How to make most out of Github Copilot

3 min readOct 22, 2024

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered code completion tool that assists developers by suggesting code snippets and entire functions based on the context of the code being written. This document outlines strategies and tips to maximise the benefits of using GitHub Copilot, enhancing productivity and coding efficiency.

Understanding GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot uses machine learning models trained on a vast amount of code from public repositories. It can suggest code in various programming languages and frameworks, making it a versatile tool for developers. To make the most of GitHub Copilot, it’s essential to understand its capabilities and limitations.

Tips for Maximising GitHub Copilot

1. Context Matters

Copilot generates suggestions based on the context of your code. To get the best results, ensure that your code is well-structured and that you provide meaningful comments or function names. This helps Copilot understand what you are trying to achieve.

2. Use Descriptive Comments

Before writing a function, describe what you want it to do in a comment. For example:

Generate a function in javascript to calculate N factorial

This gives Copilot a clear idea of what you need, leading to more accurate suggestions.

3. Experiment with Different Languages

Copilot supports multiple programming languages. If you’re working on a project that involves different languages, try switching between them to see how Copilot adapts its suggestions. This can help you discover new ways to implement features.

4. Review and Edit Suggestions

While Copilot can provide useful suggestions, it’s crucial to review and edit the generated code. Always ensure that the code aligns with your project’s standards and requirements. Use Copilot’s suggestions as a starting point rather than a final solution.

5. Leverage Copilot for Learning

If you’re learning a new programming language or framework, use Copilot to explore different coding styles and techniques. By analysing the suggestions, you can gain insights into best practices and efficient coding patterns.

6. Integrate with Your Workflow

Incorporate GitHub Copilot into your existing development workflow. Whether you’re using Visual Studio Code or another IDE, ensure that Copilot is enabled and configured to provide suggestions as you code.

7. Provide Feedback

GitHub Copilot is continually improving. If you encounter suggestions that are incorrect or unhelpful, provide feedback. This helps the model learn and improve its future suggestions.

8. Use Copilot for Testing

You can also use Copilot to generate unit tests or mock data. By describing the functionality you want to test, Copilot can suggest relevant test cases, saving you time in the testing phase.

Conclusion

GitHub Copilot is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your coding experience. By understanding its capabilities and following the tips outlined in this document, you can make the most of GitHub Copilot, improving your productivity and coding efficiency. Embrace this AI-powered assistant and let it help you streamline your development process.