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Software Development with GitHub Copilot

IntermediateSkill Level
4.8+
534 reviews
Updated 04/2026
Master GitHub Copilot to understand, write, and refine code with context, customization, and smart features.
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GitHubArtificial Intelligence1 hr 30 min13 videos40 Exercises2,650 XP3,983Statement of Accomplishment

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Course Description

GitHub Copilot is more than a smart autocomplete—it's an AI coding assistant that helps you understand, write, and improve code with ease. In this course, you'll explore Copilot in Visual Studio Code, from autocomplete suggestions to inline edits and chat-based modes, and discover how to use each effectively for tasks ranging from quick fixes to multi-file refactoring. You'll learn how to provide the right context through chat variables, participants, and progressive prompting, while also streamlining your workflow with slash commands and smart actions. You'll shape Copilot's behavior with custom instructions and model selection, tailoring it to project standards or team conventions. Finally, you'll put it all together by using Copilot to generate test suites, catch security vulnerabilities, and optimize performance. By the end, you'll have the skills to turn Copilot into a powerful coding partner—boosting productivity, reducing errors, and writing code that's not just faster, but better.

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What you'll learn

  • Leverage GitHub Copilot to support your development workflow.
  • Apply different interaction modes to write and refine code.
  • Boost productivity with features that automate common tasks.
  • Customize Copilot to match personal or team standards.
  • Guide Copilot with context for more accurate responses.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course
1

Getting Started with GitHub Copilot

Learn how to make the most of GitHub Copilot across its different interfaces—autocomplete, inline, chat modes, and Agent mode. Discover when to use each feature, how to guide Copilot effectively, and how to unlock its full potential for both quick fixes and complex, multi-file tasks.
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2

The Science of Context

Enhance Copilot’s accuracy by guiding it with context, chat variables, and expert participants. Learn to combine these features with slash commands and smart actions to streamline debugging, code reviews, and project navigation. Gain practical techniques that transform Copilot into a more reliable and efficient coding partner.
Start Chapter
3

Customizing and Extending Copilot

Learn how to shape Copilot’s behavior with custom instructions and model selection. Define coding standards, enforce project or organization-wide conventions, and choose the right AI model for speed, reasoning, or multi-file tasks. Gain control over how Copilot adapts to your workflow.
Start Chapter
4

Applied Copilot: Testing, Security, and Performance

Software Development with GitHub Copilot
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*4.8
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Gerardo

Stephen

Desirea

FAQs

Do I need programming experience to take this course?

No specific language expertise is required, but basic coding familiarity helps. The course focuses on using GitHub Copilot as an AI assistant inside Visual Studio Code.

What Copilot features does this course cover?

You will learn autocomplete suggestions, inline edits, chat-based modes, slash commands, smart actions, custom instructions, and model selection.

Will I learn to use Copilot for testing and security?

Yes. The course covers generating test suites, catching security vulnerabilities, and optimizing performance using Copilot.

What is Agent mode in GitHub Copilot?

Agent mode allows Copilot to perform multi-step tasks like multi-file refactoring. You will learn when and how to use it effectively in the course.

How long does this course take?

The course has 3 chapters and 29 exercises. Most learners complete it in about 1 hour.

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