GitHub Copilot

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is GitHub’s AI coding assistant. It offers code completions, chat and agent mode in supported editors and the terminal, plus a cloud agent and pull request reviews on GitHub. Try it on a small change with tests you already know how to run. The Free plan has limited usage and excludes the cloud agent and reviews, which start with Pro.

Where Copilot fits into development

Copilot is useful when the task begins inside a repository: explain a function, propose a change or work through a specific issue. The product spans supported editors, a terminal interface and GitHub itself, so the first decision is where you want to stay in control of the work.

The plan comparison distinguishes interactive agent mode from the cloud agent and pull request reviews. The cloud workflow can take assigned work and prepare changes on GitHub, while review features offer another pass over a diff. These are aids to a development process; neither a generated patch nor an automated review establishes that a change is correct.

Try a small bug fix

Suggested workflow: pick a bug with a short reproduction and a failing case. Put the expected result, relevant context and scope in the task description. Ask Copilot to explain the suspected cause before proposing edits. Keep unrelated refactoring outside the assignment so the patch remains easy to inspect.

Review changed files against the original requirement and run the existing tests. Add a meaningful regression check when the bug warrants one, then inspect the application behaviour rather than relying only on a passing test summary. Record any corrections you needed to make. This gives you a practical basis for deciding whether a larger task should stay interactive or be delegated.

Copilot plans and AI Credits

Copilot Free includes 2,000 code completions a month and a limited allowance for chat and agent use. Paid individual plans start with Pro at $10 per month; organizations can choose Business or Enterprise. GitHub AI Credits are used by chat, agent mode, code review and other agent features, and consumption varies with model and feature, so a subscription price alone does not estimate usage.

Check your chosen editor and account entitlement before choosing a workflow: the Free plan does not include the cloud agent or pull request reviews. An organization may also control access through policy. Compare Cursor if you are considering a different coding environment, using the same issue, review criteria and usage budget for a fair trial.