How to Use GitHub Copilot to Write Code in 15 Minutes

If you've ever stared at a blank screen wondering how to start your next coding project, you're not alone. As indie hackers and solo founders, we often juggle multiple roles, and the last thing we need is to get stuck in the weeds of coding. Enter GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered coding assistant that's designed to help you write code faster. In this guide, I'll show you how to get started with GitHub Copilot in just 15 minutes, so you can get back to building your project.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

1. GitHub Account: You’ll need an active GitHub account to use Copilot.
2. Visual Studio Code: Install VS Code if you haven’t already, as Copilot integrates directly with this editor.
3. GitHub Copilot Subscription: As of February 2026, Copilot costs $10/month after a free trial, which gives you a good chance to evaluate its capabilities.

Step 1: Install GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code

1. Open Visual Studio Code.
2. Go to the Extensions view by clicking on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side of the window.
3. Search for "GitHub Copilot" and click on the Install button.
4. Once installed, sign in with your GitHub account to activate it.

Expected Output: You should see a Copilot icon in the lower right corner of your VS Code window, indicating that it's ready to assist.

Step 2: Create a New Project

1. Create a new folder for your project and open it in VS Code.
2. Create a new file, for example, app.js if you’re coding in JavaScript.

Expected Output: A new file should be opened in your editor, ready for coding.

Step 3: Start Coding with GitHub Copilot

1. Begin typing a comment or function name to indicate what you want to do. For example, type // function to calculate the sum of two numbers.
2. Hit Enter or Tab, and Copilot will suggest code snippets based on your input.

Expected Output: Copilot will generate a function that calculates the sum of two numbers, which you can then modify as needed.

Tips for Effective Use

• Be Descriptive: The more context you provide in your comments, the better Copilot’s suggestions will be.
• Cycle Through Suggestions: If you don’t like the first suggestion, hit Ctrl + ] to see alternative options.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• No Suggestions Appearing: Ensure you’re connected to the internet and that Copilot is enabled in your settings.
• Unhelpful Suggestions: Sometimes the generated code may not fit your needs. Don’t hesitate to tweak it or write your own code.

What's Next: Level Up Your Coding Skills

Once you feel comfortable with the basics, explore more advanced features like:

• Refactoring Code: Ask Copilot to refactor existing functions for better performance.
• Testing: Use Copilot to generate unit tests for your code, which can save you time in the long run.

Conclusion: Start Here

GitHub Copilot can be a game-changer for indie hackers and solo founders looking to speed up their coding process. If you dedicate just 15 minutes to set it up and start using it, you'll find yourself writing code more efficiently. Just remember to keep your comments clear and descriptive for the best results.

What We Actually Use

In our experience, we’ve found that while Copilot is excellent for generating boilerplate code, it sometimes misses the mark on more complex logic. We often use it alongside traditional coding practices, treating it as a helpful assistant rather than a crutch.