GitHub Copilot has just become even more accessible to developers. As of now, if you have a GitHub account, you automatically have free access to GitHub Copilot, both in Visual Studio Code (VS Code) and directly on GitHub.
Powered by AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic, this tool is designed to help you write better code faster by providing intelligent code suggestions, debugging help, and more. Let’s break down what you get with this new integration and how it can enhance your coding experience.
Table of Contents
What You Get with GitHub Copilot
- 2,000 Code Suggestions per Month One of the most exciting features of GitHub Copilot is its ability to give you context-aware code suggestions. As you work in VS Code or GitHub, Copilot will analyze the context of your code and offer suggestions tailored to your current project. This can save you time by helping you write code more efficiently, reducing the need to search for snippets or consult documentation constantly. You’ll get up to 2,000 suggestions each month, allowing you to benefit from Copilot’s assistance in multiple projects.
- 50 Copilot Chat Messages per Month Copilot’s Chat feature is a valuable tool for improving your workflow. You can now use Copilot Chat within both VS Code and GitHub to ask questions about your code, get help debugging, refactor code, or even request explanations of complex logic. You’ll be given 50 chat messages per month, so you can use this feature to refine your work, troubleshoot problems, and gain insights into your codebase.
- Choose Your AI Model: Claude 3.5 or GPT-4 GitHub Copilot gives you the ability to choose which AI model you’d like to power your suggestions. You can pick Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet or OpenAI’s GPT-4, depending on your preference or the nature of your project. Both models are top-tier in the AI field, and having the option to switch gives developers flexibility based on their specific needs.
- Render Edits Across Multiple Files Copilot also allows you to make edits across multiple files simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful when working on large projects where changes in one file require adjustments in others. Copilot can suggest and apply edits seamlessly across your codebase, improving productivity and maintaining consistency across your project.
- Access to the Copilot Extensions Ecosystem GitHub Copilot isn’t just about suggesting code—it also integrates with various third-party tools. With the Copilot Extensions ecosystem, you can extend the power of Copilot even further. For example, you can conduct web searches using Perplexity, access information from Stack Overflow, and integrate with other popular developer tools. These integrations add a layer of versatility, allowing Copilot to adapt to different coding environments and developer preferences.
Copilot Settings and Data Use
GitHub Copilot uses public code to provide suggestions, meaning that the tool can match code to publicly available repositories. GitHub will also use your data to improve the product, though you have control over how this is managed. You can adjust settings related to data use and public code matching through your Copilot Settings. If you prefer more privacy or wish to limit suggestions based on public repositories, these settings allow you to fine-tune your Copilot experience.
Why GitHub Copilot Matters
For developers, GitHub Copilot is a game-changer. It simplifies the process of coding by providing real-time, context-aware suggestions that can accelerate development. The AI-powered tool doesn’t just suggest code—it helps you understand and optimize it. By integrating directly into VS Code and GitHub, Copilot seamlessly fits into existing workflows, making it easy to start using immediately.
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Join our free Linux training and discover the power of open-source technology. Enhance your skills and boost your career! Learn Linux for Free!The ability to choose your AI model also means that you can leverage the strengths of different models depending on the complexity of your tasks. Whether you are a student, hobbyist, or professional developer, GitHub Copilot helps bridge the gap between knowing how to write code and knowing how to write efficient, high-quality code.
Conclusion
GitHub Copilot, now included for free with your GitHub account, is a powerful tool that makes coding more accessible, efficient, and productive. With personalized code suggestions, helpful chat features, and integrations with third-party tools, Copilot is a must-have for anyone looking to streamline their development process. Whether you’re building a personal project or working with a team, GitHub Copilot will likely become an invaluable assistant in your coding journey.