices along the way.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your time, focus on hands-on practice and don’t hesitate to challenge Copilot’s suggestions.

What We Actually Use

In our experience, we use GitHub Copilot primarily for rapid prototyping and learning new frameworks. While it’s not perfect and can sometimes miss the mark, it’s a valuable tool for speeding up our development process.