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

If you're a solo founder or indie hacker, the idea of writing code can be daunting. But what if I told you that you could write your first script in under 30 minutes using GitHub Copilot? In 2026, this AI-powered coding assistant has become a game-changer for those who may not have a formal coding background. Let's dive into how you can leverage this tool to get your script up and running quickly.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

1. GitHub Account: You’ll need a GitHub account to access Copilot.
2. Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Download and install VS Code if you haven't already.
3. GitHub Copilot Subscription: As of 2026, Copilot costs $10/month or $100/year, with a free trial available.
4. Basic Understanding of Coding: While Copilot helps a lot, knowing the basics will speed up your process.

Step 1: Set Up GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code

1. Install VS Code: Open VS Code and navigate to the Extensions panel.
2. Search for GitHub Copilot: Type "GitHub Copilot" in the search bar and install the extension.
3. Sign In: After installation, sign in with your GitHub account to activate Copilot.

Expected Output: A Copilot icon in the sidebar, indicating it’s ready to assist.

Step 2: Start Writing Your Script

1. Create a New File: Open a new file in VS Code and save it with a .py or .js extension, depending on your preferred language.
2. Begin Coding: Start typing a comment describing what you want your script to do. For example, “# A script to fetch weather data.”
3. Let Copilot Assist: As you type, you'll see suggestions from Copilot. Press Tab to accept a suggestion.

Expected Output: A complete function or block of code that fetches weather data based on your comment.

Step 3: Running Your Script

1. Install Necessary Packages: If your script requires packages (like requests for Python), make sure to install them via the terminal.
2. Run Your Script: Use the terminal in VS Code to execute your script with the appropriate command (e.g., python script.py).

Expected Output: Your script should run without errors, fetching the required data.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Error Messages: If you encounter an error, check for typos or missing packages.
• Incomplete Suggestions: Sometimes Copilot may provide incomplete code. Don’t hesitate to ask for more specifics in your comments.
• Performance Issues: If Copilot seems slow, ensure your internet connection is stable.

What’s Next: Expanding Your Skills

Once you've successfully written your first script, consider:

• Learning More: Dive deeper into programming languages that interest you.
• Building on Your Script: Add features to your weather script, like user input for locations or error handling.
• Exploring Other Tools: If GitHub Copilot isn’t working for you, consider alternatives like Tabnine ($12/month) for smart code completions.

Conclusion: Start Here

GitHub Copilot is an incredibly useful tool for indie hackers and solo founders looking to streamline their coding process. By following this guide, you can have your first script up and running in under 30 minutes. Don’t be afraid to experiment and push your coding boundaries—Copilot is here to help you along the way.