How to Write Python Code Using GitHub Copilot in 30 Minutes

If you've ever stared at a blank screen, grappling with how to start writing Python code, you're not alone. As indie hackers and solo founders, we often find ourselves juggling multiple roles, and coding should be as efficient as possible. Enter GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered coding assistant that can help you write Python code faster and with fewer headaches. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to leverage Copilot effectively in just 30 minutes.

Prerequisites: What You Need

Before diving in, here’s what you need to get started:

• GitHub Account: You’ll need to sign up for GitHub (free).
• Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Download and install VS Code.
• GitHub Copilot Subscription: Copilot costs $10/month after a free trial. You'll need to set this up in your GitHub account.
• Basic Python Knowledge: Familiarity with Python syntax and concepts will help, but Copilot can assist even if you're a beginner.

Step 1: Setting Up GitHub Copilot

1. Install the GitHub Copilot Extension:

   • Open VS Code.
   • Go to the Extensions view (Ctrl + Shift + X).
   • Search for “GitHub Copilot” and click “Install”.

2. Sign In:

   • After installation, you’ll be prompted to sign in to your GitHub account.
   • Follow the instructions to authorize Copilot.

3. Configure Settings:

   • Navigate to settings (File > Preferences > Settings).
   • Search for “Copilot” and adjust preferences as needed, such as enabling inline suggestions.

Step 2: Writing Your First Python Function

Example Task: Create a Simple Calculator

1. Open a New Python File:

   • Create a new file called calculator.py.

2. Start Coding:

   • Type a comment describing the function you want to create. For example:

     # Create a function to add two numbers
     

   • Wait a moment for Copilot to suggest code. You should see a suggestion pop up.

3. Accept Suggestions:

   • If the suggestion looks good, press Tab to accept it. If not, you can cycle through suggestions using Ctrl + ] or Ctrl + [.

4. Test the Function:

   • After writing your function, add a test case:

     print(add(5, 3))  # Expected output: 8
     

Expected Output:

When you run the file using python calculator.py, you should see the output:

8

Step 3: Iterating on Your Code

After your initial function, you might want to expand your calculator. Simply describe what you want in comments, and Copilot will provide suggestions. For example, to create a subtraction function, type:

# Create a function to subtract two numbers

Then accept the suggestion and test it similarly.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• No Suggestions Appearing: Ensure you’re connected to the internet and logged into GitHub. Restarting VS Code can sometimes resolve this.
• Irrelevant Suggestions: Copilot learns from context, so provide clear comments and structure in your code to improve suggestions.

What's Next: Building a Full Application

Once you’re comfortable with writing functions, consider building a more complex application. Perhaps a command-line interface (CLI) for your calculator or even integrating it with a web framework like Flask. Copilot can assist with these tasks as well.

Conclusion: Start Here

Using GitHub Copilot can significantly speed up your coding process, especially for indie hackers and solo founders. With just a bit of setup and some basic Python knowledge, you can harness the power of AI to write code faster and more efficiently.

What We Actually Use

In our experience, GitHub Copilot is essential for speeding up repetitive coding tasks. While it’s not perfect and occasionally makes odd suggestions, it’s a tool that has saved us countless hours.