Getting Started with GitHub Copilot: Tips for Maximizing Efficiency

Maxine_Sheppard

GitHub Copilot is transforming the way developers write code. Powered by AI, Copilot acts like a coding assistant by offering suggestions, completing functions, and helping you navigate tricky coding challenges in real time, thus making coding more efficient and less daunting, whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out. 

Maximizing the benefits of GitHub Copilot isn’t just about installing it—it's about knowing how to use it effectively and integrating it into your workflow. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps for getting started with GitHub Copilot, from setting it up and customizing your environment to using best practices that make it an invaluable part of your development process. We’ll also explore how to make Copilot a natural extension of your coding style so that it complements your work and enhances productivity across all your projects. 

Setting Up GitHub Copilot 

Getting started with GitHub Copilot is simple, but a few tips can help you set it up for the best experience. Here are the essential steps to get Copilot up and running and ready to enhance your coding. 

1. Installing GitHub Copilot 

To use GitHub Copilot, you’ll need Visual Studio Code (VS Code), one of the most popular Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). Copilot is available as a VS Code extension, and installation is straightforward: 

Open VS Code: Navigate to the Extensions view by clicking on the square icon in the sidebar or pressing Ctrl+Shift+X. 

Search for "GitHub Copilot": Once you find the extension, click Install to add it to your VS Code. 

To activate Copilot, you’ll need a GitHub account with access to either a free trial or a subscription plan. After installation, you’ll be prompted to log in or sign up for GitHub Copilot, and once authenticated, the extension will be ready to use. 

2. Configuration Tips for Personalization 

After setting up, take a moment to configure Copilot to align with your coding style and needs and maximize the tool’s potential: 

• Toggle suggestions: You can control when Copilot provides suggestions. For example, you might want it to show suggestions only for certain programming languages. Head to the Copilot settings in VS Code to toggle these options on or off. 
• Adjust keybindings: If you find Copilot’s keyboard shortcuts for accepting or rejecting suggestions don’t quite work with your coding habits, customize them to better fit your workflow. Navigate to VS Code’s keybindings settings and modify Copilot's shortcuts for a smoother experience. 
• Adjust preferences for code blocks and comments: If you prefer receiving suggestions for longer code blocks or for particular comment prompts, you can adjust how Copilot responds based on the context you give it. This allows you to steer the AI towards providing suggestions that are most helpful for your coding style. 

3. Supported Languages and Environments 

GitHub Copilot is designed to support a wide variety of programming languages and environments. While it works best with languages like JavaScript, Python, TypeScript, Ruby, and Go, its capabilities are constantly expanding. While it’s optimized for use in VS Code, it continues to extend support to other editors and IDEs.  

Once you have Copilot installed and configured, you’re ready to start coding more effectively. The real power of GitHub Copilot lies in how you use it to complement your coding style, which we’ll explore next. 

Best Practices for Using GitHub Copilot Effectively 

To make the most of GitHub Copilot, it's essential to use it strategically. These best practices will help you get more accurate suggestions, improve your workflow, and ensure the AI complements your coding style. 

1. Using GitHub Copilot for Code Suggestions 

GitHub Copilot is designed to assist you by suggesting code snippets, autocompleting lines, and even creating entire functions based on your needs. A practical tip for prompting accurate suggestions is to write clear and context-rich comments before you start coding. For example, typing a comment like // create a function to filter out invalid email addresses will give Copilot context to offer a suitable function outline. The more specific and descriptive your comments are, the better Copilot will be at generating helpful suggestions. 

You can also use Copilot to speed up repetitive coding tasks. For instance, it can automatically generate code for data structure manipulations, error handling, and boilerplate logic, freeing up time for you to focus on more complex coding challenges. 

2. Refining AI-Generated Code 

While GitHub Copilot is powerful, it’s not perfect—you should still review and refine its suggestions. Always check the AI-generated code for: 

• Correctness: Verify that the code does what you intend and test it in your environment. 
• Security: Be cautious of security flaws, especially when handling user input or sensitive data. 
• Adherence to guidelines: Ensure the code aligns with your project’s style guide and coding standards. A consistent approach helps maintain readability and reduces errors. 

3. Shortcuts and Time-Saving Techniques 

Efficiency is key when using GitHub Copilot, and there are several shortcuts to maximize your productivity: 

• Accepting suggestions: Use Tab to accept a suggestion quickly. This keeps your workflow smooth without having to break from typing. 
• Cycling through suggestions: If Copilot provides multiple suggestions, press Alt + ] to navigate to the next suggestion and Alt + [ to go back. This allows you to find the best fit for your context. 
• Manually triggering suggestions: If you need to bring up suggestions at any time, press Ctrl + Enter to see what Copilot can offer. This is especially useful if you're stuck or want to explore alternative approaches to a problem. 

Integrating GitHub Copilot into Your Workflow 

GitHub Copilot works best when it naturally integrates into your coding workflow, supporting your coding style rather than dictating it. Here are some tips on how to blend Copilot seamlessly into your day-to-day development. 

1. Complementing Your Coding Style 

One of the key advantages of GitHub Copilot is its ability to adapt to different coding styles. It’s important to let Copilot enhance your workflow without feeling like you're giving up control. If Copilot makes suggestions that work with your style, it’s a great way to validate your approach. If not, use it as an opportunity to refine the code manually, letting Copilot support your unique preferences. 

2. Balancing Copilot and Manual Coding 

While GitHub Copilot can assist in coding, it’s still important to know when to lean on its suggestions and when to write code manually. Use Copilot to handle: 

Boilerplate and repetitive code: Let Copilot automate the repetitive parts of your code, like structuring loops or setting up basic functions. 

Generating quick prototypes: When you need a quick draft or exploratory code, let Copilot do the heavy lifting so you can iterate quickly. 

On the other hand, consider writing code manually when: 

Implementing core logic: For critical business logic or sensitive parts of your application, manual coding ensures the solution is tailored and precise. 

Learning new concepts: If you're exploring a new framework or language, writing code yourself helps reinforce your learning. 

Ultimately, remember that Copilot is a helper, not a replacement. Balancing its suggestions with your expertise allows you to maintain control while still benefiting from its capabilities. 

3. Enhancing Collaboration with Copilot Chat 

For teams working on shared codebases, GitHub Copilot Chat can be a game changer. Copilot Chat acts as an AI-based conversational assistant that helps developers understand code context, offer real-time suggestions, and even debug issues through chat. It can improve collaboration by: 

Providing code context: When you're working on a file someone else wrote, you can ask Copilot Chat to explain what certain functions or variables do, speeding up the onboarding process. 

Enhancing code reviews: Copilot Chat can suggest alternative approaches during code reviews, providing additional perspectives on how to improve code quality or optimize performance. 

By integrating Copilot into your existing development practices, you can streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and ultimately become a more efficient coder. 

Boosting Performance and Getting Started with GitHub Copilot 

To get the most out of GitHub Copilot, having a capable device is crucial. Running Copilot efficiently alongside development tools requires reliable performance to ensure quick suggestions and a smooth workflow. A laptop like the Acer Swift X 14 provides the processing power and speed necessary to keep up with intensive coding sessions, letting you focus on creating and refining code without interruptions. 

Ready to transform your coding experience? Try out GitHub Copilot and see how it can elevate your work. To stay updated on the latest tech, tools, and tips, subscribe to the Acer Corner email digest and stay informed on how to enhance your productivity and keep up with industry trends. 

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About Maxine Sheppard: Maxine is a writer and editor who specializes in topics ranging from travel, tech and music to wildlife and design. When not writing, you might find her driving through a national park with the radio on loud.