GitHub Copilot for Developers
Published by Pearson
Master GitHub Copilot for developers of all skills levels.
- Master the latest GitHub Copilot features, including Edits and Knowledge Bases.
- Streamline coding workflows with practical, hands-on techniques.
- Learn insider tips from a seasoned GitHub Copilot expert.
This class teaches developers to unlock the full potential of GitHub Copilot for coding efficiency and productivity. You’ll learn to configure Copilot, leverage advanced features like Edits, Knowledge Bases, and multi-model support, and seamlessly integrate AI-powered suggestions into your workflow.
By mastering tools for code generation, debugging, and refactoring, you’ll streamline everyday development tasks and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving software landscape. This session is ideal for beginners and experienced developers looking to enhance their coding practices with AI.
What you’ll learn and how you can apply it
- How to customize GitHub Copilot’s suggestions to align with your coding style.
- How to use Copilot Edits for efficient refactoring and multi-file changes.
- How to leverage Knowledge Bases for project-specific insights.
- How to maximize productivity using advanced features like multi-model support and intelligent prompts.
And you’ll be able to:
- Use Copilot Edits to refactor and update code across multiple files.
- Configure Knowledge Bases to tailor Copilot’s suggestions for specific projects.
- Apply advanced prompt engineering techniques to guide AI outputs effectively.
- Integrate Copilot seamlessly into your development workflow for debugging, testing, and code generation.
This live event is for you because...
- It’s designed for software developers and data scientists, whether beginners exploring Copilot for the first time or experienced users looking to master advanced features.
- This training provides practical tools and insights to enhance productivity and streamline development workflows.
Prerequisites
- Attendees should have a basic understanding of programming concepts and familiarity with at least one programming language.
- Experience with version control systems like Git and GitHub is helpful but not required.
- No prior experience with GitHub Copilot is necessary, as both fundamentals and advanced features will be covered.
Course Set-up
- A GitHub account (free or paid) with GitHub Copilot enabled.
- A compatible IDE (e.g., Visual Studio Code) with the GitHub Copilot extension installed.
- Git installed and configured on your machine.
- A stable internet connection for real-time interaction with GitHub Copilot.
Recommended Preparation
- Watch: Git Essentials LiveLessons, 2nd Edition (Video Training), by Daniel Chen
Recommended Follow-up
Schedule
The time frames are only estimates and may vary according to how the class is progressing.
Class Materials repository: https://github.com/timothywarner/copilot-dev
Note: We’ll take a short (~8 min) break between each segment
Segment 1: Getting Started with GitHub Copilot (60 minutes)
Welcome and Course Goals
- Overview of GitHub Copilot and its transformative potential for developers.
- Learning objectives: Productivity, efficiency, and ethical AI usage.
Introduction to GitHub Copilot
- What is Copilot? How does it work within IDEs like VS Code?
- Live Demo: Writing a simple function with Copilot suggestions.
Responsible AI Foundations
- Key risks and limitations of AI in development.
- Ethical principles: Privacy, security, and human oversight.
- Real-World Examples: Identifying and mitigating risks in AI-generated code.
GitHub Copilot Subscription Plans
- Features of Individual, Business, and Enterprise tiers.
- Setting up Copilot for your IDE.
Q&A and Recap of Foundational Topics
Segment 2: Using GitHub Copilot for Everyday Development (60 minutes)
Code Completion in Action
- Writing single-line and multi-line code with Copilot.
- Live Demo: Creating a function, debugging, and writing documentation.
Prompt Crafting and Refinement
- The role of prompts in guiding Copilot’s output.
- Hands-On Activity: Writing effective prompts for better suggestions.
Custom Instructions for Tailored Suggestions
- Using .github/copilot-instructions.md for project-specific customization.
- Real-World Scenario: Enforcing a consistent coding style across teams.
Leveraging GitHub Models
- Switching between GPT-4, Anthropic, and Claude models for varied outputs.
- Hands-On Demo: Comparing outputs for a complex task across models.
Q&A and Hands-On Prompt Refinement Session
Segment 3: Scaling Productivity with Copilot’s Advanced Features (60 minutes)
Multi-File Edits and Refactoring
- Using Copilot Edits for sweeping changes across projects.
- Live Demo: Refactoring a feature across multiple files.
Testing and Debugging with Copilot
- Automating unit tests, integration tests, and mock data generation.
- Practical Example: Generating tests for edge cases in a given module.
Data Privacy and Security in Copilot
- How Copilot handles your code and inputs.
- Configuring privacy settings and content exclusions.
- Real-World Application: Protecting sensitive codebases.
Understanding Knowledge Bases
- Setting up and using knowledge bases for domain-specific expertise.
- Demo: Building a knowledge base to optimize a legacy codebase.
Q&A and Troubleshooting Advanced Features
Segment 4: Exploring the Ecosystem and Future of AI Development (60 minutes)
Competitive Landscape and Ecosystem
- Overview of other AI-powered coding assistants (Replit, Anysphere, Magic).
- How Copilot compares and integrates into modern workflows.
Copilot for CLI and Beyond
- Using Copilot in the command line for scripting and DevOps tasks.
- Practical Example: Automating repetitive CLI tasks.
Extending Copilot with Plugins and Extensions
- Installing and using Copilot extensions from the GitHub Marketplace.
- Live Demo: Leveraging extensions for web searches and documentation.
The Future of AI-Powered Development
- Upcoming Copilot innovations: Extensions, Copilot Workspace, and more.
- Where to stay updated: GitHub blogs, release notes, and forums.
Final Q&A and Course Wrap-Up
Your Instructor
Tim Warner
Tim Warner has been a Microsoft MVP in Azure AI and Cloud/Datacenter Management for 6 years and a Microsoft Certified Trainer for more than 25 years. His O'Reilly Live Training classes on generative AI, GitHub, DevOps, data engineering, cloud computing, and Microsoft certification reach hundreds of thousands of students around the world. He's written for Microsoft Press, presented at Microsoft Ignite, and contributed to several Microsoft open-source projects. You can connect with Tim on LinkedIn: timw.info/li.