GitHub Copilot AI features in Visual Studio BEYOND "just writing code"

Introduction

Recently, I've been upgrading my blog and podcast site to .NET 8 while utilizing GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio. Throughout this experience, I discovered various features that extend beyond the typical "just writing code" functionality most are familiar with. This article discusses the exploration of these advanced features and how they improve the coding experience.

Exploring GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio

When working in Visual Studio with GitHub Copilot, I often access the chat window to interact with it contextually. This involves creating threads for various tasks I'm tackling, such as migrating from .NET 6 to 8 or working on Docker for Playwright tests.

Commands and Code Explanation

One interesting feature within Copilot is the use of slash commands, reminiscent of older chat applications. For instance, using the /explain command on selected code can provide insights into specific functions or methods. By building up context through conversation with Copilot, I can receive informed suggestions and guidance, especially when seeking to modernize my code.

For example, while explaining my setup method, Copilot can highlight opportunities for improvements in the transition to .NET 8, suggesting things like the implementation of HTTP/3. This interaction mimics a form of rubber duck debugging, where talking through the code leads to clarity and insights.

Refactoring and Inline Copilot

Within the Visual Studio environment, using GitHub Copilot's inline capabilities is another way to deepen communication with the tool. I've utilized the right-click context menu for specific blocks of code, allowing for targeted information retrieval.

Moreover, renaming functions or methods can be done seamlessly. When I explored the GetShows function, for instance, I found that the tool easily provided refactoring capabilities across multiple files, ensuring all references were updated correctly.

Code Generation and Commit Suggestions

A surprising feature that impressed me was the ability of Copilot to automatically generate commit messages based on the changes made. Upon reviewing numerous modifications, Copilot suggested comprehensive commit messages that encapsulated all the changes, saving me time and effort.

Testing and Debugging Support

Another capability worth noting is Copilot's assistance with testing. When I intentionally failed a test by setting a variable to null, I could access Copilot to analyze the issue. It provided an explanation for the failure, suggesting areas to check without me needing to delve deep into the code.

Breakpoint Suggestions

Managing breakpoints in Visual Studio can be enhanced with Copilot as well. It can suggest conditional breakpoints based on the context of the code and suggest conditions without requiring extensive manual input from the user. This feature provides a more streamlined debugging experience.

Conclusion

GitHub Copilot expands its use cases far beyond just writing code. Through various features such as in-depth explanations, refactoring assistance, automated commit message generation, testing support, and intuitive debugging suggestions, Copilot acts like an intelligent partner or intern. This enhances productivity and can greatly facilitate coding processes.

Keyword

• GitHub Copilot
• Visual Studio
• .NET 8
• Code Explanation
• Refactoring
• Commit Suggestions
• Testing
• Debugging
• Breakpoints

FAQ

Q: What is GitHub Copilot?
A: GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered coding assistant integrated into Visual Studio that helps developers write code more efficiently.

Q: How can Copilot assist with code explanations?
A: Copilot can analyze selected code and provide explanations or suggestions based on the context around that specific code block.

Q: Can Copilot help with refactoring code?
A: Yes, Copilot can suggest renaming functions and update all instances across your project, making refactoring simpler and more efficient.

Q: Does Copilot provide automated commit messages?
A: Yes, Copilot can analyze changes and generate meaningful commit messages based on your code updates.

Q: How does Copilot assist with debugging?
A: When faced with an error, Copilot can provide insights into possible causes and suggest fixes based on the context of the failure.

Q: What are conditional breakpoints?
A: Conditional breakpoints allow you to set breakpoints that only trigger under certain conditions, reducing unnecessary stops during debugging. Copilot can help suggest these conditions based on the code context.