GitHub Copilot
AI assistant built into your editor
What it is
Copilot suggests lines, whole functions, and code blocks as you type, right inside VS Code, JetBrains, and Neovim. It trains on GitHub public repositories and understands your project context. Chat mode lets you ask about code, generate tests, and explain errors without leaving the editor.
How to use it, step by step
- 1
Create or sign in to a GitHub account and start the Copilot free trial at github.com/features/copilot.
- 2
Install the 'GitHub Copilot' extension from your editor's marketplace (VS Code, JetBrains, or Neovim) and log in with GitHub.
- 3
Open a code file and start typing: Copilot shows its suggestion in grey. Press Tab to accept, Esc to dismiss.
- 4
Write a comment describing what you want (e.g. '// function that validates an email') and let Copilot generate the implementation below.
- 5
Open the chat (Copilot icon in the sidebar) to ask about selected code, generate tests, or explain an error.
💡Practical tips
- →The more context you give (clear variable names, comments, related open files), the better the suggestions.
- →Press Ctrl+Enter to see multiple completion alternatives and pick the best one.
- →Always review generated code: Copilot speeds you up, but correctness is still your responsibility.
💰Pricing
Free for students and maintainers of popular open-source projects. Otherwise about $10/month (Individual) or $19/user per month (Business).
The official site opens in a new tab.