GitHub Copilot in VSCode | Quick Setup, Shortcuts & Features

GitHub Copilot in VSCode

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered coding assistant that helps you write code faster and smarter in Visual Studio Code. Copilot offers real-time code suggestions, entire function completions, inline explanations, and even AI chat support—all integrated directly inside VSCode.

---

🔹 Key Features in VSCode

🚀 1. Context-Aware Code Suggestions

• Instantly suggests lines, code blocks, or entire functions as you type.
• Learns from your code context and adapts to your style.

💬 2. Copilot Chat

• Use a conversational chat panel to ask questions about your code, frameworks, or get explanations.
• Can generate code snippets, debug, or refactor code via chat.
• Access Copilot Chat from the side panel or with the keyboard shortcut.

✍️ 3. Inline Suggestions

• Suggestions appear as ghost text inline with your code.
• Accept, cycle, or discard suggestions with simple keystrokes.

⚡ 4. Code Actions

• Insert suggestions directly into your file.
• Accept partial lines, full functions, or whole files.
• Quickly apply, edit, or reject AI-generated code.

📝 5. Multi-Language Support

• Works with over a dozen languages including Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, C#, Java, Go, and more.

🛠️ 6. Quick Documentation & Explanations

• Copilot can explain code, generate docstrings, and provide comments inline or via chat.

---

🔹 Quick Setup Guide

1. Install GitHub Copilot Extension:

   • Go to the Extensions panel (Ctrl+Shift+X), search for GitHub Copilot, and click Install.
   • For Copilot Chat, install the GitHub Copilot Chat extension.

2. Sign In:

   • Click Sign in to GitHub when prompted.
   • Authorize the extension in your browser and return to VSCode.

3. Start Coding:

   • Begin typing in a supported language file. Copilot will suggest completions automatically.

---

🔹 Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Action	Shortcut (Windows/Linux)	Shortcut (Mac)
Accept suggestion	Tab	Tab
Reject suggestion	Esc	Esc
Next suggestion	Alt+[	Option+[
Previous suggestion	Alt+]	Option+]
Open Copilot Chat	Ctrl+I	Cmd+I
Trigger inline suggestion	Ctrl+Enter	Cmd+Enter
Open command palette	Ctrl+Shift+P	Cmd+Shift+P

---

🔹 Using Copilot Chat & Inline Features

• Ask Copilot in Chat:
  Open the chat panel and type natural language questions, like:

  • “Explain this function.”
  • “How do I reverse a linked list in Python?”
  • “Generate a unit test for this method.”

• Accept or Discard Suggestions:

  • Press Tab to accept the suggestion.
  • Press Esc to dismiss it.
  • Use Alt+[ or Alt+] to cycle through alternate suggestions.

• Apply Code Directly:

  • Suggestions are inserted directly at the cursor.
  • You can edit AI-generated code just like regular code.

---

🔹 Copilot Features in Action

• Autocomplete entire functions and complex logic
• Add documentation comments or explanations
• Get instant answers and code snippets via Copilot Chat
• Accept, modify, or discard suggestions as you code
• Refactor or debug with Copilot’s contextual help

---

🔹 Pricing

• Free: For students, teachers, and open-source maintainers.
• Personal: $10/month or $100/year for individuals.
• Business: $19/user/month, includes advanced security and admin controls.

---

🔹 Final Thoughts

GitHub Copilot for VSCode is redefining developer productivity. With features like inline suggestions, chat-based code help, and seamless integration, you can code, learn, and solve problems faster than ever.

🚀 Try Copilot today in Visual Studio Code and experience AI-powered development!

---

Let me know if you want more shortcuts, feature tips, or a troubleshooting guide for Copilot in VSCode!