How to Use GitHub Copilot to Write Your First App in Under 2 Hours

If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen, wondering how to turn your app idea into reality, you’re not alone. As indie hackers and solo founders, we often face the daunting task of coding from scratch. But what if I told you that you could create your first app in under two hours with the help of GitHub Copilot? In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process, share my experiences, and highlight the limitations.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start

Before diving in, ensure you have the following:

1. A GitHub Account: You’ll need this to access GitHub Copilot.
2. Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Download and install VS Code if you haven’t already.
3. GitHub Copilot Subscription: It costs $10/month or $100/year. There’s a free trial available, so you can start without commitment.
4. Basic Understanding of JavaScript: Familiarity with JavaScript will help you make the most of Copilot's suggestions.

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment (15 Minutes)

1. Install VS Code: If you haven’t already, download and install Visual Studio Code.
2. Install GitHub Copilot: Go to the Extensions tab in VS Code and search for "GitHub Copilot." Click "Install."
3. Create a New Project: Open a new folder in VS Code. Create a new file named app.js.

Step 2: Write Your First Function (20 Minutes)

Now, let’s write a simple function. For example, if you're building a to-do list app, start with a function to add a task.

1. In app.js, type function addTask(task) { and hit Enter. Copilot will suggest the rest of the function.
2. Accept the suggestion or modify it as needed.

Expected output:

function addTask(task) {
    // Code to add task
}

Step 3: Expand Your App (30 Minutes)

Continue building your app by adding more functionalities like displaying tasks and removing tasks. Here’s how:

1. Ask Copilot for a function to display tasks by typing function displayTasks() { and hitting Enter.
2. Review and adjust the generated code as necessary.

Expected output:

function displayTasks() {
    // Code to display tasks
}

Step 4: Test Your App (30 Minutes)

Once you have your basic functions, it’s time to test them.

1. Create a simple HTML file to interact with your JavaScript functions.
2. Open the browser and check if the app works as expected.

Expected output: Your app should be able to add and display tasks without errors.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

1. Syntax Errors: If you see red underlines in your code, hover over them to see suggestions.
2. Logic Errors: Test each function individually to ensure they work as intended.
3. Copilot Suggestions: Sometimes, Copilot may suggest code that doesn’t fit your use case. Don’t hesitate to modify it.

What’s Next: Building On Your Foundation

Congratulations! You’ve built a simple app in under two hours. From here, consider the following steps to enhance your app:

• Add CSS for Styling: Use frameworks like Tailwind CSS or Bootstrap.
• Deploy Your App: Try platforms like Vercel or Netlify for free hosting.
• Iterate Based on User Feedback: Share your app with friends or fellow builders for feedback.

Conclusion: Start Here

Using GitHub Copilot can significantly speed up your development process, especially if you’re just starting. While it won’t write your entire app for you, it can provide valuable suggestions and save you time. If you’re ready to jump in, set up your environment, and start coding.

What We Actually Use

In our experience, we rely on GitHub Copilot for initial code generation but always double-check and refine the output. It’s a powerful assistant, but it’s not foolproof.