GitHub Copilot Review: One Year Later

We’ve used GitHub Copilot daily for over a year. Time for the definitive review.

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI coding assistant. It suggests code as you type, writes functions from comments, and helps with boilerplate.

Built on OpenAI’s Codex, integrated into VS Code, JetBrains, and more.

The Numbers

After 12+ months:

• Acceptance rate: ~35% of suggestions
• Time saved: 30-60 minutes daily
• Languages used: JavaScript, Python, TypeScript, Go
• Would we cancel? No

What It Does Well

1. Boilerplate Code

Writing repetitive code—imports, configurations, standard patterns—Copilot excels here.

“Write a function that…” and it often produces exactly what you need.

2. Common Patterns

Standard algorithms, API integrations, data transformations—if many developers have written similar code, Copilot knows it.

3. Test Generation

Describe what you’re testing, and Copilot generates test cases. Not perfect, but a strong starting point.

4. Documentation

Writing docstrings and comments is faster. Describe the function, get formatted documentation.

5. Learning New Languages

Unfamiliar syntax? Start typing what you want to do. Copilot suggests correct syntax.

What It Doesn’t Do Well

1. Complex Logic

Multi-step business logic, intricate algorithms—Copilot suggestions become less reliable.

2. Project Context

It doesn’t fully understand your codebase. Suggestions may conflict with your patterns.

3. Recent Technologies

Cutting-edge libraries and recent APIs—limited training data means worse suggestions.

4. Security Awareness

Copilot can suggest insecure code. You still need security knowledge.

5. Perfect Code

Suggestions need review. Don’t accept blindly.

Real-World Impact

Code I Write Faster

• API endpoints
• Database queries
• React components
• Unit tests
• Utility functions
• Configuration files

Code I Still Write Manually

• Core business logic
• Architecture decisions
• Complex algorithms
• Security-sensitive code

The Workflow Change

Before Copilot

1. Think about what to write
2. Type it out
3. Debug typos and syntax
4. Look up APIs I forgot

After Copilot

1. Start typing or write a comment
2. Review suggestion
3. Accept, modify, or reject
4. Move on faster

It changes how you code. More directing, less typing.

Productivity Gains

Our estimates (your mileage varies):

Not everything is faster. But enough is.

The Learning Curve

Week 1

Surprised by suggestions. Accept too much. Code quality mixed.

Week 2-4

Learn when to trust it. Develop a rhythm. Quality improves.

Month 2+

Copilot feels natural. Know its strengths. Suggestions complement your style.

Give it a month before judging.

Copilot vs. Alternatives

Copilot is still the leader. Codeium is a solid free alternative.

Privacy Considerations

Your code is sent to GitHub/OpenAI for processing.

For most developers: Probably fine For sensitive codebases: Check your company’s policy For enterprise: Copilot for Business offers more controls

The Controversial Parts

Training on Open Source

Copilot was trained on public GitHub code. Some developers are unhappy about this. Legal questions remain.

Job Displacement Fears

Will AI replace developers? Not yet. Current AI assists but can’t replace understanding.

Code Quality

Bad developers with Copilot write bad code faster. Good developers write good code faster. The tool amplifies existing skills.

Is It Worth $10/Month?

Yes If:

• You code multiple hours daily
• You value time over money
• You write common code patterns often
• You’re learning new languages

Maybe Not If:

• You code occasionally
• Your work is highly specialized
• Privacy is paramount
• $10/month matters to your budget

Our Verdict

GitHub Copilot is the best AI coding assistant available. It saves real time for real developers.

Not perfect. Not magic. But genuinely useful.

Rating: 8.5/10

We won’t work without it now.

AI coding assistants are the new normal. Copilot set the standard.