How to Use GitHub Copilot to Speed Up Your Coding in 60 Minutes

If you’re coding without a pair of virtual hands helping you, you’re missing out. GitHub Copilot is like having a co-pilot for your coding journey, but many developers aren’t tapping into its full potential. In 2026, with AI tools evolving rapidly, knowing how to leverage GitHub Copilot can save you hours of work. Let’s dive into how you can get started with Copilot and start speeding up your coding process in just 60 minutes.

Prerequisites for Getting Started

Before we jump into the setup and usage, here’s what you’ll need:

• A GitHub Account: If you don’t have one, sign up for free.
• Visual Studio Code: Download and install VS Code, as Copilot works as an extension in this popular editor.
• GitHub Copilot Subscription: As of April 2026, Copilot costs $10/month or $100/year. There’s a free trial available for 14 days.

Step-by-Step Setup of GitHub Copilot

Step 1: Install Visual Studio Code

1. Go to the Visual Studio Code website.
2. Download the installer for your operating system.
3. Follow the installation prompts to get it set up.

Step 2: Add GitHub Copilot Extension

1. Open Visual Studio Code.
2. Go to the Extensions view by clicking on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side.
3. Search for “GitHub Copilot” and click on the install button.

Step 3: Sign In to GitHub

1. After installation, you’ll see a prompt to sign in to your GitHub account.
2. Follow the authentication steps to link Copilot with your GitHub account.

Step 4: Start Coding

1. Open a new file or an existing project in VS Code.
2. Start typing your code. Copilot will automatically suggest code completions based on your input.
3. You can accept suggestions by pressing Tab or cycling through multiple suggestions using the arrow keys.

Step 5: Fine-Tuning Suggestions

• Use Comments: If you want Copilot to generate specific code, type a comment describing what you need. For example, // function to calculate the factorial of a number.
• Iterate on Suggestions: If the first suggestion isn’t what you want, keep typing or press Ctrl + Enter to get more options.

Expected Outputs

By the end of this setup, you should be able to see Copilot’s suggestions as you code, quickly generating functions, classes, or even entire modules based on your commands.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• No Suggestions Appearing: Ensure that you’re signed in to GitHub and that the extension is enabled in VS Code.
• Slow Performance: If Copilot is lagging, try restarting VS Code or checking your internet connection.
• Limited Context: If suggestions are off-mark, provide more context in your comments or previous lines of code.

What’s Next?

Once you’re comfortable with Copilot, consider exploring its advanced features:

• Pair Programming: Use Copilot to brainstorm solutions to complex problems by generating various coding approaches.
• Learning New Languages: If you’re venturing into a new programming language, let Copilot assist you in understanding syntax and common patterns.
• Integrate with Other Tools: Explore how Copilot works with GitHub Actions for CI/CD or other integrations within your development workflow.

Conclusion

To harness GitHub Copilot effectively, take just 60 minutes to set it up and start coding with it. It’s a game-changer for indie hackers and solo founders looking to speed up their development process without compromising quality.

Start here: Follow the steps above to get GitHub Copilot up and running, and watch your coding productivity soar.