How to Use GitHub Copilot to Write Code 5x Faster

If you’re a developer, you’ve likely found yourself stuck in the weeds of writing boilerplate code, debugging, or simply trying to recall syntax for libraries you haven’t used in a while. What if I told you that there's a way to write code significantly faster without sacrificing quality? Enter GitHub Copilot—an AI-powered coding assistant that can help you crank out code at an impressive speed. In this article, I'll break down how to effectively use GitHub Copilot to boost your productivity, based on our real experiences using it in 2026.

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI-driven coding assistant developed by GitHub in partnership with OpenAI. It suggests whole lines or blocks of code as you type, based on the context of your current project.

• Pricing: $10/month per user, or $100/year.
• Best for: Developers looking to speed up coding tasks or those needing help with unfamiliar languages.
• Limitations: It can sometimes suggest incorrect or insecure code, and it’s not always aware of the latest libraries or practices.

Prerequisites: Getting Started with Copilot

Before diving in, here’s what you need to set up:

1. GitHub Account: You’ll need a GitHub account to access Copilot.
2. Visual Studio Code: Copilot integrates seamlessly with VS Code, so ensure you have it installed.
3. Copilot Subscription: Sign up for a subscription on GitHub.

Once you have these, you can install the GitHub Copilot extension in VS Code.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using GitHub Copilot

1. Install GitHub Copilot

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

2. Configure Your Environment

• Open a project or create a new file in a programming language you want to work with.
• Ensure you have a stable internet connection, as Copilot relies on cloud processing.

3. Start Coding with Suggestions

• As you begin typing, Copilot will suggest code snippets.
• Use the Tab key to accept a suggestion or Esc to dismiss it.
• You can also type comments to guide Copilot. For example, writing // function to calculate Fibonacci will prompt it to generate that function.

4. Experiment with Different Languages

• Copilot supports a variety of languages including Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, and Go. Try switching languages to see how it adapts.

5. Review and Edit Suggestions

• Always review the code suggestions. Copilot can generate incorrect or inefficient code. Make sure to test everything thoroughly.

6. Use Contextual Comments

• Adding comments before writing code helps Copilot understand your intent better. This can lead to more relevant suggestions.

Expected Outputs

When used effectively, you can expect to:

• Reduce boilerplate code writing by up to 80%.
• Improve your coding speed significantly, reaching up to 5x faster in certain cases.
• Enhance learning by seeing how Copilot tackles unfamiliar coding problems.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Inaccurate Suggestions: If Copilot suggests code that doesn’t make sense, try providing more context in your comments.
• Sluggish Performance: Ensure your internet connection is stable and check for any updates in VS Code or the Copilot extension.

What’s Next?

Once you’re comfortable with GitHub Copilot, consider exploring other AI coding tools to complement your workflow. Here’s a quick comparison of some popular AI coding assistants as of February 2026:

| Tool | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Verdict | |---------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | $10/month | General coding assistance | May suggest insecure code | Best for general use | | Tabnine | $12/month | Autocompletion across multiple languages | Limited language support | Good for specific languages | | Codeium | Free tier + $19/month | Collaborative coding | Less mature than others | Great for teams | | Replit | Free + $20/month (pro) | Online collaborative coding | Limited offline capabilities | Best for remote teams | | Sourcery | Free, $12/month for pro | Python code improvement | Limited to Python | Best for Python devs |

Conclusion: Start Here

If you want to boost your coding speed and efficiency, start with GitHub Copilot. It’s not a silver bullet, but when used correctly, it can significantly enhance your productivity. Remember to review its suggestions critically and use contextual comments to get the most out of it.

Our recommendation? Dive into GitHub Copilot first, and then explore other tools as needed.