If you are searching for how to use GitHub Copilot, the direct answer is simple: install the GitHub Copilot extension in Visual Studio Code, log in with your GitHub account, and start writing code. The tool will instantly generate suggestions for you. In less than five minutes, you can start coding with AI-powered assistance.
GitHub Copilot has become one of the most powerful tools for developers, startups, and software teams who want to code faster and with fewer errors. Unlike ordinary autocomplete, Copilot can generate entire functions, predict code snippets based on your comments, and even help you learn new languages. This guide explains everything you need to know about how to use GitHub Copilot effectively, from prerequisites to best practices.
What is GitHub Copilot?
GitHub Copilot is an AI-driven coding assistant that suggests lines or blocks of code while you type. It was created by GitHub in collaboration with OpenAI to help developers become more productive. Instead of spending hours looking up documentation or boilerplate code, you can rely on Copilot to suggest the right syntax instantly.
Key benefits of GitHub Copilot include:
- Faster development by reducing repetitive coding tasks.
- Fewer bugs thanks to smarter code completions.
- Continuous learning of new languages and frameworks.
- Increased productivity for startups building MVPs.
Understanding how to use GitHub Copilot is becoming an essential skill for modern developers. It does not just save time; it transforms the way you think about coding by allowing you to focus on creativity while letting AI handle repetitive work.
Prerequisites Before Using GitHub Copilot
Before you begin learning how to use GitHub Copilot, make sure you have the following prerequisites:
- GitHub account – Sign up at GitHub.com if you don’t already have one.
- Visual Studio Code installed – Copilot works best inside VS Code, though it also supports JetBrains IDEs and Neovim.
- GitHub Copilot subscription – GitHub offers a free 30-day trial, after which you can choose the Copilot Pro plan or the Business plan.
Additional notes:
- Verified students and open-source maintainers can access GitHub Copilot for free.
- Ensure your version of Visual Studio Code is updated for compatibility.
By setting these up, you’ll be ready to explore how to use GitHub Copilot in real coding scenarios.
How to Install and Set Up GitHub Copilot
The setup process is simple and usually takes just a few minutes. Follow these steps carefully to ensure that GitHub Copilot is ready to use:
- Install Visual Studio Code from the official website.
- Open VS Code and go to the Extensions marketplace.
- Search for “GitHub Copilot” and click Install.
- Log in with your GitHub account when prompted.
- Authorize Visual Studio Code to connect with GitHub Copilot.
- Restart VS Code to activate the extension.
Once you complete these steps, you’ll have GitHub Copilot enabled inside your editor. Knowing how to use GitHub Copilot begins with installation, and once completed, you can start typing and see Copilot’s suggestions appear automatically.
How to Use GitHub Copilot
Now let’s get to the core of this guide: how to use GitHub Copilot once it is installed.
Writing Your First Suggestion
- Open a project or create a new file in VS Code.
- Start typing a comment like // create a function that adds two numbers.
- GitHub Copilot will generate a code snippet in light gray text.
Accepting, Rejecting, and Editing
- Press Tab to accept the suggestion.
- Continue typing to reject the suggestion.
- Accept then modify the suggestion to refine the output.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency
- Tab → Accept suggestion.
- Alt + ] → View next suggestion.
- Alt + [ → View previous suggestion.
Inline vs Multi-line Suggestions
- Inline suggestions show up as single-line predictions.
- Multi-line completions generate entire blocks of code such as functions or loops.
When you practice these steps, you’ll quickly understand how to use GitHub Copilot to speed up repetitive coding tasks and focus on problem-solving.
Best Use Cases of GitHub Copilot
Knowing how to use GitHub Copilot effectively depends on your role:
- Beginners: Learn programming basics faster, such as Python loops or JavaScript functions.
- Professional developers: Handle complex algorithms, API integrations, or test case generation.
- Startups: Build MVP features quickly and reduce development costs by cutting repetitive coding work.
For startups in particular, learning how to use GitHub Copilot can reduce product development timelines from weeks to days, giving them a competitive advantage.
Tips for Maximizing GitHub Copilot’s Potential
To get the most from how to use GitHub Copilot, follow these tips:
- Write clear and descriptive comments to guide Copilot’s output.
- Use Copilot in combination with testing frameworks to verify code accuracy.
- Allow Copilot to assist in generating documentation such as docstrings.
- Combine Copilot with GitHub Actions to automate development pipelines.
These practices make Copilot not just a tool but a reliable coding partner.
Limitations of GitHub Copilot
Despite its advantages, you should also understand the limitations of how to use GitHub Copilot:
- Copilot suggestions may not always be accurate or optimized.
- Some generated code may raise licensing or copyright concerns.
- It is not suitable for sensitive or security-critical applications.
- Copilot requires human oversight and should not be blindly trusted.
The key to learning how to use GitHub Copilot is knowing when to accept its help and when to rely on manual expertise.
GitHub Copilot vs Alternatives
Developers often compare how to use GitHub Copilot with other coding assistants. Here is how it stands against popular alternatives:
- ChatGPT for coding: Great for explanations but requires copy-paste; lacks direct IDE integration.
- Tabnine: Offers AI completions but less powerful than Copilot for multi-line code.
- Amazon CodeWhisperer: Works well with AWS, but GitHub Copilot is more seamless inside GitHub + VS Code.
If you are already using GitHub and Visual Studio Code, then learning how to use GitHub Copilot makes more sense than switching to alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Mastering how to use GitHub Copilot is no longer optional for developers who want to stay competitive. It allows beginners to learn faster, professionals to focus on problem-solving, and startups to develop products at lightning speed.
The future of software development is about working alongside AI tools, and GitHub Copilot represents one of the best examples of that collaboration. By following this guide, you now know the prerequisites, installation process, best practices, and limitations of how to use GitHub Copilot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is GitHub Copilot?
GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered coding assistant that generates real-time code suggestions inside your editor.
Q2. How to use GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code?
Install the extension, sign in with your GitHub account, and start typing—Copilot will suggest code automatically.
Q3. Is GitHub Copilot free?
GitHub Copilot offers a 30-day free trial. Students and open-source maintainers often get free access.
Q4. Can GitHub Copilot replace developers?
No. It is a supportive tool, not a replacement. Developers must review and guide its suggestions.
Q5. Which programming languages work best with Copilot?
It works best with Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, and Ruby but also supports many others.
Q6. Is GitHub Copilot safe for professional use?
Yes, but you must review its suggestions for correctness, security, and licensing compliance.
Q7. How does GitHub Copilot differ from ChatGPT?
Copilot integrates directly into IDEs like VS Code, while ChatGPT is better for explanations and problem-solving outside of coding.
Q8. Why should startups learn how to use GitHub Copilot?
Startups can speed up development, cut costs, and ship MVPs faster by leveraging GitHub Copilot as an AI coding partner.
