Coding

GitHub Copilot

July 9, 2024 1 min read Updated: 2026-02-17

GitHub Copilot changed how developers write code. Trained on billions of lines of public code, it suggests completions that often anticipate exactly what you’re trying to build.

How It Works

Copilot analyzes:

  • Your current file
  • Related files in your project
  • Comments and function names
  • The patterns in your codebase

Then suggests relevant completions as you type.

Key Features

  • Inline Suggestions: Code as you type
  • Ghost Text: See suggestions before accepting
  • Multiple Suggestions: Cycle through options
  • Copilot Chat: Ask coding questions
  • CLI: Command line assistance

Pricing Options

PlanPriceFeatures
Free (Students)$0Full access, verified students
Individual$10/moPersonal use
Business$19/user/moOrganization management
Enterprise$39/user/moAdvanced security

IDE Support

  • VS Code (best experience)
  • Visual Studio
  • JetBrains IDEs
  • Neovim
  • Emacs (community)

GitHub Copilot is the standard against which all coding AI is measured. For most developers, it’s worth the subscription.