How to Use GitHub Copilot to Increase Your Coding Speed by 50% in 1 Month

As a builder, you know that time is money. When you're juggling multiple projects, every minute counts. That's where GitHub Copilot comes in. In 2026, this AI-powered coding assistant is more than just a novelty—it's a game-changer for anyone looking to boost their coding speed and efficiency. But can it really help you code faster by 50% in just one month? Spoiler alert: Yes, but only if you know how to use it effectively.

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI coding assistant developed by GitHub and OpenAI. It suggests entire lines of code or functions based on the context of what you're working on. It's like having a pair of extra hands that can help you write code faster, but it requires some setup and practice to get the most out of it.

• Pricing: $10/mo for individual developers (as of February 2026).
• Best for: Developers looking to speed up their workflow, especially in repetitive coding tasks.
• Limitations: It can sometimes suggest incorrect or insecure code, and it may not understand complex domain-specific languages.
• Our take: We've been using Copilot for about six months, and while it's not perfect, it's definitely boosted our productivity.

Getting Started: Prerequisites

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

1. A GitHub account.
2. Visual Studio Code (VS Code) installed.
3. GitHub Copilot extension installed in VS Code.
4. Basic knowledge of the programming language you'll be using (e.g., JavaScript, Python).

Step-by-Step Guide to Boost Your Coding Speed

1. Set Up GitHub Copilot

• Install the GitHub Copilot extension from the VS Code marketplace.
• Log in with your GitHub account and enable the extension.

2. Start with Simple Tasks

Begin by using Copilot for simple, repetitive tasks. For example, if you find yourself writing similar functions or boilerplate code, let Copilot handle that for you.

Expected Output: You should see Copilot suggesting code snippets as you type.

3. Leverage Contextual Suggestions

When coding, provide Copilot with enough context. Use comments or function names that clearly describe what you want to achieve. This helps Copilot generate more accurate suggestions.

Expected Output: Copilot should suggest more relevant code snippets that align with your intended functionality.

4. Review and Refine Suggestions

Don't accept every suggestion blindly. Always review the code Copilot generates. Sometimes it might suggest a more complex solution than you need.

Expected Output: A clean, efficient codebase that integrates Copilot's suggestions while maintaining your coding standards.

5. Use Copilot for Learning

If you're trying to learn a new framework or language, ask Copilot to help you understand how to implement certain features. This can effectively double as both coding and learning time.

Expected Output: Code examples that help you learn while you build.

6. Track Your Progress

Keep a log of how much faster you're coding with Copilot. Use simple metrics like lines of code written per hour or tasks completed per day.

Expected Output: A tangible increase in your coding speed, ideally tracking towards that 50% improvement.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

• What Could Go Wrong: Copilot may suggest outdated or insecure code.
• Solution: Always validate the suggestions against best practices and current documentation.

What We Actually Use

While GitHub Copilot is our primary tool for enhancing coding speed, we also rely on a few other tools to complement it:

| Tool | Pricing | Best for | Limitations | Our Verdict | |---------------------|----------------------|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo | Boosting coding speed | May suggest incorrect code | Essential for quick coding | | Prettier | Free | Code formatting | Limited to formatting, no logic | Keeps code clean and readable | | ESLint | Free | Code quality and linting | Requires configuration for best use | Helps catch errors early | | Postman | Free + paid tiers | API testing | Can be complex for simple requests | Great for testing APIs | | Slack | Free + paid tiers | Team communication | Free tier is limited in features | Essential for team collaboration | | Notion | Free + paid tiers | Documentation and notes | Can get expensive with more users | Useful for project management |

Conclusion: Start Here

If you're looking to increase your coding speed by 50% in one month, start with GitHub Copilot. Set it up, begin with simple tasks, and leverage its suggestions while maintaining a critical eye. Track your progress and adjust your strategy as needed.

With consistent use and practice, you'll find that Copilot not only speeds up your workflow but also enhances your learning and coding skills.