How to Use GitHub Copilot to Write Your First Python Script in 30 Minutes

If you’re a beginner in coding, the idea of writing your first script can feel overwhelming. What if I told you that you could leverage AI to help you write your first Python script in just 30 minutes? Enter GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered coding assistant that can suggest code snippets, complete functions, and even generate entire scripts based on your prompts. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, sharing my experiences and insights along the way.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the coding, here’s what you need:

1. GitHub Account: You can sign up for free at GitHub.
2. Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Download and install VS Code. It’s free and lightweight.
3. GitHub Copilot Subscription: As of August 2026, GitHub Copilot costs $10/month or $100/year after a free trial. It’s essential to have this installed in your VS Code.
4. Basic Understanding of Python: Familiarity with Python syntax will help, but you don’t need to be an expert.

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment

1. Install VS Code: Open the installer and follow the prompts.
2. Install GitHub Copilot:
   • Open VS Code.
   • Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X), search for “GitHub Copilot”, and install it.
   • Sign in with your GitHub account to activate it.

Step 2: Create Your First Python File

1. Open VS Code and create a new file named hello_world.py.
2. Start by typing a comment to indicate what you want to do:

   # This script will print "Hello, World!" to the console.
   

Step 3: Let GitHub Copilot Assist You

1. Invoke Copilot: After your comment, start typing:

   print(
   

   Copilot will automatically suggest code completions based on your prompt. If you see the suggestion for print("Hello, World!"), hit Tab to accept it.

2. Run Your Script: Open the terminal in VS Code (Ctrl+`), and run your script:

   python hello_world.py
   

Expected output:

Hello, World!

Step 4: Expand Your Script with Copilot

Now that you’ve written a basic script, let’s make it more interactive. Add a prompt for user input:

1. Start typing:

   name = input("What is your name? ")
   print(f"Hello, {name}!")
   

2. Again, let Copilot suggest the completion. Accept the suggestions to finalize your script.

3. Run it again to see how it works:

   python hello_world.py
   

Expected output:

What is your name? [User types their name]
Hello, [User's name]!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Copilot Not Suggesting: Make sure you are connected to the internet, and the extension is enabled.
• Python Not Installed: If you get an error running your script, ensure you have Python installed. Download it from python.org.

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve written a simple Python script, consider exploring more complex projects. Here are a few suggestions:

• Build a Calculator: Try creating a basic calculator using Copilot’s suggestions.
• Data Analysis: Use libraries like Pandas and NumPy for data manipulation—Copilot can help here too.
• Web Scraper: Write a simple web scraper using Beautiful Soup; Copilot can assist with handling HTTP requests.

Conclusion

Getting started with coding doesn’t have to be daunting, especially with tools like GitHub Copilot at your disposal. In just 30 minutes, you can write your first Python script and feel empowered to tackle more complex projects. If you’re looking to streamline your coding process, GitHub Copilot is a worthy investment, especially at $10/month.

What We Actually Use

In our experience, GitHub Copilot is an excellent tool for beginners and seasoned developers alike. It speeds up the coding process and helps you learn by example. We also recommend pairing it with resources like Built This Week for ongoing learning and product development insights.