Get started with AI-assisted development

Learn how to use GitHub Copilot in a Visual Studio Code environment. This training covers code analysis, inline and project documentation, app development, unit testing, code refactoring, and provides an introduction to vibe coding.

Prerequisites

We recommend that attendees of this course have:

• An active subscription for GitHub Copilot is required for either a personal GitHub account or a GitHub account managed by an organization or enterprise.
• One or more years of code development experience is recommended.
• Some experience developing C# applications in Visual Studio Code with the C# Dev Kit extension is recommended.

Target audience

This course is designed for:

• Experienced developers aiming to enhance productivity using AI tools

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Examine the features and benefits of GitHub Copilot and GitHub Copilot Chat.
• Configure and manage GitHub Copilot settings and extensions in Visual Studio Code.
• Generate code explanations, project documentation, and inline code comments using GitHub Copilot.
• Develop new code features and implement code suggestions with GitHub Copilot.
• Create and run unit tests using GitHub Copilot tools.
• Refactor and improve existing codebases with GitHub Copilot suggestions.
• Apply the vibe coding approach to app development using GitHub Copilot Agent.

Module 1: Get started with GitHub Copilot

This module introduces developers to the GitHub Copilot products, the benefits that GitHub Copilot provides to developers, the GitHub Copilot and GitHub Copilot Chat product features, and the GitHub Copilot extensions for Visual Studio Code.

• Introduction
• Examine AI tools from GitHub, OpenAI, and Microsoft
• Compare GitHub Copilot plans
• Review GitHub Copilot features
• Examine GitHub Copilot's setup process
• Configure GitHub Copilot settings in Visual Studio Code
• Manage GitHub Copilot policies, features, and extensions for individuals
• Examine GitHub Copilot's code completion features
• Examine GitHub Copilot's AI assistance features
• Examine GitHub Copilot Chat view features
• Examine GitHub Copilot inline chat, smart actions, and quick chat
• Exercise - Examine GitHub Copilot settings and user interface features
• Module assessment
• Summary

Module 2: Generate documentation using GitHub Copilot tools

This module explores the generation of code explanations, project documentation, and inline code comment documentation using the GitHub Copilot Chat extension for Visual Studio Code.

• Introduction
• Review GitHub Copilot's 'explain' and 'document' features
• Examine GitHub Copilot prompts and keywords
• Analyze and explain code using GitHub Copilot
• Generate project documentation using GitHub Copilot
• Generate inline code documentation using GitHub Copilot
• Exercise - Analyze and document code using GitHub Copilot
• Module assessment
• Summary

Module 3: Develop code features using GitHub Copilot tools

This module explores using GitHub Copilot and GitHub Copilot Chat suggestions to create new code. Autocompletion and code update suggestions are generated, managed, and implemented using GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code.

• Introduction
• Examine the code development features of GitHub Copilot
• Examine GitHub Copilot best practices
• Generate code using GitHub Copilot code completion suggestions
• Generate code using GitHub Copilot Chat
• Exercise - Develop new code features using GitHub Copilot
• Module assessment
• Summary

Module 4: Develop unit tests using GitHub Copilot tools

This module explores using GitHub Copilot and GitHub Copilot Chat to create unit tests. Exercises provide practical experience creating unit test projects and running unit tests in Visual Studio Code.

• Introduction
• Examine Visual Studio Code support for unit testing
• Generate unit tests with the GitHub Copilot Chat view
• Plan and automate test workflows using the Plan and Agent modes
• Extend tests with ghost text and fix failing tests
• Exercise - Develop unit tests using GitHub Copilot
• Module assessment
• Summary

Module 5: Implement code improvements using GitHub Copilot tools

This module explores using GitHub Copilot Chat to develop improvements for an existing codebase. Exercises provide practical experience implementing GitHub Copilot suggestions that improve code quality, reliability, performance, and security.

• Introduction
• Review GitHub Copilot's code improvement features
• Examine GitHub Copilot's quick fix options
• Review code refactoring scenarios and GitHub Copilot best practices
• Refactor code using GitHub Copilot Inline Chat
• Refactor code using GitHub Copilot Chat modes
• Examine the GitHub Copilot code review features
• Exercise - Refactor existing code using GitHub Copilot
• Module assessment
• Summary

Module 6: Introduction to vibe coding

This module examines the vibe coding approach to app development and how to implement a vibe coding process to create and refine an app using GitHub Copilot Agent.

• Introduction
• What is vibe coding?
• Examine the vibe coding process
• Create effective prompts for GitHub Copilot
• Identify product requirements and coding guidelines
• Customize GitHub Copilot Chat responses
• Exercise - Get started with vibe coding using GitHub Copilot Agent
• Module assessment
• Summary

Exams and assessments

There is no certification or exam associated with this course.

Hands-on learning

This course is delivered through a combination of presentations, demonstrations and practical labs.