cd2b59ce80
Co-authored-by: hubwriter <hubwriter@github.com> Co-authored-by: Copilot <175728472+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>
70 lines
4.4 KiB
Markdown
70 lines
4.4 KiB
Markdown
---
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title: Setting up Copilot for learning to code
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intro: 'Configure {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to help you learn coding concepts and actively build your programming skills.'
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versions:
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fpt: '*'
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topics:
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- Copilot
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shortTitle: Set up Copilot for learning
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---
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## Can {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} help me learn to code?
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Yes! {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} can adapt to meet your changing needs throughout your coding journey. When you're an experienced developer, you'll use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} as a coding assistant. While you're learning to code, it's more beneficial as a **supportive companion**.
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In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to act as a **tutor** that will help you build a deep understanding of programming concepts, rather than relying on it to write your code for you. To optimize your learning, follow these steps for each repository you work on!
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## Prerequisites
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This guide assumes that you'll use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}. To get set up, see [Set up Copilot in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/setup-simplified) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} documentation.
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## Step 1: Disable {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} inline suggestions
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First, let's disable inline suggestions. This will give you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of programming concepts by writing more code yourself.
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1. In {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}, open your project.
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1. Create a folder in the root directory called `.vscode`.
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1. Inside `.vscode`, create a file called `settings.json`.
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1. Add the following text to the file:
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```json copy
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{
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"github.copilot.enable": {
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"*": false
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}
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}
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```
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1. Save the file. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} inline suggestions are now disabled for this project in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}.
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## Step 2: Add learning instructions
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Now, let's provide {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} with instructions to act like a tutor that supports your learning.
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1. In the root folder of your project, create a file called `copilot-instructions.md`.
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1. Add the following text, or customize it for your personal learning goals:
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```markdown copy
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I am learning to code. You are to act as a tutor; assume I am a beginning coder. Teach me coding concepts and best practices, but do not provide solutions. Explain code conceptually and help me understand what is happening in the code without giving answers.
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Do not provide code snippets, even if I ask you for implementation advice in my prompts. Teach me all the basic coding concepts in your answers. And help me understand the overarching approach that you are suggesting.
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Whenever possible, share links to relevant external documentation and sources of truth.
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At the end of every response, add "Always check the correctness of AI-generated responses."
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```
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1. Save the file. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} will use these instructions when you ask questions in {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}.
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## Step 3: Use {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} to learn
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You're ready to start building real coding skills with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s help!
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Throughout your work on the project, engage in a long-running conversation with **{% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}**. Treat it as your **personal tutor**, asking questions as they arise and using it to navigate challenges or clarify concepts.
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<a href="vscode://GitHub.Copilot-Chat?ref_product=copilot&ref_type=engagement&ref_style=button" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary mt-3 mr-3 no-underline" aria-label="Open Copilot Chat in Visual Studio Code">
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<span>Open {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}</span> {% octicon "link-external" height:16 aria-label="link-external" %}
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</a><br></br>
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{% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} is especially helpful for debugging your code. For step-by-step guidance, see [AUTOTITLE](/get-started/learning-to-code/learning-to-debug-with-github-copilot).
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