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Module 5: Using Advanced GitHub Copilot Features

Duration: 22 min | XP: 800 | Units: 7 URL: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/advanced-github-copilot/

Overview​

Use advanced GitHub Copilot features with a Python application to make changes and updates.

Learning Objectives​

By the end of this module, you'll be able to:

  • Apply slash commands to make code changes
  • Interact with GitHub Copilot using the Chat feature
  • Ask questions about your project using an agent

Prerequisites​

  • Basic understanding of Python (variables, conditionals)
  • Ability to use Git and GitHub for version control
  • Access to GitHub Copilot service

Unit 1: Introduction (1 min)​

GitHub Copilot is an AI coding partner that provides autocomplete suggestions while you code. Copilot analyzes your file and related files, offering suggestions in your text editor.

GitHub Codespaces is a hosted developer environment in the cloud that can be run with VS Code. Customize the experience by preinstalling dependencies, libraries, and extensions.

Scenario​

Work with an existing project to add new HTTP API endpoints, write unit tests, and document existing code using advanced Copilot features.

Unit 2: Advanced GitHub Copilot Features (2 min)​

Ghost Text​

When Copilot is enabled, it provides suggestions called ghost text. Accept with Tab, or ignore. Uses open files as context by default.

Chatting with GitHub Copilot​

Click the chat icon in the left sidebar to open the chat interface. Ask questions about your code or software-related questions.

Inline Chat​

Access with Ctrl+I (Windows) or Cmd+I (Mac). Interact without leaving your code — suggestions happen closer to the code.

Slash Commands​

Quick shortcuts for common tasks in chat or inline chat:

CommandPurpose
/docAdd comments to selected code
/explainGet code explanations
/fixFix bugs in selected code
/generateGenerate code for a question
/helpGet Copilot chat help
/optimizeAnalyze and improve runtime
/testsCreate unit tests

Agents​

Agents let you ask questions using a specific context. Example: @terminal helps interact with the terminal.

Unit 3: Exercise Setup (5 min)​

Environment Setup​

  1. Open the preconfigured Codespace
  2. Review configuration settings → Create new codespace
  3. Wait for startup (few minutes)
  4. The Python Web API starts on port 8000

Note: All GitHub accounts get up to 60 hours of free Codespaces per month.

Unit 4: Applied GitHub Copilot Techniques (3 min)​

Implicit Prompts​

Use features that provide precrafted prompts. Example: select buggy code, use Ctrl+I and type /fix.

# Bug: file.read should be file.read()
with open("file.txt", "r") as file:
    contents = file.read  # Missing ()

Selective Context​

Ask Copilot to work with workspace-level context:

I need to create a Dockerfile for this project, can you generate one?

Be more specific if needed:

Help me create a Dockerfile using a Python Virtual Environment.

Use the @terminal agent for terminal-specific help:

@terminal How do I fix the error message I'm seeing?

Unit 5: Exercise - Update a Web API (5 min)​

Step 1: Add a New Route​

Open main.py, use inline chat (Ctrl+I):

Create a new route that exposes the cities of a country/region.
@app.get('/countries/{country}')
def cities(country: str):
    return list(data[country].keys())

Step 2: Create a Test​

Select the route code, ask Copilot Chat:

/tests help me create a new test for this route using Spain as the country/region.

Iterate if needed:

This test is not quite right, it is not including cities that doesn't exist. Only Seville is part of the API.

Step 3: Write Documentation​

Open README.md, use Copilot Chat:

I want to document how to run this project so that other developers can get started quickly.

Unit 6: Module Assessment (5 min)​

Check Your Knowledge​

Q1: What is ghost text in GitHub Copilot?

  • ✅ Suggestions that appear in your text editor as you type

Q2: How do you access inline chat?

  • ✅ Ctrl+I on Windows or Cmd+I on Mac

Q3: What are slash commands used for?

  • ✅ Shortcuts to quickly solve common development tasks

Q4: What are the benefits of agents like @terminal?

  • ✅ Ask questions within a specific context for precise answers

Q5: What are the benefits of implicit prompts with slash commands?

  • ✅ Get better responses without writing longer prompts

Unit 7: Summary (1 min)​

Key Takeaways​

  • Use chat, agents, inline chat, and slash commands for flexible coding tasks
  • Copilot Chat provides context-aware assistance for your project

Cleanup​

After the exercise, delete your Codespace to avoid consuming monthly hours:

  1. Go to https://github.com/codespaces
  2. Find your instance → ... menu → Delete

References​