How to use and utilize GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot is a programming aid that automatically generates and suggests code by AI in response to developers' code input and comments. Supported languages include Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, Ruby, and many others, and it also supports instructions in natural language (Japanese and English).

1. install Visual Studio Code

First, download and install VS Code from the official website.

2. create a GitHub account and login

GitHub Copilot is part of the GitHub service. If you do not have an account, you can create one for free at GitHub.

3. install Copilot extension

Open VS Code and search for and install "GitHub Copilot" from the Extensions menu on the left side.

4. authenticate and activate it on GitHub

After installation, sign in to GitHub and complete authentication to use Copilot. The monthly fee for personal use is $10, but a 60-day free trial is also available.

Once Copilot is enabled, simply type in the code and suggestions will automatically appear. To accept a suggestion, simply press the Tab key. It is very intuitive to use.

When you write a comment, the AI completes the corresponding code. Japanese comments are also supported.

Suggestions are made in the appropriate syntax for each language, which greatly increases coding speed.

// 文字列を逆順にして返す関数
function reverseString(str) {
  return str.split('').reverse().join('');
}

Create function templates: Instantly generate common patterns such as API calls and loop processing
Code from Japanese comments: Convenient for collaborating with non-engineers on specifications.
Assistance in learning an unknown language: Even if you don't know the syntax, you can get a feel for it by trying it out.

GitHub Copilot is very useful, but the suggested code is not always optimal. Sometimes it can generate code that is inefficient to process or security-sensitive.

Be specific in your comments.
Always check the code visually.
Consider the AI proposal as a "rough draft," and be aware of the need to customize it yourself.

GitHub Copilot is a new-age development tool that provides powerful support for daily coding tasks, and its AI-based auto-completion makes it highly effective for learning and practicing programming.
It is easy to install, and a free trial is available to try it out right away.