Tips & Tricks: Get the Most Out of GitHub CoPilot | DevReach 2023

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Summary

The video showcases how GitHub Co-pilot serves as an AI pair programmer by utilizing large language models to provide code suggestions. It emphasizes the significance of providing context for Co-pilot to generate accurate and efficient completions. The speaker shares insights on incorporating Co-pilot into the development environment, addressing limitations, and providing tips on maximizing its functionality for effective coding practices. The demonstration includes adding tests, troubleshooting errors, and utilizing live preview features in code spaces for real-time updates. Overall, the video offers valuable guidance on leveraging GitHub Co-pilot effectively to enhance coding efficiency and collaboration.


Introduction and Selfie Time

The speaker introduces the topic of getting the most out of GitHub co-pilot, shares his background, and takes a selfie with the audience.

Understanding GitHub Co-Pilot

Explains the function and purpose of GitHub co-pilot as an AI pair programmer, emphasizing the importance of learning from others' experiences to maximize its usefulness.

Working with GitHub Co-Pilot

Discusses how GitHub co-pilot works, the use of large language models, and how to incorporate it into the development environment.

Limitations of GitHub Co-Pilot

Addresses the limitations of GitHub co-pilot, including the impact of training data and its inability to compile or read the developer's mind.

Providing Context for GitHub Co-Pilot

Provides tips on how to give the best context for GitHub co-pilot, including open files, top-level comments, and meaningful names.

Using GitHub Co-Pilot Effectively

Demonstrates tips such as using single specific short comments, trusting but verifying suggestions, and iterating to refine code suggestions.

Adding Tests with GitHub Co-Pilot

Shows how to add tests using GitHub co-pilot, including documenting methods and following suggestions to enhance code quality.

Troubleshooting and Error Handling

Explains how to troubleshoot errors with GitHub co-pilot, get explanations for errors, and work through coding challenges more efficiently.

Live Preview in Code Spaces

The speaker demonstrates how to use live preview in code spaces to see real-time updates when making changes to code. They provide tips for working with code spaces and ensuring live previews are visible.

Creating a CSS Stylesheet

The speaker explains how to create a CSS stylesheet with a header and footer on a page, specifying styles such as background color and layout. They discuss setting goals for Co-pilot to understand the desired outcome.

Defining Styles for HTML and Body Tags

The speaker demonstrates how to define styles for the overall HTML and body tags in a CSS stylesheet. They address guiding Co-pilot in the right direction and nudging it when needed for accurate completions.

Adding Lorem Ipsum Content

The speaker adds Lorem Ipsum content to the main area of the page, highlighting the efficient use of Co-pilot and addressing the token limits when generating large amounts of text.

Efficient Lorem Ipsum Generation

The speaker contrasts the efficiency of generating Lorem Ipsum content with Co-pilot and VS Code, emphasizing the importance of context and efficient coding practices.

Refactoring Styles and Content

The speaker refactors styles and content in the project, showcasing how to improve code provided by Co-pilot and ensure alignment with project standards. They emphasize the importance of context for accurate suggestions.

Handling Tasks in a Project

The speaker discusses adding a task service to a project and shows how Co-pilot assists in generating code while considering existing context and coding standards. They demonstrate the importance of having the right context for precise suggestions.

Understanding Exceptions in Visual Studio

The speaker demonstrates how Co-pilot helps in understanding exceptions and debugging processes in Visual Studio. They showcase the feature of explaining exceptions and providing solutions to resolve issues efficiently.

Co-pilot Tips and Future Features

The speaker provides tips for using Co-pilot effectively, including guiding prompts and context considerations. They also mention upcoming features, business versions, and Co-pilot Adventures for trying out new code scenarios.


FAQ

Q: What is the function and purpose of GitHub co-pilot?

A: GitHub co-pilot is an AI pair programmer designed to assist developers by providing code suggestions and automating repetitive tasks.

Q: How does GitHub co-pilot work?

A: GitHub co-pilot utilizes large language models and learns from existing codebases to provide intelligent code suggestions based on the context of the current development environment.

Q: What are some limitations of GitHub co-pilot?

A: Some limitations of GitHub co-pilot include its dependency on training data, inability to compile code, and the fact that it cannot read the developer's mind to understand the exact intent.

Q: What tips were provided for giving the best context to GitHub co-pilot?

A: Tips for giving the best context to GitHub co-pilot included keeping open files, adding top-level comments, using meaningful names, and providing specific short comments for better understanding.

Q: How can GitHub co-pilot help in adding tests and improving code quality?

A: GitHub co-pilot can assist in adding tests by suggesting methods, documenting code, and providing recommendations to enhance code quality based on the project requirements.

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