How Git Hub Copilot Write Code for you

 

This post will explain,  how we can configure Copilot in IntelliJ and how we can generate code using Copilot.

To configure GitHub Copilot in IntelliJ IDE, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Prerequisites

GitHub Account: Ensure you have an active GitHub account with a subscription to GitHub Copilot.

IntelliJ Version: Update IntelliJ IDEA to the latest version for compatibility (2021.3 or later is recommended).

JetBrains Plugin Repository Access: Verify that your IntelliJ IDE is configured to access JetBrains plugins.

Step 2: Install the GitHub Copilot Plugin

  Open IntelliJ IDEA:

1. Launch IntelliJ IDEA on your system.

2. Access the Plugin Manager:

   Go to File > Settings (or Preferences on macOS).

     Navigate to Plugins in the left-hand menu.

3. Search for GitHub Copilot:

     In the Plugins tab, go to the Marketplace section.

     Type GitHub Copilot in the search bar.

4. Install the Plugin:

     Select the GitHub Copilot plugin from the search results and click Install.

5. Restart IntelliJ IDEA:

After installation, restart the IDE to activate the plugin

Step 3: Log In to GitHub

1. Activate GitHub Copilot:

Once IntelliJ restarts, you will be prompted to log in to GitHub.

Click the Sign in to GitHub button.

2. Authenticate via GitHub:

A browser window will open for authentication.

Log in to your GitHub account and authorize the plugin to access your GitHub account.

3. Complete Authentication:

After successful login, the browser will redirect you back to IntelliJ IDE.

Set up your account with all the configurations like billing details and other things which required to use copilot services. Once done below screen will appear.

Step 4: Configure GitHub Copilot Settings

Open Copilot Settings:

Go to File > Settings (or Preferences on macOS).

Navigate to GitHub Copilot in the left-hand menu.

Adjust Preferences:

Enable or disable specific features like inline suggestions or Copilot's behavior for different programming languages.

Set preferences for triggering suggestions (e.g., on typing).

Now set up is done. Once every thing is done, u can see the below image

Step 5: Start Using GitHub Copilot

Open a Project:

Open any project or file where you want to use Copilot.

Write Code:

Start typing, and GitHub Copilot will provide code suggestions automatically.

Accept Suggestions:

Use Tab or a similar keybinding (based on your settings) to accept Copilot’s suggestions.

Trigger Manual Suggestions:

Use the shortcut Ctrl + Space (Windows/Linux) or Command + Space (macOS) to manually request suggestions.

If you type your query in the above mentioned chat box, you will get response and include the same in your code.

This will enable developers to accelerate their coding process effectively.