How to Use GitHub Copilot to Increase Productivity in 30 Minutes

If you're a solo founder, indie hacker, or side project builder, you know that time is your most valuable resource. The coding tasks that could take hours can often be streamlined with the right tools. Enter GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered code completion tool that can help you write code faster and with fewer errors. In just 30 minutes, you can set up GitHub Copilot and start increasing your productivity significantly.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

• GitHub Account: You need an active GitHub account to use Copilot.
• Code Editor: Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is the most common choice, but Copilot works with other editors too.
• GitHub Copilot Subscription: Pricing is $10/month or $100/year, with a 30-day free trial available.
• Basic Coding Knowledge: Familiarity with the programming language you intend to use (e.g., JavaScript, Python) will help you make the most of Copilot.

Step 1: Setting Up GitHub Copilot

1. Install Visual Studio Code: If you don’t have it yet, download and install VS Code from here.

2. Install the GitHub Copilot Extension:

   • Open VS Code.
   • Go to Extensions (Ctrl + Shift + X).
   • Search for “GitHub Copilot” and install it.

3. Sign In: After installation, you’ll need to sign in using your GitHub account. Follow the prompts to authorize the extension.

4. Start Coding: Open a new file in your preferred programming language. Copilot will start suggesting code as you type.

Step 2: Getting the Most Out of Copilot

1. Use Natural Language Comments

Copilot excels at understanding context. By writing comments in plain English describing what you want to achieve, you can generate entire functions. For example, type // function to calculate factorial and watch as Copilot proposes a function.

2. Accept or Modify Suggestions

When Copilot suggests code, you can accept it by pressing Tab. If the suggestion isn’t quite right, you can modify it directly. This gives you flexibility while saving time.

3. Explore Alternative Suggestions

If you’re not satisfied with the initial suggestion, you can cycle through alternatives by pressing Alt + [. Copilot often has multiple ways to solve a problem, and this feature helps you explore the best fit.

4. Test and Iterate

Once you have some code generated, run the code to see if it works as expected. Don’t hesitate to ask Copilot for help again if you need to tweak the logic or add new features.

Step 3: Troubleshooting Common Issues

What Could Go Wrong

• Incorrect Suggestions: Sometimes Copilot generates code that doesn’t work or is suboptimal. Always review the suggestions critically.

• Performance Lag: If your VS Code is running slowly, consider disabling other extensions or checking your internet connection, as Copilot relies on server access.

Solutions

• For incorrect code, refine your comments or provide more context.
• Restart VS Code if you experience lag.

What's Next: Advanced Copilot Features

After you’re comfortable with the basics, consider exploring Copilot Labs, which offers advanced features like code explanation and test generation. These can further enhance your productivity by automating even more of your workflow.

Conclusion: Start Here to Boost Your Productivity

In just 30 minutes, you can set up GitHub Copilot and start leveraging its capabilities to speed up your coding tasks. The key is to use natural language comments and actively engage with the suggestions. Remember, while Copilot can significantly enhance your workflow, it’s not a replacement for your coding skills. Always review and test the code it generates.

What We Actually Use

At Built This Week, we rely heavily on GitHub Copilot for speeding up our development process, especially during the rapid prototyping phase. It’s a game changer for quickly generating boilerplate code, but we still double-check all outputs to ensure quality.