---
title: Getting started with GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code
shortTitle: Visual Studio Code
intro: 'Learn how to install {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, and start seeing suggestions as you write comments and code.'
product: '{% data reusables.gated-features.copilot %}'
versions:
feature: 'copilot'
topics:
- Copilot
---
## About {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} and {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}
{% data reusables.copilot.procedural-intro %}
If you use {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, you can view and incorporate suggestions from {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} directly within the editor. This guide demonstrates how to use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} within {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} for macOS, Windows, or Linux.
## Prerequisites
To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, you must have {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} installed. For more information, see the [{% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} download page](https://code.visualstudio.com/Download).
## Installing the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} extension
To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}, you must first install the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} extension.
1. In the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} Marketplace, go to the [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} extension](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=GitHub.copilot) page and click **Install**.
1. A popup will appear, asking to open {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}. Click **Open {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}**.
1. In the "Extension: {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}" tab in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, click **Install**.
1. If you have not previously authorized {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} in your {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %} account, you will be prompted to sign in to {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}.
- If you have previously authorized {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} in your {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %} account, {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} will be automatically authorized.
1. In your browser, {% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %} will request the necessary permissions for {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}. To approve these permissions, click **Authorize {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}**. To refuse the permissions, click **Cancel**.
1. In {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, in the "{% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}" dialogue box, to confirm the authentication, click **Open**. To cancel the authentication, click **Cancel**.
## Seeing your first suggestion
{% data reusables.copilot.supported-languages %} The following samples are in JavaScript, but other languages will work similarly.
{% data reusables.copilot.create-js-file %}
1. In the JavaScript file, type the following function header. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} will automatically suggest an entire function body in grayed text, as shown below. The exact suggestion may vary.
```javascript{:copy}
function calculateDaysBetweenDates(begin, end) {
```
{% data reusables.copilot.accept-suggestion %}
## Seeing alternative suggestions
{% data reusables.copilot.alternative-suggestions %}
{% data reusables.copilot.create-js-file %}
1. In the JavaScript file, type the following function header. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} will show you a suggestion.
```javascript{:copy}
function calculateDaysBetweenDates(begin, end) {
```
{% data reusables.copilot.see-alternative-suggestions %}
| OS | See next suggestion | See previous suggestion |
| :- | :- | :- |
|macOS|Option (⌥) or Alt+]|Option (⌥) or Alt+[|
|Windows|Alt+]|Alt+[|
|Linux|Alt+]|Alt+[|
1. Alternatively, you can hover over the suggestion to see the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} command palette for choosing suggestions.
{% data reusables.copilot.accept-or-reject-suggestion %}
## Seeing multiple suggestions in a new tab
{% data reusables.copilot.suggestions-new-tab %}
{% data reusables.copilot.create-js-file %}
1. In the JavaScript file, type the following function header. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} will show you a suggestion.
```javascript{:copy}
function calculateDaysBetweenDates(begin, end) {
```
1. To open a new tab with multiple additional options, press Ctrl+Enter.
1. To accept a suggestion, above the suggestion, click **Accept Solution**. To reject all suggestions, close the tab.
## Generating code suggestions from comments
{% data reusables.copilot.generating-suggestions-from-comments %}
{% data reusables.copilot.create-js-file %}
1. In the JavaScript file, type the following comment. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} will suggest an implementation of the function.
```javascript{:copy}
// find all images without alternate text
// and give them a red border
function process() {
```
## Using a framework
You can also use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} to generate suggestions for APIs and frameworks. The following example uses {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} to create a simple Express server that returns the current time.
{% data reusables.copilot.create-js-file %}
1. In the JavaScript file, type the following comment and then press Enter.
```javascript{:copy}
// Express server on port 3000
```
{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} will suggest an implementation of the Express app.
1. To accept each line, press Tab, then Enter.
1. Type the following comment and then press Enter. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} will suggest an implementation for the default handler.
```javascript{:copy}
// Return the current time
```
1. To accept each line, press Tab.
{% data reusables.copilot.enabling-and-disabling-in-vsc %}
## Further reading
- [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}](https://copilot.github.com/)