GitHub Copilot Overview

Introduction to GitHub Copilot

• GitHub Copilot is an AI coding assistant that helps developers write code faster and with less effort.
• Aims to free up time for problem-solving.
• Useful for both new and seasoned developers.

Getting Started with Copilot

• Accessing Copilot:
  • Click on the Copilot logo in the VS Code screen.
  • Sign in using GitHub account.
  • No subscription or credit card needed for the free tier.

Free Tier Features

• 2,000 Completions:
  • Completions are suggestions made by Copilot.
  • Example: Typing "Enter your username and password to login" counts as one completion.
• 50 Chat Requests per Month:
  • Allows users to ask questions and receive solutions.
  • Example: "How can I make this form more secure?"

Copilot User Interface

• Model Selection:
  • Default is GPT-4 with an option for Claude 3.5.
• Voice Chat Feature:
  • Users can dictate their questions.
• Contextual Assistance:
  • Different options based on file focus (e.g., HTML, Markdown).

Participants and Commands

• Using Participants:
  • Invoked with the "@" symbol.
  • Reduces scope for questions to specific contexts (e.g., terminal commands).
• Slash Commands:
  • Shortcuts for common tasks (e.g., explain code, generate documentation, troubleshoot).
  • Example Commands:
    • /explain – to explain highlighted code.
    • /test – to generate unit tests for selected code.

Learning and Development

• Copilot can assist in learning new skills:
  • Example: Asking for exercises to improve React skills.
  • Provides curriculum suggestions tailored to project needs.
• Useful for preparing for technical interviews:
  • Generate typical interview questions and answers.
• Offers guidance on technical topics like SOLID principles.

Regex and Testing Simplification

• Copilot simplifies Regex creation and testing.
  • Example: Asked to match a phone number format.
• Generates unit tests to validate code functionalities.

Copilot Edits Feature

• Proposes code changes across multiple files.
  • Users can review and accept or discard suggestions.

Pricing Tiers Overview

• Free Tier:
  • 2,000 completions & 50 chat requests.
• Pro Tier:
  • Unlimited access for $10/month.
• Business Plan:
  • $19/user for teams.
• Enterprise Plan:
  • Customized for entire companies.
• Free access for educators and students with verification.

Additional Resources

• Best practices and prompt engineering videos are available to maximize Copilot usage.
• Well-documented GitHub Copilot official documentation for reference.

Conclusion

• GitHub Copilot is a valuable tool for both new and experienced developers to enhance coding efficiency.
• Encouraged to explore its features to improve development workflows.