How to Use GitHub Copilot to Save 50% of Your Coding Time (2026)

As a solo founder or indie hacker, time is your most precious resource. If you're spending more time coding than you need to, it's time to consider how AI can help. GitHub Copilot is one of those tools that promises to cut your coding time in half. But does it actually deliver? In our experience, it can—if you know how to use it effectively.

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered code completion tool that suggests entire lines or blocks of code as you type. It’s like having a pair of extra hands at your keyboard, but it’s not magic. You’ll need to know how to guide it and understand its limitations.

Pricing Breakdown

• Free Tier: Limited features and usage.
• Pro Plan: $10/month, access to advanced features and unlimited usage.

For indie developers, the Pro Plan is a no-brainer if you're serious about maximizing your coding efficiency.

Prerequisites

Before diving into Copilot, make sure you have:

• A GitHub account (free to create).
• Visual Studio Code installed (also free).
• The GitHub Copilot extension installed in VS Code.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using GitHub Copilot

Step 1: Set Up GitHub Copilot

1. Install the Extension: Open Visual Studio Code, go to the Extensions tab, and search for "GitHub Copilot." Click "Install."
2. Sign In: After installation, sign in with your GitHub account.
3. Enable Copilot: Make sure Copilot is enabled in your settings.

Step 2: Start Coding

1. Create a New File: Start a new project or file in VS Code.
2. Write a Comment: Describe what you want to do. For example, // function to fetch user data.
3. Accept Suggestions: Copilot will suggest code. Press Tab to accept or Esc to dismiss.

Expected Outputs

When you write a comment, Copilot will generate the corresponding function. You might get complete functions, boilerplate code, or even tests based on your description.

Step 3: Iterate and Refine

1. Modify Suggestions: If Copilot's suggestion isn't perfect, tweak it as needed.
2. Ask for More: You can also write additional comments to get more specific suggestions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Irrelevant Suggestions: If Copilot suggests code that doesn’t fit, it may not have enough context. Try writing more detailed comments.
• Performance Lag: Sometimes, Copilot can lag in providing suggestions. A stable internet connection is essential.

What Could Go Wrong?

• Code Quality: Copilot isn’t perfect. Always review the generated code for bugs or inefficiencies.
• Over-reliance: Don't depend solely on Copilot; it’s a tool, not a replacement for your coding skills.

What’s Next?

Once you’re comfortable with Copilot, consider integrating it into your daily workflow. Use it for:

• Writing documentation.
• Creating tests.
• Rapidly prototyping new features.

What We Actually Use

In our tech stack, we primarily use GitHub Copilot alongside:

• Postman for API testing.
• Trello for project management.
• Slack for team communication.

This combination allows us to stay organized while speeding up our development process.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to save time and boost productivity, GitHub Copilot can help you cut your coding time by 50% or more—if you know how to use it. Start with the Pro Plan for full access, set it up in VS Code, and begin integrating it into your workflow.

Want to follow our journey as we test tools like Copilot and ship products weekly?