Elena Canorea
Communications Lead
Generative AI coding tools are transforming how developers approach their code creation tasks. We’ve previously talked about Microsoft Copilot, its benefits, and how it is increasing productivity, access to data, and extending user knowledge.
Now, GitHub has also included using this intelligent assistant to create code. We explain what it is, how to use it and the main use cases..
GitHub Copilot is an artificial intelligence tool that works as an intelligent assistant designed to help developers create code.
It works through auto-completion, meaning that when a user starts writing code, GitHub Copilot makes suggestions on how the completed code would look.
It is based on the GPT-3 language, published by OpenAI, which uses deep learning strategies to understand human texts or compose its own texts. Thus, the AI uses algorithms, collects huge amounts of data, and creates new content from it. In this case, it obtains publicly available code information from various repositories and recognizes numerous programming languages such as Go, Java, Python, TypeScript, etc.
To start using GitHub Copilot, you should know that it can be managed through personal accounts with GitHub Copilot for Individuals or enterprise accounts such as GitHub Copilot for Business.
Before you start using it, you’ll need to set up a test through the “Settings” tab > “Code, scheduling and automation” > GitHub Copilot.
Once you’re on the GitHub Copilot configuration page, click “Enable GitHub Copilot” > “Continue to get access to Copilot” > payment details > Submit > Save and get started.
The next thing you need to do is install the GitHub Copilot extension for Visual Studio Code. To get your first hint, open Visual Studio, create a new file, and type in the function header. Copilot will automatically suggest the full-function body in dimmed text. To accept the suggestion, press Tab.
You may also not want any of the initial suggestions offered by GitHub Copilot, so you can opt to get multiple suggestions in a new tab. Just press Ctrl+ Enter.
And just as with the first suggestion, press Tab to accept or Esc to reject.
There is the option to describe something you want to do using natural language within a comment, and Copilot will suggest the code to achieve your goal: create file > write the comment, and you will receive the suggested implementation of the function.
You can also use Copilot to generate API and framework suggestions, such as creating a simple Express server that returns the current time.
Just create a new JavaScript file, type the comment “// Express server on port 3000,” and then press “Enter.” This will suggest an implementation of the Express application. Accept each line and type the comment “// Return the current time,” and GitHub Copilot will suggest an implementation for the default driver.
As mentioned above, GitHub Copilot offers suggestions from billions of lines of open-source code. The result is that it can create unsafe coding patterns, errors, or references to APIs or obsolete expressions, so the developer is ultimately responsible for ensuring the security and quality of the code.
That is why the platform itself recommends taking the same precautions as when using any code that is not your own: rigorous testing, IP examination, and monitoring for security vulnerabilities.
With that in mind, here are some examples of best practices when using GitHub Copilot:
GitHub Copilot offers numerous features to assist you in your work with code, and there are still many more to come thanks to the constant updates the tool is constantly releasing. Here are the most important ones:
This is the future version of GitHub Copilot and will be a step forward in AI-supported programming. It is still in testing, and no release date is known, but they are already working on its design and creating new features.
It features chat and terminal interfaces, support for pull requests, and early adoption of GPT-4, and it is already positioned as the future of AI-powered software development.
Key features include:
Already, millions of developers are relying on GitHub Copilot to build software. Research has found that GitHub Copilot helps developers code faster (96%), focus on solving bigger problems (74%), stay in the flow longer, and feel more satisfied with their work (88%).
With this service, access to GitHub Copilot can be managed within a company. It uses data from the file content and additional sources to improve its functionality. This process aims to improve the service and involves the collection and analysis of certain information:
If you need a partner to discover the full potential of GitHub Copilot, Plain Concepts can make it easy for you.
In addition, we don’t stop at certifications, and we offer you an exclusive GitHub Adoption Framework so that you can find the service that best suits your needs from the best experts.
You can train in GitHub Actions, GitHub for developers, GitHub Admin, GitHub API, GitHub Copilot, GitHub Advanced Security, and Advanced Security for DevOps.
Don’t wait any longer and contact us to become a GitHub Copilot expert!
Elena Canorea
Communications Lead
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