How to Use GitHub Copilot Effectively (Tips & Tricks)

Tutorial: Follow these steps to get the most out of Copilot. Each step builds on the previous one.

1Write Clear Comments First

Copilot reads your comments as prompts. Write descriptive comments before code: ‘// Function that validates email format and returns boolean’. Better comments = better code.

2Use Descriptive Names

Copilot uses variable and function names for context. ‘calculateMonthlyRevenue’ generates better code than ‘calc’. Name things well.

3Open Related Files

Copilot uses open tabs for context. When working on an API route, open the model and test files too. More context = more relevant suggestions.

4Use Copilot Chat

Press Cmd+I for inline chat. Ask: ‘Explain this code’, ‘Add error handling’, ‘Write tests for this function’. More interactive than autocomplete.

5Accept Partially

Press Cmd+Right to accept one word at a time. Useful when Copilot gets the start right but you want to change the ending.

6Copilot for Documentation

Select a function and ask Copilot Chat: ‘Generate JSDoc for this function’. It reads the code and writes accurate documentation.