GitHub Copilot User Guide

Welcome to your all-in-one GitHub Copilot onboarding guide! This document combines essential getting started resources, best practices, and advanced tips to help you get the most out of Copilot

Table of Contents

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI coding assistant that helps you write code faster and with less effort, allowing you to focus more energy on problem solving and collaboration

Staying up to date

How to Install Copilot

IDE URL
Visual Studio Code Install Guide
Visual Studio Install Guide
JetBrains Install Guide
Eclipse Install Guide
Xcode Install Guide
Vim/Neovim Install Guide
Azure Data Studio Install Guide

Quickstart

How to Use Copilot

  • Get real-time code suggestions: As you type in your IDE, Copilot provides context-aware code completions to speed up your workflow
  • Chat with Copilot: Use the chat interface in supported IDEs or GitHub Mobile to ask questions, debug code, or get explanations
  • Leverage Copilot in the terminal: Use the Terminal Chat interface in Windows Terminal Canary or GitHub CLI to get command-line assistance
  • Generate pull request descriptions: Automatically create detailed summaries of changes in pull requests

Copilot integrates seamlessly across multiple environments:

  • In your IDE: Enhance your coding experience with intelligent suggestions
  • In the terminal: Get help directly in your command-line environment
  • On GitHub Mobile: Access Copilot Chat on the go
  • On the GitHub website: Use Copilot to streamline your development process

Explore the full range of GitHub Copilot features to maximize its potential

  • Copilot Chat Cheat Sheet: Quickly reference commands, shortcuts, and tips for using Copilot Chat effectively in your IDE. View Cheat Sheet
  • Configure Copilot hotkeys & UX in your IDE Docs

Best Practices & Improving Suggestions

  • Provide helpful context: Open relevant files and close irrelevant ones in your IDE. For Copilot Chat, delete unhelpful requests or start a new conversation if the context is no longer relevant.
  • Use keywords effectively: Focus Copilot on specific tasks or context by using targeted keywords, especially in Copilot Chat within your IDE. Learn more
  • Refine your prompts: Rephrase your request or break it into smaller steps if Copilot's suggestions aren't helpful. Iteration often leads to better results.
  • Which AI model should I use with GitHub Copilot?: Learn about the different AI models available and how to choose the best one for your needs. Docs

Prompt Engineering

Prompt engineering is the art of giving Copilot specific, clear instructions to get better results

  • Provide enough context for the model while considering its limitations
  • Use clear, concise, and precise prompts for optimal results
  • Break down tasks into smaller chunks and iterate for better outcomes
  • Be specific about your requirements to ensure the model understands constraints accurately

Resources

  • Prompt Engineering Best Practices: Learn how to craft effective prompts to maximize Copilot's potential. Read more
  • Prompt Library: Explore a collection of ready-to-use prompts for various scenarios. View Library

Advanced Tips & Tricks [VS Code and Visual Studio]

  • Agent Mode [VS Code only]: Automate tasks, edits, and terminal commands. Learn more

  • Next Edit Suggestions: Get Copilot’s ideas for your next code change. Guide

  • Custom Instructions: Personalize Copilot for your workspace. Docs

  • Agent Mode in VS Code: Automate tasks, edits, and terminal commands. Learn more

  • Next Edit Suggestions (vs & vsc): Get Copilot’s ideas for your next code change. Guide

  • Custom Instructions(vs & vsc): Personalize Copilot for your workspace. Docs

Extending Copilot

Responsible Use

GitHub Copilot boosts developer productivity, but to use it responsibly you should:

  • Understand the code it is generating
  • Test code to ensure it works
  • Use code review and automated testing
  • Follow security best practices. Responsible AI