How to Use GitHub Copilot to Write Code 2x Faster

As a solo founder, there’s nothing more frustrating than staring at a blank screen, waiting for inspiration to strike. I’ve been there, and it often feels like time is slipping away while I try to remember how to implement a specific function or troubleshoot a bug. Enter GitHub Copilot, a tool that promises to supercharge your coding productivity by suggesting code snippets and even entire functions as you type. But does it really help you write code twice as fast? Let’s dive in.

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered code completion tool developed by GitHub and OpenAI. It integrates directly into your code editor and suggests lines of code based on the context of what you’re currently working on.

Pricing Breakdown

• Free Trial: 30 days
• Individual Plan: $10/month
• Business Plan: $19/month/user

Best for: Developers looking to speed up their coding process without diving deep into documentation.

Limitations: Copilot may not always understand the exact context, leading to irrelevant suggestions, and it requires an active internet connection to function.

Our take: We've used GitHub Copilot for various projects, and while it doesn't always get it right, it has significantly cut down on our development time, especially for boilerplate code.

Setting Up GitHub Copilot

Prerequisites

• An active GitHub account
• Visual Studio Code or another supported editor
• Basic understanding of coding principles

Time Estimate

You can finish the setup and start using GitHub Copilot in about 30 minutes.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Install GitHub Copilot:

   • Open Visual Studio Code.
   • Go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X).
   • Search for "GitHub Copilot" and click Install.

2. Sign in to GitHub:

   • After installation, you'll need to sign in with your GitHub account to activate Copilot.

3. Start Coding:

   • Open a new JavaScript, Python, or TypeScript file.
   • Begin typing a function or a comment describing what you want to do. For example, type // function to calculate factorial.

4. Accepting Suggestions:

   • GitHub Copilot will start suggesting code snippets. You can press Tab to accept a suggestion or keep typing for more options.

5. Refining Suggestions:

   • If the suggestion isn’t quite right, continue typing or use the arrow keys to cycle through alternatives.

Expected Outputs

You should see Copilot suggesting complete functions or blocks of code based on your initial input.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Irrelevant Suggestions:

   • If Copilot suggests something off-base, try rephrasing your initial comment or code context.

2. Performance Lag:

   • Ensure your internet connection is stable, as Copilot relies on cloud processing.

3. Code Quality:

   • Always review suggestions for security and efficiency, as the AI may not always produce optimal code.

What’s Next?

Once you’re comfortable with GitHub Copilot, consider exploring other AI coding tools to complement your workflow. Tools like Tabnine and Codeium can provide additional suggestions and insights, especially for different programming languages.

Comparison Table of AI Coding Tools

| Tool | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Verdict | |---------------|---------------------|----------------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot| Free Trial, $10/mo, $19/mo/user | Speeding up coding | Needs internet, context errors | Great for boilerplate code | | Tabnine | Free tier + $12/mo | Multi-language support | Less contextual than Copilot | Good for diverse projects | | Codeium | Free + $19/mo | Collaborative coding | Limited language support | Excellent for teams | | Sourcery | Free tier + $20/mo | Python-specific enhancements | Not multi-language | Best for Python devs | | Replit | Free + $7/mo | Instant coding environment | Limited functionality outside web | Fun for quick prototypes |

Conclusion

If you're looking to write code faster, GitHub Copilot is a strong contender. While it won’t replace your coding skills, it can cut down the time spent on repetitive tasks and boilerplate code. Start with the free trial, and see if it fits your workflow.

Start Here: Install GitHub Copilot and begin with simple projects to understand its strengths and limitations.