How to Use GitHub Copilot to Write Your First Python Script in 2026

If you're a beginner looking to dive into coding, you might feel overwhelmed by the amount of information out there. Learning Python is a fantastic choice, but getting started can be tricky. That's where GitHub Copilot comes in. This AI-powered coding assistant can help you write your first Python script in just a couple of hours. Let's break it down into manageable steps so you can get coding without the frustration.

Time Estimate: 2 Hours

You can finish this entire process in about 2 hours if you follow along step-by-step.

Prerequisites

Before we dive in, here’s what you need:

• A GitHub account (free)
• Visual Studio Code (VS Code) installed (free)
• GitHub Copilot extension installed in VS Code (free trial, then $10/month)
• Basic understanding of what Python is (don't worry, we’ll cover the essentials)

Step 1: Setting Up Your Environment

1. Create a GitHub Account: If you don’t have one, head over to GitHub and create a free account.
2. Install Visual Studio Code: Download and install VS Code from here.
3. Install GitHub Copilot:
   • Open VS Code.
   • Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X).
   • Search for “GitHub Copilot” and click install.
4. Sign in to GitHub: After installation, you’ll be prompted to sign in to your GitHub account to activate Copilot.

Step 2: Start Your First Python Script

1. Create a New File: Open VS Code and create a new file named hello_world.py.
2. Write Your First Line of Code: Type print("Hello, World!") and save the file. This is the classic first script every coder writes.
3. Use GitHub Copilot: Start typing a comment above your print statement, like # Function to greet the user. Copilot will suggest code snippets based on your comment. Accept the suggestion by pressing Tab.

Expected output will be a simple function that greets users.

Step 3: Expanding Your Script with Copilot

Now, let’s make it a little more interactive. You can create a simple function that asks for user input.

1. Add Input Functionality:

   • Type # Function to ask user for their name above your code.
   • Copilot will suggest a way to get user input.

2. Implement the Logic:

   • Combine the greeting and input functionality. Your script might look like this:

   def greet_user():
       name = input("What's your name? ")
       print(f"Hello, {name}!")
   

Troubleshooting Section: What Could Go Wrong

• Copilot Doesn't Suggest Code: Make sure you're writing comments or partial code. Copilot relies on context.
• Syntax Errors: Python is sensitive to indentation; ensure your code is properly indented.
• Installation Issues: If you encounter problems with Copilot, check your internet connection and GitHub account status.

What's Next?

Once you have your basic script working, consider expanding it:

• Add more functions to handle different tasks.
• Explore libraries like matplotlib for data visualization or requests for web APIs.
• Check out resources like the Built This Week podcast for more coding tips.

Conclusion: Start Here

Using GitHub Copilot can drastically reduce the time it takes to write your first Python script. By following these steps, you’ll have a solid foundation to build upon. If you’re serious about coding, investing in Copilot at $10/month is worth it for the guidance it provides.

What We Actually Use

In our experience, we rely on GitHub Copilot for quick coding tasks, especially when we need to prototype new features. It’s not perfect, but it can save you hours of searching for syntax and examples.