What is GitHub Copilot?
GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered code assistant developed by GitHub and OpenAI. It runs as an extension in your IDE and suggests code completions ranging from single lines to entire functions based on context, comments, and function signatures.
Copilot learns from billions of lines of public code and adapts to your coding style. It supports dozens of programming languages and frameworks, making it useful for full-stack development, scripting, and infrastructure as code.
Core Features
- Inline suggestions: Get context-aware code completions as you type
- Chat interface: Ask questions about code and get explanations
- Multiple suggestions: Cycle through alternative implementations
- Test generation: Generate unit tests based on function signatures
- Documentation: Create docstrings and comments from code
Typical Use Cases
Developers use Copilot to accelerate repetitive coding tasks, explore unfamiliar APIs, and reduce context switching to documentation. It is particularly effective for writing tests, CRUD operations, and standard patterns that follow predictable structures.
Benefits
- Reduces time spent on boilerplate code
- Helps developers learn new languages and frameworks faster
- Works with VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, Neovim, and Visual Studio
- Enterprise version adds privacy controls and central management
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Copilot learn from my private code?
Copilot for Business and Enterprise do not use your code snippets for model training. Suggestions are generated in real-time and discarded after delivery. Code context is processed but not retained.
How accurate are Copilot suggestions?
Suggestions should be reviewed like any other code. Copilot can produce incorrect or insecure code. It works best as a productivity tool, not a replacement for code review and testing.
Which IDEs support Copilot?
Copilot is available as extensions for Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, JetBrains IDEs (IntelliJ, PyCharm, etc.), Neovim, and Azure Data Studio.
What is Copilot Enterprise?
Copilot Enterprise adds organization-wide management, integration with your internal codebase for more relevant suggestions, and enhanced privacy controls. It is billed separately from the individual and business plans.
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory helps you adopt GitHub Copilot: license management, developer onboarding, and integration into your development workflow.
