Get to know GitHub Copilot in VS Code and be productive IMMEDIATELY

GitHub Copilot is a powerful tool designed to enhance developers' productivity by providing AI-assisted coding suggestions. The tool operates simply by allowing developers to code as they normally would, with the AI, referred to as 'Ghost Text,' offering code completions that can be accepted with a Tab key press. Users can customize the tool, disable it for specific files or languages, and even access alternative suggestions through a side panel. GitHub Copilot also features an 'Inline Chat' for direct code iteration and a dedicated chat area for problem-solving and decision-making. The tool is adept at fixing errors and explaining compiler mistakes through the light bulb or quick suggestion menu. By keeping an eye on the sparkle icon, users can access additional assistance from GitHub Copilot across various interfaces, such as the Terminal. The video encourages developers to embrace GitHub Copilot for a more efficient coding experience.

Takeaways

• 🎉 **Congratulations on Getting GitHub Copilot**: It can significantly enhance your development skills.
• 🚀 **Ease of Use**: Simply code as you normally would to interact with GitHub Copilot.
• 👻 **Ghost Text**: This feature is automatically enabled when you log in to Copilot and can be verified by the icon in the status bar.
• 🔄 **Customization**: You can turn Copilot on or off for specific files or languages, and even customize the chat location in your editor.
• ✅ **Acceptance of Suggestions**: Press Tab to accept a Ghost text completion, or Control/Command + Right Arrow for partial acceptance.
• 🔍 **Alternative Suggestions**: Use Control/Command + Enter to view more AI suggestions in a side panel.
• 💡 **Anticipation of Needs**: Copilot is adept at predicting your next coding steps and completing tasks for you.
• 🗣️ **Inline Chat**: A direct way to iterate on your code with Copilot, triggered with Control/Command + I.
• 📚 **Dedicated Chat Area**: Accessible via the chat icon in the sidebar for problem-solving and brainstorming.
• 🔧 **Error Fixing**: Copilot is proficient at explaining and fixing errors in your code through the light bulb or quick suggestion menu.
• ✨ **Sparkle Icon**: Look out for the sparkle icon in various places like the Terminal for additional assistance from Copilot.

Q & A

What is GitHub Copilot and how can it benefit developers?

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered coding assistant that integrates with Visual Studio Code. It helps developers enhance their skills and productivity by automatically generating code suggestions, fixing errors, and providing solutions to coding problems, thereby increasing speed and efficiency in software development.

How do you start using GitHub Copilot?

To start using GitHub Copilot, you simply need to code as you normally would. The AI will provide suggestions through a feature called 'Ghost Text', which is activated once the extension is installed and you've logged into GitHub Copilot.

How can you verify that GitHub Copilot is active in your environment?

You can verify that GitHub Copilot is active by checking for the GitHub Copilot icon in the status bar of your development environment. If the icon is present, it indicates that Copilot is running and ready to assist you.

What is 'Ghost Text' and how do you use it?

'Ghost Text' is a feature of GitHub Copilot that automatically provides code suggestions as you type. To accept a Ghost text completion, you press the Tab key. If you want to accept only part of it, you can hold down the Control or Command key and press the right arrow, allowing you to choose how much of the suggestion to incorporate.

How does GitHub Copilot assist with code suggestions based on variable names?

GitHub Copilot uses the context provided by the variable name and the existing code in the file to predict what you might want to do next. For instance, if you create a variable named 'nums', Copilot might suggest an array of numbers based on the variable name and the context of the code.

What is the purpose of the 'Inline Chat' feature in GitHub Copilot?

The 'Inline Chat' feature allows developers to interact directly with GitHub Copilot to iterate on their code in real-time. It provides a diff view showing additions and changes, enabling developers to see exactly what will be incorporated before accepting the suggestions.

How does the dedicated chat area in GitHub Copilot help with problem-solving?

The dedicated chat area in GitHub Copilot serves as a more traditional interface for discussing and solving problems. It's useful for brainstorming, figuring out implementation details, and making quicker decisions. It also keeps a history of all chats for future reference.

What is the 'light bulb' or 'quick suggestion' menu in the context of GitHub Copilot?

The 'light bulb' or 'quick suggestion' menu is a feature where GitHub Copilot provides insights and solutions to problems in your code. It can explain errors and often even fix them inline, particularly useful for correcting common mistakes and clarifying compiler errors.

How can you customize the chat appearance in your editor with GitHub Copilot?

You can customize the chat's position in your editor by clicking on the secondary sidebar icon and dragging the chat into the desired sidebar. This allows you to view your code and project files alongside the chat simultaneously for better context and workflow.

What does the 'sparkle icon' in GitHub Copilot signify?

The 'sparkle icon' in GitHub Copilot indicates places where the AI can offer assistance, such as in the Terminal or other areas where it might be beneficial. Clicking on the sparkle icon will prompt Copilot to provide suggestions or solutions relevant to the current context.

What are some of the key benefits of using GitHub Copilot for developers?

Key benefits of using GitHub Copilot include increased coding speed, improved productivity, error correction, and the ability to solve complex problems more efficiently. It also aids in learning and implementing new coding techniques through its suggestions and explanations.

How can developers ensure they are making the most out of GitHub Copilot?

Developers can maximize the use of GitHub Copilot by regularly engaging with its features, such as Ghost Text, Inline Chat, and the dedicated chat area. They should also explore its problem-solving capabilities, take advantage of the quick suggestion menu, and keep an eye out for the sparkle icon for additional assistance.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Introduction to GitHub Copilot

This paragraph introduces GitHub Copilot as a tool that can significantly enhance a developer's skills and productivity. It emphasizes the simplicity of getting started with Copilot, suggesting that developers just need to code as they normally would. The paragraph explains the concept of 'Ghost Text,' which is automatically enabled and can be toggled on or off. It also covers how to accept or customize Ghost Text completions and how to access alternative suggestions. The AI's ability to anticipate and assist with coding tasks is highlighted, along with the use of Inline Chat for direct interaction with the AI to iterate on code and a dedicated chat area for problem-solving and brainstorming.

Keywords

GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered code assistant developed by GitHub and OpenAI. It is designed to enhance a developer's productivity by providing real-time suggestions and autocompletions as they write code. In the video, it is highlighted as a tool that can help developers level up their skills and increase their speed and productivity almost immediately.

Ghost Text

Ghost Text is a feature of GitHub Copilot that automatically suggests code as a developer types. It is akin to an auto-complete function but is powered by AI, which makes it more intelligent and context-aware. In the script, it is mentioned that Ghost Text is turned on by default when the extension is installed, and developers can simply code as they normally would to see the AI's suggestions in action.

Status Bar Icon

The Status Bar Icon is a visual indicator within the Visual Studio Code interface that shows the active state of GitHub Copilot. It allows users to quickly check if Copilot is active and enables them to toggle the feature on or off for specific files or languages. In the context of the video, the icon serves as a reassurance that the AI assistant is ready to assist in the coding process.

Inline Chat

Inline Chat is a feature of GitHub Copilot that allows developers to interact directly with the AI within their code editor. It enables a more conversational approach to coding, where developers can ask questions or request specific functionalities. The script demonstrates how Inline Chat can be used to iterate on code, with the AI providing a diff view to show changes before they are accepted.

Dedicated Chat Area

The Dedicated Chat Area is a more traditional interface within GitHub Copilot that provides a separate space for developers to have a conversation with the AI. It is accessible via a chat icon in the sidebar and is useful for problem-solving, brainstorming, and making decisions. The video emphasizes its utility in helping developers solve problems more quickly and efficiently.

History Access

History Access refers to the ability to review past interactions with GitHub Copilot. All chats are saved and can be accessed through the history icon at the top of the chat window. This feature is beneficial for developers who may want to revisit previous discussions or solutions provided by the AI.

Light Bulb or Quick Suggestion Menu

The Light Bulb or Quick Suggestion Menu is a feature within the code editor that appears when there is a problem in the code. GitHub Copilot utilizes this menu to provide explanations and potential fixes for errors directly within the code. The video script illustrates how Copilot is adept at identifying and correcting common mistakes and compiler errors.

Sparkle Icon

The Sparkle Icon is a visual cue that indicates where GitHub Copilot can offer assistance beyond the code editor, such as in the Terminal or other areas where it may be beneficial. When developers see this icon, they can click on it to explore what suggestions or help Copilot can provide at that moment.

Customization

Customization refers to the ability for developers to tailor the interface and functionality of GitHub Copilot to their preferences. This includes moving the chat to a secondary sidebar or choosing where the chat appears within the editor. The video emphasizes the importance of a personalized setup for a more efficient and comfortable coding experience.

Productivity

Productivity, in the context of the video, refers to the efficiency and effectiveness with which developers can complete their tasks using GitHub Copilot. The AI assistant is positioned as a tool that can dramatically increase a developer's speed and output by providing intelligent code suggestions and automating repetitive tasks.

AI Coding Needs

AI Coding Needs refers to the various requirements and challenges that developers face while coding, which can be addressed by AI-powered tools like GitHub Copilot. The video suggests that Copilot is a comprehensive solution for developers looking to leverage AI for coding tasks, from autocompletion to problem-solving.

Highlights

GitHub Copilot can significantly enhance a developer's skills and productivity.

Copilot works by simply allowing you to code as you normally would, with the AI providing assistance.

The 'Ghost Text' feature is automatically enabled when you install the extension and log in to GitHub Copilot.

You can verify Copilot's activity by checking the GitHub Copilot icon in your status bar.

Ghost Text can be triggered by writing a comment that expresses your coding intent.

Accept a Ghost text completion by pressing the Tab key.

Partial Ghost text can be accepted by holding down Control or Command and pressing the right arrow.

Escape key can be used to dismiss Ghost text at any time.

Copilot is adept at predicting the next steps in your code and completing tasks for you.

Alternative suggestions can be viewed by pressing Control or Command and Enter keys.

Inline Chat allows direct interaction with Copilot for iterative code changes.

Code changes suggested by Inline Chat are shown as a diff view before acceptance.

A dedicated chat area in the sidebar can be used for problem-solving and decision-making.

Chat history can be accessed at any time using the history icon at the top of the chat.

GitHub Copilot can explain and fix errors found in your code through the light bulb or quick suggestion menu.

The sparkle icon indicates where GitHub Copilot can provide assistance, such as in the Terminal.

Once familiar with GitHub Copilot, developers can expect improved efficiency and a better coding experience.