Ready to go from “meh” to “whoa” with your AI coding assistant? Here’s how to get started.
You’ve installed GitHub Copilot. Now what?
Here’s how to actually get it to work for you – not just with you.
In the blog Using GitHub Copilot in VS Code, we have already seen how to use GitHub Copilot in VS Code.
1. Write for Copilot, Not Just Yourself
Copilot is like a teammate who’s really fast at coding but only understands what you clearly explain.
Start with Intention:
Use descriptive comments or function names to guide Copilot.
// Fetch user data from API and cache it locally
function fetchUserData() {
Copilot will often generate useful logic based on that. It works best when you think one step ahead.
2. Break Problems Into Small Pieces
Copilot shines when your code is modular.
Instead of writing:
function processEverything() {
// 50 lines of logic
}
Break it down:
// Validate form input
function validateInput(data) {
}
// Submit form to backend
function submitForm(data) {
}
This way, you get smarter, more accurate completions.
3. Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Stay in Flow
Speed = flow. These shortcuts help you ride Copilot without breaking rhythm:
| Action | Shortcut (Windows) | Shortcut (Mac) |
|---|---|---|
| Accept Suggestion | Tab |
Tab |
| Next Suggestion | Alt + ] |
Option + ] |
| Previous Suggestion | Alt + [ |
Option + [ |
| Dismiss Suggestion | Esc |
Esc |
| Open Copilot Panel | Ctrl + Enter |
Cmd + Enter |
Power Tip: Hold Tab to preview full suggestion before accepting it.
4. Experiment With Different Prompts
Don’t settle for the first suggestion. Try giving Copilot:
- Function names like: generateInvoicePDF()
- Comments like: // Merge two sorted arrays
- Descriptions like: // Validate email format
Copilot might generate multiple versions. Pick or tweak the one that fits best.
5. Review & Refactor – Always
Copilot is smart, but not perfect.
- Always read the output. Don’t blindly accept.
- Add your own edge case handling and error checks.
- Use tools like ESLint or TypeScript for safety.
Think of Copilot as your fast-thinking intern. You still need to double-check their work.
6. Use It Across File Types
Copilot isn’t just for JS or Python. Try it in:
- HTML/CSS → Suggest complete sections
- SQL → Generate queries from comments
- Markdown → Draft docs and README files
- Dockerfiles, .env, YAML, Regex patterns
Write a comment like # Dockerfile for Node.js app – and watch the magic.
7. Pair It With Unit Tests
Use Copilot to write your test cases too:
// Test case for addTwoNumbers function
describe('addTwoNumbers', () => {
It will generate a full Jest test block. Use this to write tests faster – especially for legacy code.
8. Learn From Copilot (Not Just Use It)
Treat Copilot suggestions as learning opportunities:
- Ask: “Why did it suggest that?”
- Compare with your original approach
- Check docs or MDN if you see unfamiliar code
It’s like having a senior dev whispering best practices in your ear.
9. Use Copilot Chat (If Available)
If you have access to GitHub Copilot Chat, try it. Ask questions like:
- What does this error mean?
- Explain this function
- Suggest improvements for this code
It works like a Stack Overflow built into your IDE.
Quick Recap
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Write clear comments | Better suggestions |
| Break logic into chunks | Modular, reusable code |
| Use shortcuts | Stay in flow |
| Cycle suggestions | Explore better options |
| Review output | Avoid bugs |
| Test case generation | Faster TDD |
| Learn as you go | Level up coding skills |
Final Thoughts: Practice With Purpose
To truly master Copilot:
- Build small projects and let Copilot help
- Refactor old code using Copilot suggestions
- Try documenting your code with its help
You’ll slowly build trust – and skill.
Source: Read MoreÂ