How to Use GitHub Copilot to Write Your First 5 Scripts

If you're a beginner diving into coding, the prospect of writing your first scripts can feel daunting. But what if I told you that there’s a tool that can help you write code faster and more efficiently? Enter GitHub Copilot. This AI-powered coding assistant can help you generate code snippets, suggest functions, and even debug your scripts. In this guide, I’m going to walk you through how to use GitHub Copilot to write your first five scripts, so you can get started on your coding journey in 2026.

Time Estimate and Prerequisites

You can finish this entire process in about 2-3 hours, depending on your familiarity with coding concepts. Before you start, make sure you have:

• A GitHub account (Free tier available)
• Visual Studio Code installed (Free)
• GitHub Copilot subscription (Pricing: $10/month for individuals, $19/month for businesses)

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your First 5 Scripts

1. Setting Up GitHub Copilot

To use GitHub Copilot, you first need to install the extension 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.
3. Search for “GitHub Copilot” and click "Install."
4. Sign in to your GitHub account and authorize Copilot.

2. Writing Your First Script: Hello World

Let’s start simple. Open a new file and type the following comment:

// Create a simple Hello World script in JavaScript

Now, hit the “Tab” key or “Enter” after the comment. GitHub Copilot will suggest a “Hello World” script. Accept the suggestion, and you’ll have your first script ready!

3. Writing a Basic Calculator

Next, let’s create a basic calculator that adds two numbers. Type this comment:

// Create a simple calculator function that adds two numbers

Again, hit “Tab” or “Enter” to see Copilot’s suggestion. You should have a function that looks something like this:

function add(a, b) {
    return a + b;
}

4. Writing a Script to Fetch Data from an API

Now, let’s make a script that fetches data from a public API. Type:

// Fetch data from a public API and log the response

After hitting “Tab,” you should see a suggestion that includes a fetch request. It might look like this:

fetch('https://api.example.com/data')
    .then(response => response.json())
    .then(data => console.log(data));

5. Writing a Script to Iterate Over an Array

Next, let’s create a script that iterates over an array and logs each item. Type:

// Iterate over an array and log each item

Copilot should suggest a loop that looks like this:

const items = ['item1', 'item2', 'item3'];
items.forEach(item => {
    console.log(item);
});

6. Writing a Script to Handle Errors

Finally, let’s write a script that handles errors when fetching data from an API. Type:

// Fetch data from an API with error handling

Copilot will suggest a structure that includes error handling, similar to:

fetch('https://api.example.com/data')
    .then(response => {
        if (!response.ok) {
            throw new Error('Network response was not ok');
        }
        return response.json();
    })
    .then(data => console.log(data))
    .catch(error => console.error('Fetch error:', error));

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Copilot Isn't Suggesting Code: Ensure that you're connected to the internet and logged into GitHub. Sometimes, restarting Visual Studio Code can help too.
• Suggestions Aren't Relevant: If you find that Copilot is consistently missing the mark, try rephrasing your comments or providing more context.

What's Next?

Now that you’ve created your first five scripts, consider exploring more complex projects. You can start building small applications or even contribute to open-source projects on GitHub.

Conclusion

GitHub Copilot can be a game-changer for beginners looking to write scripts quickly and efficiently. By following this guide, you should have a solid foundation for writing your own scripts. If you're just starting, I recommend experimenting with these scripts and gradually increasing their complexity.

Start here: Get your GitHub account set up and install Visual Studio Code. Then, dive in and start creating!