How to Use GitHub Copilot to Write Your First Code in 30 Minutes

Getting into coding can feel overwhelming, especially for beginners. You might be thinking: “How do I even start?” If you’re like many indie hackers or side project builders, you want something that helps you code without having to dive into the deep end of programming languages right away. Enter GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered coding assistant that can help you write code quickly. In this guide, I’ll show you how to leverage GitHub Copilot to write your first piece of code in just 30 minutes.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before we jump in, ensure you have the following:

• A GitHub account (free)
• Visual Studio Code (VS Code) installed on your computer
• GitHub Copilot subscription ($10/month after a 30-day free trial)

Step 1: Set Up Visual Studio Code and GitHub Copilot

1. Install Visual Studio Code: Download and install VS Code from here.

2. Sign in to GitHub: Open VS Code and sign in with your GitHub account.

3. Install the GitHub Copilot Extension:

   • Go to the Extensions view in VS Code (Ctrl+Shift+X).
   • Search for "GitHub Copilot" and click "Install".

4. Activate Your Copilot Subscription: If you haven’t already, activate your GitHub Copilot subscription. You’ll need to provide payment details after your free trial.

Step 2: Create Your First Project

1. Create a New Folder: Create a new folder on your computer for your project.

2. Open the Folder in VS Code: Drag and drop the folder into VS Code or use the "Open Folder" option.

3. Create a New File: In your project folder, create a new file named hello.js (if you’re using JavaScript).

Step 3: Start Writing Code with GitHub Copilot

1. Write a Comment: Start by typing a comment describing what you want to do. For example:

   // A function that greets the user
   

2. Let Copilot Suggest Code: As you type, you’ll notice Copilot suggesting code snippets. Press Tab to accept a suggestion or keep typing to see more options.

3. Write Your First Function: Here’s an example of what you might end up with:

   function greetUser(name) {
       return `Hello, ${name}!`;
   }
   

4. Test Your Code: You can add a call to this function:

   console.log(greetUser('World'));
   

5. Run Your Code: Open the terminal in VS Code (Ctrl+), type node hello.js, and hit Enter. You should see Hello, World!` printed in the console.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Copilot Doesn’t Suggest Anything: Make sure you are signed in to GitHub and the extension is enabled.
• Syntax Errors: If you encounter errors, check the syntax carefully. Copilot can make mistakes, especially if the initial comment is vague.

What's Next: Building on Your Skills

Now that you’ve written your first piece of code, consider the following next steps:

• Explore Other Languages: Try writing code in Python or Ruby using similar comments.
• Learn the Basics of JavaScript: Use resources like MDN Web Docs to get a better grasp of JavaScript fundamentals.
• Build a Small Project: Create a simple web app using your newfound skills.

Conclusion: Start Here

Using GitHub Copilot can dramatically reduce the barrier to entry for coding. In just 30 minutes, you can go from zero to writing your first function. This tool is particularly useful for indie hackers and side project builders who need to prototype quickly without getting bogged down in syntax.

If you’re looking to explore coding further, start with GitHub Copilot and follow the steps outlined above. Don’t forget to actively learn the underlying concepts as you build.