docs/content/copilot/get-started/quickstart.md

title, intro, allowTitleToDifferFromFilename, versions, redirect_from, shortTitle, topics, contentType, category

title	intro	allowTitleToDifferFromFilename	versions	redirect_from	shortTitle	topics	contentType	category
Quickstart for GitHub Copilot	Quickly learn how to use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}.	true	feature copilot	/copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot /github/copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-visual-studio-code /github/copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-a-jetbrains-ide /github/copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-neovim /github/copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-visual-studio /copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-visual-studio-code /copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-a-jetbrains-ide /copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-neovim /copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-visual-studio /copilot/using-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot /copilot/quickstart	Quickstart	Copilot	get-started	Configure Copilot

Introduction

{% webui %}

You can use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to get answers to coding-related questions, such as how best to code something, how to fix a bug, or how someone else's code works. For full details of what {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} can do, see AUTOTITLE.

Instructions for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} differ depending on where you are using it. This version of the quickstart is for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} on the {% data variables.product.github %} website. Click the tabs above for instructions on using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in other environments.

{% ifversion fpt %} {% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-signup %} {% endif %}

{% ifversion ghec %}

Prerequisite

To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} on the {% data variables.product.github %} website, you must have an active {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} plan. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %} {% endif %}

Asking your first question

1. On {% data variables.product.github %}, navigate to a repository and open a file.

2. Click the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} icon ({% octicon "copilot" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="copilot" %}) at the top right of the file view.

   

3. Type a question in the "Ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}" box at the bottom of the chat panel and press Enter.

   For example, you could enter:

   • Explain this file.
   • How could I improve this code?
   • How can I test this code?

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} responds to your request in the panel.

4. You can continue the conversation by asking a follow-up question. For example, you could type "tell me more" to get {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to expand on its last comment.

Other questions you can ask

There are many more things you can do with {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_dotcom %}. For example:

• Ask a general question about software development
• Ask exploratory questions about a repository
• Find out about the changes in a pull request
• Ask a question about a specific issue or commit

For more information, see AUTOTITLE.

Next steps

• Find out more about {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat %} - See AUTOTITLE{% ifversion fpt %}.{% endif %}{% ifversion ghec %} and AUTOTITLE.{% endif %}
• Get {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} inline suggestions in an IDE - See AUTOTITLE.
• Learn how to write effective prompts - See AUTOTITLE.
• Use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} on your mobile device - See AUTOTITLE.
• Use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} on the command line - See AUTOTITLE.

{% endwebui %}

{% windowsterminal %}

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-intro %}

Instructions for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} differ depending on where you are using it. This version of the quickstart is for {% data variables.product.prodname_windows_terminal %}. Click the tabs above for instructions on using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in other environments.

{% ifversion fpt %} {% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-signup %} {% endif %}

Prerequisites

• Subscription to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}. To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_windows_terminal %}, you must have an active {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} subscription. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %}
• {% data variables.product.prodname_windows_terminal %} Canary. Terminal Chat is only available in {% data variables.product.prodname_windows_terminal %} Canary.

Use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in Terminal Chat

After you've installed {% data variables.product.prodname_windows_terminal %} Canary, you can use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in Terminal Chat to ask command line-related questions.

1. Open Settings from the dropdown menu.

   

2. Go to the Terminal Chat (Experimental) setting.

   

3. Under Service Providers, select GitHub Copilot and Authenticate via GitHub to sign in.

Chat with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}

[!NOTE] {% data reusables.copilot.windows-terminal-access-denied %}

1. Open Terminal Chat (Experimental) in the dropdown menu.

2. In the Terminal Chat chat window, type how do i list all markdown files in my directory then press Enter.

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s answer is displayed below your question.

3. Click on an answer to insert it to the command line.

Next steps

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps1 %} {% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps2 %}

{% endwindowsterminal %}

{% vscode %}

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-intro %}

Instructions for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} differ depending on where you are using it. This version of the quickstart is for {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}. Click the tabs above for instructions on using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in other environments.

{% ifversion fpt %} {% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-signup %} {% endif %}

Prerequisites

• {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} subscription - To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}, you must have an active {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} subscription. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %} {% data reusables.copilot.vscode-prerequisites %}

Chat with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}

After you've installed the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} extension, you can ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} coding-related questions.

[!NOTE] {% data reusables.copilot.chat-access-denied %}

1. Open an existing code file.

2. Open the Chat view from the Activity Bar.

   

3. At the bottom of the chat view, in the chat input field, type: explain this file.

4. Press Enter.

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} replies in the chat view.

5. In the editor, select one or more lines of code that are not commented.

6. In the chat input field, type: add comments to these lines.

7. If you like the comments that {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} suggests, hover over the suggested code in the chat view and click the "Insert at Cursor" icon to replace the selected lines with the suggested code.

   

Get your first inline suggestion

The following example uses JavaScript, however other languages will work similarly. {% data reusables.copilot.supported-languages %}

1. Open {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}. {% data reusables.copilot.create-js-file %} {% data reusables.copilot.type-function-header %} {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} will automatically suggest an entire function body in grayed text. The exact suggestion may vary.
2. {% data reusables.copilot.accept-suggestion %}

Next steps

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps1 %}

• Use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} like a pro - Learn how to write effective prompts for {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}. For more information, see Best practices for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} documentation.
• Get familiar with {% data variables.copilot.next_edit_suggestions %} - See Navigating and accepting {% data variables.copilot.next_edit_suggestions %}. {% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps2 %}

{% endvscode %}

{% visualstudio %}

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-intro %}

Instructions for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} differ depending on where you are using it. This version of the quickstart is for {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}. Click the tabs above for instructions on using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in other environments.

{% ifversion fpt %} {% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-signup %} {% endif %}

Prerequisites

• Subscription to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}. To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}, you must have an active {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} subscription. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %} {% data reusables.copilot.visual-studio-prerequisites %}

Chat with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}

After you've installed the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} extension, you can ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} coding-related questions.

[!NOTE] {% data reusables.copilot.chat-access-denied %}

1. Open an existing code file.

2. In the {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} menu bar, click View, then click {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat %}.

3. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, type what does this file do then press Enter.

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s answer is displayed below your question.

4. Select a line of code in the editor.

5. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, type explain this line then press Enter.

Get your first inline suggestion

The following example uses JavaScript, however other languages will work similarly. {% data reusables.copilot.supported-languages %}

1. Open {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}.
2. In {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}, create a new JavaScript (*.js) file. {% data reusables.copilot.type-function-header %} {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} will automatically suggest an entire function body in grayed text. The exact suggestion may vary.
3. {% data reusables.copilot.accept-suggestion %}

Next steps

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps1 %}

• Prompt like a pro - Watch {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} Prompt Engineering with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} on YouTube. {% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps2 %}

{% endvisualstudio %}

{% jetbrains %}

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-intro %}

Instructions for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} differ depending on where you are using it. This version of the quickstart is for JetBrains IDEs. Click the tabs above for instructions on using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in other environments.

{% ifversion fpt %} {% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-signup %} {% endif %}

Prerequisites

• Subscription to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}. To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in a JetBrains IDE, you must have an active {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} subscription. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %}
• A compatible JetBrains IDE. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} is supported in a large number of JetBrains IDEs. For a full list, see AUTOTITLE. {% data reusables.copilot.jetbrains-plugin-prerequisites %}

Chat with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}

After you've installed the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} plugin, you can ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} coding-related questions.

[!NOTE] {% data reusables.copilot.chat-access-denied %}

1. Open an existing code file.

2. Open the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window by clicking the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} icon at the right side of the JetBrains IDE window.

   

3. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, type what does this file do then press Enter.

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s answer is displayed below your question.

4. Select a line of code in the editor.

5. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, type explain this line then press Enter.

Get your first inline suggestion

The following example uses JavaScript, however other languages will work similarly. {% data reusables.copilot.supported-languages %}

1. In your JetBrains editor, create a new JavaScript (*.js) file. {% data reusables.copilot.type-function-header %} {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} will automatically suggest an entire function body in grayed text. The exact suggestion may vary.
2. {% data reusables.copilot.accept-suggestion %}

Next steps

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps1 %} {% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps2 %}

{% endjetbrains %}

{% xcode %}

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-intro %}

Instructions for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} differ depending on where you are using it. This version of the quickstart is for XCode in MacOS. Click the tabs above for instructions on using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in other environments.

{% ifversion fpt %} {% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-signup %} {% endif %}

Prerequisites

• Subscription to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}. To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in Xcode, you must have an active {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} subscription. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %}
• Latest version of the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} extension. For installation instructions, see AUTOTITLE.
• Sign in to {% data variables.product.company_short %} in Xcode. If you experience authentication issues, see AUTOTITLE.

Chat with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}

After you've installed the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} plugin, you can ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} coding-related questions.

[!NOTE] {% data reusables.copilot.chat-access-denied %}

1. Open an existing code file.

2. Click Editor in the menu bar, then click {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} then Open Chat.

   {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} opens in a new window.

3. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, select the file to indicate that you want to chat about this file.

   

4. Type what does this file do then press Enter.

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s answer is displayed below your question.

5. Select a line of code in the editor.

6. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, type explain this line then press Enter.

Get your first inline suggestion

The following example uses Swift, however other languages will work similarly.

1. Create a new file called CalculateDays.swift.

2. Type the following code in the new file:

   import Foundation
   
   func calculateDaysBetweenDates(_ start: Date, _ end: Date)
   

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} adds a suggestion of code that continues this function. Suggestions are displayed in grayed text.

3. {% data reusables.copilot.accept-suggestion %}

4. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} will continue to make suggestions, each of which you can accept by pressing Tab.

Next steps

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps1 %}

• Get familiar with {% data variables.copilot.next_edit_suggestions %} - See Navigating and accepting {% data variables.copilot.next_edit_suggestions %}. {% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps2 %}

{% endxcode %}

{% eclipse %}

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-intro %}

Instructions for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} differ depending on where you are using it. This version of the quickstart is for Eclipse. Click the tabs above for instructions on using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in other environments.

{% ifversion fpt %} {% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-signup %} {% endif %}

Prerequisites

• Subscription to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}. To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in Eclipse, you must have an active {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} subscription. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %}
• Latest version of the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} extension. For installation instructions, see AUTOTITLE.
• Sign in to {% data variables.product.company_short %} in Eclipse. If you experience authentication issues, see AUTOTITLE.

Chat with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}

After you've installed the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} plugin, you can ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} coding-related questions.

[!NOTE] {% data reusables.copilot.chat-access-denied %}

1. Open an existing code file.

2. In the menu bar of Eclipse, click {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}, then click {% octicon "copilot" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="copilot" %} Open Chat.

3. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, type what does this file do then press Enter.

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s answer is displayed below your question.

4. Select a line of code in the editor.

5. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, type explain this line then press Enter.

Get your first inline suggestion

The following example uses Java, however other languages will work similarly.

1. Create a new Java class called CalculateDaysBetween.

2. Within the class add the following comment:

   // Take 2 dates and return the number of days between them
   

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} adds a suggestion of code to use for this class. Suggestions are displayed in grayed text.

3. {% data reusables.copilot.accept-suggestion %}

Next steps

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps1 %}

• Get familiar with {% data variables.copilot.next_edit_suggestions %} - See Navigating and accepting {% data variables.copilot.next_edit_suggestions %}. {% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps2 %}

{% endeclipse %}