How to Use GitHub Copilot to Speed Up Your Development in 3 Easy Steps

As a solo founder or indie hacker, time is often your most valuable resource. You want to ship quickly, iterate, and keep your overhead low. Enter GitHub Copilot, a tool that promises to enhance your coding efficiency by suggesting code snippets, functions, and even entire algorithms as you type. But how do you actually leverage it effectively? In this guide, I’ll walk you through three straightforward steps to integrate GitHub Copilot into your workflow and get the most out of it.

Step 1: Setting Up GitHub Copilot

Time Estimate: 15 minutes

Prerequisites:

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

You can get started with GitHub Copilot by installing the VS Code extension. Here’s how:

1. Open VS Code and navigate to the Extensions view by clicking on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side.
2. Search for "GitHub Copilot" and install the extension.
3. Once installed, you may need to log in with your GitHub account to activate it.

Expected Output: After setup, you’ll see Copilot suggestions as you start typing code. For example, if you start writing a function, suggestions will pop up that you can accept with the Tab key.

Step 2: Writing Code with Copilot

Time Estimate: Variable (depends on the complexity of your task)

Now that you have Copilot set up, let's see how to use it effectively while writing code.

1. Start Typing: Begin writing a function or a comment about what you want to accomplish. For instance, typing // Function to fetch user data could prompt Copilot to suggest a complete function.
2. Review Suggestions: Copilot will present suggestions in a dropdown. You can cycle through these suggestions using the arrow keys. Choose the one that best fits your needs.
3. Modify as Needed: Remember that Copilot is not perfect. You may need to tweak the code it suggests to fit your specific context.

Expected Output: A fully fleshed-out function that requires minimal adjustments. In our experience, this can save you anywhere from 30% to 50% of your coding time, especially for repetitive tasks.

Step 3: Troubleshooting and Fine-Tuning

Time Estimate: 30 minutes

No tool is without limitations, and GitHub Copilot has its quirks. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues:

1. Inaccurate Suggestions: If Copilot suggests code that doesn’t work or isn’t efficient, try being more specific in your comments or initial code. For example, instead of // Calculate sum, use // Calculate sum of an array of integers.
2. Performance Lag: If you notice lag in suggestions, ensure your internet connection is stable. GitHub Copilot relies on cloud processing, so a slow connection can impact performance.
3. Feedback Loop: You can also provide feedback on suggestions to help improve future outputs. If a suggestion is useful, accept it. If not, reject it to help train the AI.

Expected Output: A smoother coding experience with fewer interruptions and more accurate outputs over time, as the tool learns from your feedback.

What We Actually Use

In our development process, we use GitHub Copilot primarily for writing boilerplate code and functions that involve repetitive logic. It’s not a replacement for deep algorithmic thinking but helps us get the groundwork laid out quickly. For instance, when we built our latest MVP, Copilot helped us implement user authentication features in a fraction of the time it would typically take.

Conclusion: Start Here

If you’re looking to enhance your coding efficiency, GitHub Copilot is a powerful tool to consider. Start by setting it up in VS Code, practice writing code with its suggestions, and fine-tune your usage based on its limitations. By following these three steps, you’ll be able to speed up your development process significantly.

Remember, while Copilot can be a great aid, it’s not infallible. Always review the code it generates, and don’t hesitate to adjust it as needed.