How to Use GitHub Copilot to Write Your First Web App in 2 Hours
How to Use GitHub Copilot to Write Your First Web App in 2 Hours
If you’re a solo founder or indie hacker looking to build a web app but feel overwhelmed by the coding part, you’re not alone. The barrier to entry can feel insurmountable, especially if you’re not a seasoned developer. But what if I told you that you could leverage AI to write your first web app in just two hours? Enter GitHub Copilot, the AI-powered code assistant that can help you get started quickly.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to create a simple web app using GitHub Copilot. We’ll cover prerequisites, setup, and even some troubleshooting tips. Let’s dive in!
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- GitHub Account: You can sign up for free.
- Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Download and install it on your machine.
- Node.js: Install the latest version, as it will help you run your web app locally.
- GitHub Copilot Subscription: It’s $10/month after a 60-day free trial, which is a solid investment for indie hackers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Web App
Step 1: Set Up Your Environment
- Install VS Code Extensions: Open VS Code and install the GitHub Copilot extension.
- Create a New Project: In the terminal, run
mkdir my-web-app && cd my-web-app && npm init -yto set up a new Node.js project.
Step 2: Create Your Basic File Structure
- Create the following files:
index.htmlstyle.cssapp.js
Step 3: Use GitHub Copilot to Generate Code
-
HTML Setup: Open
index.htmland start typing a comment like<!-- Create a simple HTML structure -->. Copilot will suggest a basic HTML template. Accept the suggestion.Expected Output:
<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css"> <title>My Web App</title> </head> <body> <h1>Welcome to My Web App</h1> <script src="app.js"></script> </body> </html> -
CSS Styling: In
style.css, type/* Basic styles for my web app */. Copilot will help you with styling suggestions. -
JavaScript Functionality: In
app.js, start with// Function to display a welcome message. Copilot will generate a simple function that you can modify as needed.
Step 4: Run Your Web App
- Start Local Server: Run
npx http-serverin your terminal. - Open in Browser: Navigate to
http://localhost:8080to see your app live.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Copilot Not Suggesting: Make sure you’re logged into GitHub in VS Code and that your subscription is active.
- Syntax Errors: If you encounter errors, double-check the code generated by Copilot against JavaScript syntax.
Expected Time: 2 Hours
If you follow these steps closely, you should be able to get your first web app up and running within two hours.
What Could Go Wrong
Here are some common pitfalls:
- Not understanding the generated code: Copilot can write code, but if you don’t understand it, you might struggle to debug. Take time to learn the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Over-reliance on Copilot: While it's a great tool, don’t forget to read documentation and learn the fundamentals.
What's Next
Once you have your basic web app running, consider adding features like user input or data storage. You could also explore deploying your app using platforms like Vercel or Netlify for free.
Conclusion: Start Here
If you’re ready to dive into web development, using GitHub Copilot is a practical way to get started. It’s not just about writing code; it’s about learning how to build something useful without getting bogged down by complexity.
What We Actually Use
In our experience, we use GitHub Copilot alongside basic HTML/CSS/JavaScript knowledge to quickly prototype ideas. It’s not a replacement for understanding the code, but it’s an excellent aid for speeding up the process.
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