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If you’re a C# developer, I’ve got something that’s going to blow your mind: GitHub Copilot. This amazing AI-powered tool is like having a coding wizard sitting right next to you, whispering brilliant ideas and code snippets directly into your editor. It’s a game-changer, and I’m about to show you why.

What is GitHub Copilot?

Before we go any further, lets get to know what exactly is GitHub Copilot. Via definition, it’s powered by a gigantic AI model (the OpenAI Codex) trained on an unbelievable amount of code and text. Copilot understands the context of your C# code and makes suggestions that are shockingly relevant and helpful. Well, think of GitHub Copilot as your pair programmer.

What is GitHub Copilot For Me? Can it code?

Well it can write code, debug code and also predict you code. But can it code itself? If you ask me, then I would say no. It is not a replacement for a developer. But it is a skill enhancer for a developer with knowledge. If you are a skilled developer and know your craft, then you know the path you want to go to solve a problem via coding. There may be a lot of steps involved in reaching the solution, like making json api calls, converting json into class models, etc. etc. Lot of coding stuff which we know and have to do on a regular basis thus also becoming boring.

But with these things, we can tell the AI to do a lot of it, for us. It can easily build out a C# class for us based on a JSON string which I can use to decode the json string into a C# model. Then go on working with my actual problem solving code.

There are tons of examples I can give which I have used Github Copilot for in the past couple of weeks. But lets try and keep this short. Let’s check how Github Copilot can transform your workflow.

How GitHub Copilot Transforms Your Workflow

• Effortless Code Generation: Need a repetitive loop? A basic class structure? Maybe a function to calculate something? Copilot often suggests the entire code block, saving you precious keystrokes and brainpower.
• Faster Problem-Solving: Stuck on how to implement a particular algorithm? Copilot might suggest a ready-to-go implementation or offer variations for you to adapt. The code will not always be accurate but will eventually point you in the right direction.
• Discover New Patterns and Libraries: Copilot can introduce you to different coding styles, unfamiliar libraries, and clever ways to use C# features that you might not have known about. Personally being coding for more than 10 years we tend to hard wire coding practices into us. Specially for me GitHub Copilot has help me modernize my coding practices to a vast extent.
• Squash Bugs Before They Hatch: Sometimes, Copilot even spots potential bugs or suggests ways to make your code more efficient. This is due to its pretty cool auto complete and code prediction feature. Who doesn’t need a watchful extra pair of eyes?
• Explain and Suggest Fixes For Console Errors: Ever run into errors during build process or during deployment. Well you can point at the error and get a nifty Copilot icon which can be used to explain or suggest probable fixes.

The Magic in Action

Let’s see some examples:

• You start typing a comment like “// Function to calculate average”. Boom! Copilot might suggest an entire function implementation.
• You begin a for loop. Copilot often fills in the loop variables and conditions, saving you typing time.
• You need to do something with files or network requests. Copilot can suggest relevant C# libraries and provide code snippets to get you started.

Getting Started

• Install the Extension: Get the GitHub Copilot extension for your favorite code editor (Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, JetBrains Rider, etc.).
• Sign Up: You’ll likely need a GitHub Copilot subscription, but they offer a free trial for you to test it out. Currently while writing this post, I am on a one month trial but will probably continue with their subscription.
• New Copilot Icon on Left Panel: If all is setup properly, then you will see a new Copilot icon on the left panel. The icon will look like chat bubbles. Something like this…
• Let the Magic Flow! Start coding in C#, and watch as Copilot’s suggestions pop up inline with your code.
• Chat Your Problems Away: Just like Chat GPT you can also chat with GitHub Copilot with coding related things and get real time responses straight in the editor. How cool is that. No switching windows and no loosing your flow.
• Context Understanding: GitHub Copilot knows the file you are working on and will very well understand the current context which is super helpful in debugging errors or asking for coding suggestions.

Important Notes

• Copilot is a Tool: It’s brilliant, but it’s not a replacement for your own coding skills. Always review its suggestions carefully. Think of it as a super-smart assistant, not a magic solution.
• Context is King: The better your comments and the more structured your code is, the better Copilot’s suggestions will be.
• It Learns from You: Copilot adapts to your coding style, so the more you use it, the more personalized its suggestions become.
• Don’t Forget to Code Yourself: Coding is a skill and like all skills, the more you use it, the better you become. Tools are meant to enhance your skills and not make you dependent. Too much reliance is not good so keep that in mind and never stop learning.

Ready to Level Up?

If you’re a C# developer who wants to code faster, smarter, and with a touch of AI-powered magic, GitHub Copilot is a must-try. It’s a fantastic way to boost your productivity and learn new things along the way. Get out there and start experiencing the power of a coding AI sidekick! You can try out GitHub Copilot using the link below:

https://github.com/features/copilot

Let me know if you want specific code examples or a deeper dive into a particular aspect of Copilot for a follow-up post!

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