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

If you're a beginner looking to dive into Python programming, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information out there. You want to build something tangible, but where do you even start? Enter GitHub Copilot: a tool that can significantly speed up your coding process. In this guide, I’ll show you how to leverage GitHub Copilot to write your first Python program in just one hour.

Prerequisites: What You’ll Need

Before we dive in, make sure you have the following:

• GitHub Account: You’ll need this to access GitHub Copilot.
• Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Install this code editor if you haven't already.
• GitHub Copilot Subscription: As of 2026, it costs $10/month, but there's a free trial available for new users.
• Basic Understanding of Python: Familiarity with variables and functions will be beneficial but not mandatory.

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment (10 Minutes)

1. Install Visual Studio Code: Download and install VS Code from here.
2. Install the GitHub Copilot Extension:
   • Open VS Code.
   • Go to the Extensions view by clicking on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar.
   • Search for "GitHub Copilot" and install it.
3. Sign in to GitHub: Follow the prompts to authenticate your GitHub account.

Expected Output

After this step, you should have VS Code set up with GitHub Copilot enabled, ready for coding.

Step 2: Start Your First Python Project (15 Minutes)

1. Create a New Python File:

   • Open VS Code.
   • Create a new file named hello_world.py.

2. Write Your First Function:

   • Start by typing a comment like # This function prints 'Hello, World!'.
   • As you type, GitHub Copilot will suggest completions. Accept the suggestion by pressing Tab.

Expected Output

You should see a simple function that prints "Hello, World!" when executed.

Step 3: Enhance Your Program (25 Minutes)

1. Add User Input:

   • Type # Function to greet user.
   • Start typing def greet_user(name): and wait for Copilot's suggestions.
   • Accept the completion to create a function that greets the user.

2. Integrate User Input:

   • Add a line to take user input using input().
   • Use Copilot to suggest how to call your greet_user function with the user's name.

Expected Output

Your program should now greet the user by name after printing "Hello, World!".

Step 4: Test Your Program (5 Minutes)

1. Run the Program:
   • Open a terminal in VS Code.
   • Type python hello_world.py and hit enter.
2. Check Outputs:
   • Ensure you see "Hello, World!" followed by a greeting with your name.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues:

• Check your Python installation: ensure Python is installed and added to your PATH.
• Make sure your script is saved before running it.

Step 5: What’s Next? (5 Minutes)

• Explore More Features: Try modifying your program to include more functionalities, like loops or conditionals.
• Learn Python Basics: Use resources like Automate the Boring Stuff with Python for further learning.
• Build More Projects: Start building small projects to solidify your knowledge.

Conclusion: Start Here

Using GitHub Copilot can dramatically reduce the time it takes to write your first Python program. With just an hour of focused work, you can create a simple yet functional application.

If you want to take it further, explore the capabilities of Copilot for more complex projects.

What We Actually Use

For our projects, we heavily rely on GitHub Copilot for rapid prototyping, especially when tackling unfamiliar code. It’s a solid investment for anyone serious about coding.