Foreword. xvii Introduction. xxiii Chapter 1: Introduction to GitHub Copilot . 1 Practice files. 1 Understand GitHub Copilot and its core functionality. 2 Explore the AI technology behind GitHub Copilot. 5 Learn how GitHub Copilot handles privacy and applies responsible AI. 23 Recognize the limitations and ethical considerations of GitHub Copilot.
25 Skills review. 29 Practice tasks . 30 Chapter 2: Setting up GitHub Copilot for your development workflow. 33 Practice files. 33 Set up your GitHub account and select a Copilot plan. 34 Install Copilot in your development environment. 39 Configure permissions and personal settings. 44 Test Copilot with sample prompts across languages.
50 Troubleshoot installation issues and common errors. 53 Apply best practices for using Copilot effectively. 56 Explore Copilot''s functionality in online and offline modes. 59 Skills review. 62 Practice tasks . 63 Chapter 3: Writing effective prompts for AI-powered coding. 67 Practice files. 67 Understand what makes a prompt for AI code generation effective.
68 Use comment-based, function signature, and docstring prompts. 71 Refine or rewrite prompts to improve suggestion quality . 74 Apply prompt templates for algorithms, tests, refactoring, and more. 77 Customize prompts for specific languages, libraries, and frameworks. 81 Identify and fix vague and inefficient prompts . 84 Build an iterative workflow to continuously improve prompt results. 88 Skills review. 91 Practice tasks .
92 Chapter 4: Enhancing code efficiency with AI assistance. 95 Practice files. 95 Apply advanced prompting to guide GitHub Copilot . 96 Automate repetitive tasks using AI . 104 Refactor inefficient or legacy code . 112 Implement clean coding practices. 118 Improve code readability and structure. 124 Evaluate AI suggestions for quality.
128 Skills review. 134 Practice tasks . 135 Chapter 5: Debugging and troubleshooting code with Copilot. 139 Practice Files. 139 Identify common code issues with GitHub Copilot. 140 Use Copilot to suggest and apply bug fixes . 145 Improve error handling by using AI-assisted recommendations . 150 Optimize code performance through Copilot-driven insights .
153 Skills review. 158 Practice tasks . 159 Chapter 6: Writing and automating tests with GitHub Copilot. 163 Practice files. 163 Generate unit tests and integration tests using GitHub Copilot. 164 Automate test case creation to reduce repetitive coding. 169 Work with popular testing frameworks . 175 Write clear and structured test prompts for Copilot to follow.
178 Apply best practices to improve the reliability of AI-generated tests. 182 Skills review. 187 Practice tasks . 188 Chapter 7: Using GitHub Copilot for code reviews and collaboration. 191 Practice files. 191 Explore Copilot''s help with code reviews. 192 Generate refactoring suggestions. 197 Create clear inline documentation.
203 Use Copilot for alternative implementations . 207 Collaborate with teammates using AI-enhanced feedback. 212 Skills review. 219 Practice tasks . 220 Chapter 8: Using AI-powered development workflows in real-world scenarios. 223 Practice files. 223 Discover real-world Copilot use cases. 224 Explore AI workflows.
239 Understand the role of AI across industries. 248 Apply practical examples of AI in your projects. 259 Reflect on Copilot''s impact on teams. 262 Skills review. 264 Practice tasks . 265 Chapter 9: Avoiding common pitfalls with GitHub Copilot. 269 Practice files. 269 Spot and fix common Copilot mistakes .
270 Understand why Copilot mistakes happen. 274 Fix and refine AI-generated code. 279.