How to Use GitHub Copilot to Increase Your Coding Efficiency in 30 Minutes

As a solo founder or indie hacker, time is your most valuable resource. You don't have hours to spend on every coding task, but you need to get things done quickly and efficiently. GitHub Copilot, which leverages AI to assist with code suggestions, can help you code faster and reduce the mental overhead that comes with programming. In this guide, I’ll show you how to set up and use GitHub Copilot effectively in just 30 minutes.

Prerequisites: Get Ready to Code

Before we dive in, make sure you have:

• A GitHub account (Free)
• Visual Studio Code installed (Free)
• GitHub Copilot subscription ($10/month or $100/year)

Setting Up GitHub Copilot

1. Install Visual Studio Code: If you haven't already, download and install Visual Studio Code.
2. Install the GitHub Copilot extension: Open Visual Studio Code, go to Extensions (or press Ctrl+Shift+X), and search for "GitHub Copilot". Click "Install".
3. Sign in to GitHub: After installation, you'll be prompted to sign in to your GitHub account. Follow the on-screen instructions to authenticate.
4. Activate Copilot: Once signed in, you can activate Copilot by starting a new file or opening an existing one.

Using GitHub Copilot Effectively

Now that you’re set up, let’s explore how to maximize your coding efficiency with Copilot.

1. Start with Comments

GitHub Copilot works best when you provide context. Start writing a comment that describes what you want to achieve. For example:

// Function to calculate the factorial of a number

Copilot will suggest code snippets based on your comment. This method saves time since you won’t have to write everything from scratch.

2. Use Tab Completion

As you type, Copilot will suggest completions. You can simply press Tab to accept the suggestion. This is particularly useful for repetitive tasks, like writing boilerplate code.

3. Experiment with Variations

If the initial suggestion isn't quite right, you can cycle through alternative suggestions by pressing Ctrl + ] (or Cmd + ] on Mac). This allows you to explore different coding approaches without having to think too hard.

4. Pair Programming with Copilot

Treat Copilot as a coding partner. If you’re stuck on a problem, describe it in comments and let Copilot suggest solutions. For example:

# Create a function that fetches user data from an API

You’ll often get a functional piece of code that you can refine.

5. Review and Refactor

While Copilot can boost your productivity, it’s important to review the code it generates. Not all suggestions will be optimal or secure. Make sure to test and refine the code to meet your standards.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• No Suggestions? If Copilot isn’t suggesting code, ensure your internet connection is stable and that you’re signed in.
• Quality of Suggestions: If suggestions are off-base, try providing clearer comments or context. Copilot relies heavily on the input you provide.

What’s Next?

Once you’ve integrated GitHub Copilot into your workflow, consider exploring its advanced features like code completion for tests or using it with different programming languages. This will further enhance your coding efficiency.

Conclusion: Start Here

To elevate your coding efficiency, start using GitHub Copilot today. Follow the setup instructions, practice with comments, and embrace it as your coding partner. In just 30 minutes, you can significantly speed up your development process.

What We Actually Use

In our experience, we’ve found that GitHub Copilot is an essential tool for quick prototyping and reducing the time spent on repetitive coding tasks. We use it alongside other tools like Postman for API testing and Figma for design, but Copilot remains our go-to for coding efficiency.