How to Use GitHub Copilot to Write Your First Python Application in 1 Hour

If you’re a solo founder or indie hacker, you know that time is often your most precious resource. Learning a new programming language or tool can feel daunting, especially when you’re trying to build something meaningful. Enter GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered coding assistant that can help you speed up the coding process. In this guide, I’ll show you how to use GitHub Copilot to write your first Python application in about an hour.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

• GitHub Account: You’ll need this to access Copilot.
• Visual Studio Code (VSCode): Download and install this code editor if you don’t have it.
• GitHub Copilot Subscription: As of May 2026, this costs $10/month or $100/year.
• Basic Understanding of Python: Familiarity with Python syntax will help, though Copilot can assist with code suggestions.

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment (10 Minutes)

1. Install VSCode: If you haven’t installed it yet, go to Visual Studio Code and download the latest version for your OS.
2. Install GitHub Copilot: Open VSCode, go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X), and search for "GitHub Copilot". Click "Install".
3. Sign In to GitHub: After installation, you’ll be prompted to sign in. Follow the on-screen instructions to link your GitHub account.

Step 2: Create Your First Python Application (30 Minutes)

Let’s build a simple "To-Do List" application.

1. Create a New File: Open VSCode and create a new file named todo.py.
2. Write a Function: Start by typing a comment about what you want to do. For example, type # Function to add a task to the to-do list.
3. Use Copilot Suggestions: Copilot will suggest code. Accept suggestions by pressing Tab. If you don’t like the suggestion, you can keep typing to get new options.

Example Code Snippet

# Function to add a task to the to-do list
def add_task(task):
    with open("todo.txt", "a") as f:
        f.write(task + "\n")

4. Continue Building: Add functions for removing a task, listing tasks, etc. Use comments to guide Copilot.

Step 3: Testing Your Application (15 Minutes)

1. Run Your Code: Open a terminal in VSCode (Ctrl+``) and run your application using python todo.py`.
2. Debugging: If you encounter issues, Copilot can help you troubleshoot. Ask it to suggest fixes by typing comments like # Fix this error.

Step 4: Final Touches and Commit (5 Minutes)

1. Commit Your Code: Once satisfied, open the Source Control panel in VSCode (Ctrl+Shift+G), stage your changes, and commit your code with a message like "Initial commit of To-Do List application".
2. Push to GitHub: If you’re using Git, push your changes to your GitHub repository.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Copilot Doesn’t Suggest Code: Make sure you’re connected to the internet and that your subscription is active.
• Python Errors: Common Python errors can occur. Use Copilot to suggest fixes or search for solutions online.
• VSCode Crashes: Restart VSCode and check for updates.

What’s Next: Building On This Foundation

Now that you’ve created a simple Python application, consider expanding its functionality. You could:

• Add a user interface using libraries like Tkinter or Flask.
• Implement a database to store tasks instead of a text file.
• Explore more advanced Python features with Copilot’s help.

Conclusion: Start Here

Using GitHub Copilot can significantly speed up your coding process, especially for beginners. In about an hour, you can create a functional Python application with real-world use. The key is to leverage Copilot’s suggestions smartly and iterate on your code.

What We Actually Use

While GitHub Copilot is a fantastic tool for rapid development, we also recommend checking out alternative tools like Replit for collaborative coding or PyCharm for more advanced features if you find yourself needing more than what Copilot offers.