GitHub Copilot Review 2024: What It Is, How to Use It & Is It Worth It?

So, let's dive a little deeper into what GitHub Copilot can do. It's a tool that's designed to help you with a wide range of programming-related tasks. You can ask it to explain a piece of code, help you generate a unit test, or even assist you in fixing errors. It's like having a coding assistant that's always ready to lend a hand. And because it's been trained on a vast amount of public code, it's got a pretty good grasp of a wide range of programming languages and frameworks.

One of the biggest pros of GitHub Copilot is its ease of use. Te process of getting started is very simple. You just install the extension in your IDE, and you're good to go. Another big plus is its ability to help you code in unfamiliar languages. Using GitHub Copilot is like hiring an interpreter when you're trying to navigate a foreign country with just a phrasebook.

However, GitHub Copilot is not without its cons. For one, it's not as effective when it comes to writing code for new platforms. This is because it's trained on public code, and when a new library, framework, or API is released, there's less public code available for it to learn from. That said, the folks at GitHub are constantly updating the training set as more examples enter the public space.

Another potential downside is that, like any other code, code suggested by GitHub Copilot should be carefully tested, reviewed, and vetted. As the developer, you're always in charge. So while GitHub Copilot can certainly make your life easier, it's not a substitute for a thorough understanding of the code you're writing.

GitHub Copilot offers a free trial, which is a great way to test it out and see if it suits your needs. After the free trial, you'll need to sign up for a subscription plan if you want to keep using it. While we would have liked to see a free plan, this tool is certainly worth considering if you're a serious coder looking for a little extra help.