In the ever-evolving realm of technology, breakthroughs happen at an astonishing pace. Among the many innovative tools that have surfaced, one that stands out is GitHub Copilot. Developed through a collaboration between Microsoft, OpenAI, and GitHub, this groundbreaking AI program tool was officially introduced in June 2021. GitHub Copilot is a game-changer in the world of coding, effectively providing a boost to developers in their daily coding endeavors. In this article, we will dive deep into what GitHub Copilot is, its features, pricing, and how to get started with this remarkable tool.

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot, at its core, is a free integrated development environment (IDE) software. It is powered by OpenAI Codex, a cutting-edge AI technology that generates code solutions from natural language programming problems. As a result, developers can harness the power of GitHub Copilot when working within popular coding environments such as Visual Studio Code, Microsoft Visual Studio, Vim, or JetBrains. This tool mainly targets programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript, providing a seamless coding experience for developers.

Key Features of GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot offers a slew of features that have the potential to redefine the coding experience for developers. Here’s a look at some of its key functionalities:

1. Turning Natural Language into Code Suggestions

GitHub Copilot is designed to interpret natural language queries and transform them into actionable code suggestions. This enables developers to code more efficiently, with less time spent on searching for the right syntax or functions.

2. Accelerating Code Writing

The tool significantly speeds up the coding process by offering intelligent code completions based on the developer’s logic. This feature reduces the time spent writing repetitive or boilerplate code, allowing developers to focus on creating innovative solutions.

3. Building Code with Developer Input

GitHub Copilot doesn’t replace developers; instead, it assists them. It generates code based on the logic provided by developers, allowing them to maintain control and ownership of their projects.

4. Streamlining Code Review

The tool simplifies code review by autonomously deciding which lines of code to accept, reject, or edit. This feature enhances collaboration and minimizes the need for time-consuming manual reviews.

5. Assisting with Learning

GitHub Copilot aids developers in becoming familiar with new databases and frameworks. It provides real-time assistance and context-aware suggestions, making it a valuable companion for both experienced and novice developers.

GitHub Copilot Pricing

GitHub Copilot offers flexible pricing plans to cater to different user needs. Here are the available plans:

For Individuals

• Price: $10 per month
• Functionality:
  • 2 months free
  • Integration with your code editor
  • Transforms natural language prompts into code
  • Provides multi-line function suggestions
  • Speeds up test generation
  • Blocks suggestions that match public code

For Businesses

• Price: $19 per month
• Functionality:
  • Everything included in Copilot for Individuals
  • Simple license management
  • Organization-wide policy management
  • Industry-leading privacy features
  • Corporate proxy support

How to Get Started with GitHub Copilot?

To start benefiting from GitHub Copilot, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Account Registration

1. Visit the official websiteof GitHub Copilot here.
2. Enter GitHub Copilot and click on “Sign In.” If you don’t have an account, complete the registration process.
3. Click “Sign Up” in the upper right corner.
4. Sign up using your email address and set a password.
5. Enter the verification code sent to your registered email to complete the registration.
6. After registration, you can log in and start using GitHub Copilot.

Step 2: Activation

1. Log in to your previously registered account.
2. Choose the mode you prefer.
3. If you opt for a free trial, remember to cancel your subscription within 60 days.
4. Search for “GitHub Copilot” in the Extensions tab of Google Chrome, install the VSCode extension, and log into GitHub. Authorize the extension and configure Copilot.
5. Run the test program to officially begin your trial.

Reviews from Industry Experts

Here’s what some prominent figures in the tech industry have to say about GitHub Copilot:

• Mike Krieger, Co-founder of Instagram: “This is the single most mind-blowing application of machine learning I’ve ever seen.”
• Lars Gyrup Brink Nielsen: “GitHub Copilot works shockingly well. I will never develop software without it again.”
• Gunnika Batra, Senior Analyst: “I was stunned when I started writing Clojure with GitHub Copilot, and it filled an idiomatic namespace require, just like I was going to write it.”
• Harri Edwards, Open AI: “Trying to code in an unfamiliar language by googling everything is like navigating a foreign country with just a phrasebook. Using GitHub Copilot is like hiring an interpreter.”

FAQs

1. What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered integrated development environment (IDE) tool that assists developers by generating code based on natural language programming queries.

2. What data has GitHub Copilot been trained on?

GitHub Copilot has been trained on a vast dataset of programming languages, libraries, and frameworks, enabling it to provide comprehensive code suggestions.

3. How does a customer get the most out of GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot works best when developers divide their code into small functions, use meaningful names for function parameters, and write clear docstrings and comments. It is particularly helpful when navigating unfamiliar libraries or frameworks.

4. Can GitHub Copilot be used with other programming languages besides Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript?

While GitHub Copilot is optimized for these languages, it can be used with other programming languages, but its performance may vary.

5. Is GitHub Copilot compatible with all code editors?

GitHub Copilot is primarily designed to work with popular code editors like Visual Studio Code, Microsoft Visual Studio, Vim, and JetBrains. However, its compatibility may extend to other code editors as well.

In conclusion, GitHub Copilot represents a significant leap forward in the world of coding. It empowers developers to write code more efficiently, learn new technologies faster, and streamline their coding workflow. With flexible pricing options, it caters to both individual developers and businesses. If you’re looking to enhance your coding experience and productivity, GitHub Copilot is definitely worth exploring.