How to Use GitHub Copilot to Write Code 5 Times Faster in 2026

As a solo founder or indie hacker, you know that time is your most precious resource. Writing code can be a slog, and if you’re not careful, it can eat up your entire day. Enter GitHub Copilot, the AI-powered coding assistant that promises to speed up your coding process significantly. But does it really deliver on that promise? In this guide, I’ll share how we’ve used GitHub Copilot to write code faster, along with practical tips and insights.

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered code completion tool that suggests entire lines or blocks of code as you type. Powered by OpenAI's Codex model, it learns from the context of your code and offers suggestions based on your coding style and intent.

Pricing Breakdown

• Free: Limited usage with basic features.
• $10/mo: Individual plan, full access with priority support.
• $19/mo: Team plan, includes collaboration features and admin controls.

Best For

• Solo Developers: Ideal for indie hackers looking to speed up their coding.
• Small Teams: Useful for teams that want to streamline their development process.

Limitations

• Context Limitations: Sometimes, it fails to understand complex context.
• Code Quality: Suggestions aren't always optimal; you still need to review the output.
• Dependency on Internet: Requires an active internet connection to fetch suggestions.

Getting Started: Prerequisites

Before diving in, here’s what you’ll need:

1. GitHub Account: Sign up for a free account if you don’t have one.
2. Visual Studio Code: Download and install VS Code, as Copilot integrates seamlessly with it.
3. GitHub Copilot Subscription: Choose a pricing plan that fits your needs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using GitHub Copilot

Step 1: Install GitHub Copilot

1. Open Visual Studio Code.
2. Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X).
3. Search for "GitHub Copilot" and click "Install."
4. Sign in with your GitHub account when prompted.

Step 2: Start Coding

1. Create a new file and start typing a comment describing the function you want to write. For example: // function to calculate the factorial of a number.
2. Wait for Copilot to suggest code. It will show a grayed-out suggestion that you can accept by pressing Tab.

Step 3: Review and Edit Suggestions

1. Once you accept a suggestion, review the code. If it’s not quite right, you can modify it or ask for another suggestion by typing Ctrl + Enter.
2. Use the inline suggestions to refine your code further.

Expected Outputs

If you followed these steps, you should have a functioning piece of code that you can use or further modify. For example, a simple factorial function should be ready for you to test.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Suggestion Quality: If Copilot isn’t suggesting useful code, try being more descriptive in your comments. The clearer you are, the better the suggestions.
• Performance Issues: If Copilot is slow, check your internet connection. A stable connection is crucial for optimal performance.

What’s Next?

Once you’ve mastered the basics, consider integrating GitHub Copilot into your regular workflow. You can also explore other AI tools to complement your development process. For instance, tools like Tabnine and Kite can offer additional suggestions based on different AI models.

Tools to Consider Alongside GitHub Copilot

| Tool Name | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |------------|-----------------------------|-------------------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo (individual) | Solo developers | Context limitations | We use this daily for quick suggestions. | | Tabnine | Free tier + $12/mo pro | Team collaboration | Limited to JavaScript and Python | Great for team coding, but not as versatile. | | Kite | Free, $19.90/mo for pro | Data scientists | Limited language support | We don’t use it because it lacks features for our stack. | | Sourcery | Free, $12/mo for pro | Python developers | Only for Python | Not ideal for our needs but useful for Python pros. | | Codeium | Free | Beginners | Basic features only | We tried it, but it didn’t meet our expectations. | | Replit | Free, $7/mo for pro | Collaborative coding | Limited offline capabilities | A good platform but not our primary choice. |

Conclusion: Start Here

If you’re looking to enhance your coding speed and efficiency, start with GitHub Copilot. It’s a powerful tool that can save you hours if you leverage it correctly. Focus on writing clear comments and reviewing suggestions to get the best results.

For a deeper dive into our building journey and the tools we use, check out the Built This Week podcast where we share our experiences and real-time updates.