How to Use GitHub Copilot for Faster Coding in 2026
Quick Summary: GitHub Copilot saves developers 30-50% of coding time. At $10/mo, it’s the best value in AI coding tools. Students get it free. For VS Code users, it’s a no-brainer upgrade.
Why Use GitHub Copilot for Software Development?
GitHub Copilot has become one of the most popular AI tools for software development in 2026. This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to get started and get the most value from the platform. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced user, these tips will help you work faster and produce better results.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using GitHub Copilot
Step 1: Install and Configure
Install the GitHub Copilot extension in VS Code, JetBrains, or Neovim. Sign in with your GitHub account. Copilot Individual costs $10/mo or $100/yr; free for students and open-source maintainers.
Step 2: Understand How Suggestions Work
Copilot suggests code as you type (ghost text). Press Tab to accept, Esc to dismiss. Use Alt+] and Alt+[ to cycle through alternative suggestions.
Step 3: Write Effective Comments
Start with a clear comment describing what you want: ‘// Function that validates email format and checks against a blocklist’. Copilot generates the implementation.
Step 4: Use Copilot Chat
Open the Chat panel (Ctrl+I) for conversational coding. Ask it to explain code, find bugs, write tests, or refactor. Reference specific files with @workspace.
Step 5: Leverage for Tests and Docs
Copilot excels at generating unit tests and documentation. Type ‘test’ in a test file and it generates comprehensive test cases. Add JSDoc/docstring comments and it fills in descriptions.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most from GitHub Copilot
- Tab completion is fastest for boilerplate code
- Use Chat for complex logic and debugging
- Review all suggestions before accepting
- Disable for sensitive codebases if needed
Our Verdict
GitHub Copilot saves developers 30-50% of coding time. At $10/mo, it’s the best value in AI coding tools. Students get it free. For VS Code users, it’s a no-brainer upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GitHub Copilot worth the price?
For most users focused on software development, yes. The time saved typically exceeds the subscription cost within the first week. Start with the free tier to evaluate before committing.
Can GitHub Copilot replace a human?
No — GitHub Copilot is best used as an assistant, not a replacement. It accelerates your workflow and handles repetitive tasks, but human oversight, creativity, and judgment remain essential.
What are the best alternatives to GitHub Copilot?
Popular alternatives vary by use case. Check our detailed comparison articles for head-to-head breakdowns of GitHub Copilot vs its top competitors.
Ready to get started?
Try GitHub Copilot Free →Find the Perfect AI Tool for Your Needs
Compare pricing, features, and reviews of 50+ AI tools
Browse All AI Tools →Get Weekly AI Tool Updates
Join 1,000+ professionals. Free AI tools cheatsheet included.