GitHub Copilot is a service that uses AI to support software development. It improves developers’ productivity by suggesting code as they type and answering questions in natural language.

This article explains what GitHub Copilot is, what it can do, and what to keep in mind when using it.

# What Is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI coding assistant that generates code suggestions based on the context of the code and comments written by the developer.

It can do more than generate code automatically. You can also use it to explain code, investigate the cause of errors, create test code, and discuss implementation approaches. It is a support tool that helps developers work with suggestions, rather than a tool that makes every decision on their behalf.

# What Can GitHub Copilot Do?

## Code Completion

When you enter code or comments in an editor, GitHub Copilot suggests possible continuations.

This can reduce the effort required to write function templates and other routine code. You can review the suggestions before accepting them.

## Ask Questions in Chat

You can ask questions about code and errors through a chat interface.

For example, you can ask GitHub Copilot to:

• Explain what selected code does
• Suggest the cause of an error and ways to fix it
• Convert code to another programming language
• Create test code
• Suggest ways to improve code

## Use It from the Command Line

GitHub Copilot can also be used from the command line through GitHub CLI. It can help you discuss shell commands and understand what commands do.

However, you should check the target files and options before executing a suggested command instead of running it without review.

## Support Pull Requests and Code Reviews

GitHub Copilot can create descriptions of changes and support code reviews. It can help organize an overview of changes and identify items that are easy to overlook.

## Support Development as an Agent

Depending on the available features and plan, GitHub Copilot can support tasks such as researching implementation approaches, creating plans, changing code, and creating Pull Requests.

Even in this case, developers should review the generated changes and run tests and other checks before incorporating them into a project.

# Where Can You Use GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is available in multiple development environments, including Visual Studio Code. Common places where it can be used include:

• IDEs such as Visual Studio Code
• The GitHub website
• GitHub Mobile
• The command line through GitHub CLI
• Development environments such as Visual Studio, Xcode, and JetBrains IDEs

Supported environments and available features may change. Before getting started, check the official documentation to confirm that your environment is supported.

# Benefits of GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot can reduce the time required to enter routine code and research implementation approaches. It can also provide useful examples when you are working with a programming language or library that you are not familiar with.

Because you can ask it to explain code and suggest improvements, it can also help you begin understanding an existing codebase. However, its answers are not always correct. You should understand the code yourself instead of relying on it for every learning or design decision.

# Things to Keep in Mind

## Verify Generated Code

Code generated by GitHub Copilot may contain errors, inefficient processing, or vulnerabilities. Before using it, review the code and run tests and static analysis.

Security-sensitive code involving authentication, authorization, input validation, encryption, and database operations requires especially careful review.

## Do Not Enter Sensitive Information

Do not include API keys, passwords, personal information, or confidential company information in chat messages or prompts. When using GitHub Copilot in an organization, also check the company’s security policies and GitHub’s administrative settings.

## Check Licenses

Generated code may resemble existing code. If you use it in publicly distributed software, check the project’s license and the terms of any dependent libraries, and take any required action.

## Check Usage Limits

Available models, the number of completions and chat requests, and AI credits vary by plan and feature. Plan details and prices may change, so check the official pricing page for the latest information.

# Pricing Plans and Getting Started

GitHub Copilot offers a free plan and paid plans for individuals, as well as plans for organizations and enterprises. Available features and usage limits vary by plan.

For the latest pricing, available features, and supported environments, see the following official pages:

• What is GitHub Copilot? (GitHub Docs)
• GitHub Copilot Plans
• Setting up GitHub Copilot (GitHub Docs)

To get started, sign in to the official website with your GitHub account and choose a plan that fits your needs. Then install the required extensions or configure the tools for your IDE or GitHub CLI.

# Summary

GitHub Copilot is an AI service that supports software development through code completion, chat, the command line, and code reviews. It can make routine tasks more efficient and serve as a partner when considering implementation approaches.

However, generated code is not guaranteed to be correct. Do not enter sensitive information, check security and licensing requirements, and use GitHub Copilot alongside testing and code review.