GitHub Copilot Visual Studio 2022: Tips, Tricks, and Prompts

Tips and Tricks for Using GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio 2022

Boost productivity in Visual Studio 2022 with GitHub Copilot. Learn setup tips, advanced prompts, and tricks to streamline coding.

1. Install and Set Up GitHub Copilot

• Ensure you have the GitHub Copilot extension installed for Visual Studio 2022.
• To install:
  1. Open Visual Studio.
  2. Navigate to Extensions > Manage Extensions.
  3. Search for GitHub Copilot, install it, and restart Visual Studio.
• Log in with your GitHub account that has access to Copilot.

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2. Write Effective Prompts

GitHub Copilot generates better code suggestions when you provide clear and specific prompts. Here are some examples:

Function Creation Prompts

• Comment Prompt:
  // Function to calculate the factorial of a number
  Output Suggestion:

  public int Factorial(int n) {
      if (n <= 1) return 1;
      return n * Factorial(n - 1);
  }
  

• Prompt with a Name:
  Typing public int SumArray(int[] arr) prompts Copilot to suggest logic for summing an array.

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Code Refactoring Prompts

• Comment Prompt:
  // Refactor this code to improve performance
  Paste a code snippet, and Copilot may suggest optimized alternatives.

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Algorithm Prompts

• Prompt:
  // Generate a function to find the nth Fibonacci number
  Output Suggestion:

  public int Fibonacci(int n) {
      if (n <= 1) return n;
      return Fibonacci(n - 1) + Fibonacci(n - 2);
  }
  

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Testing Prompts

• Prompt for Tests:
  // Write a unit test for the Add function
  Output Suggestion:

  [TestMethod]
  public void TestAdd() {
      Assert.AreEqual(5, Add(2, 3));
  }
  

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3. Utilize Inline Suggestions

• Start typing code, and Copilot will suggest code inline.
• Press:
  • Tab to accept.
  • Esc to dismiss.

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4. Customize Suggestions

• Navigate through multiple suggestions with Alt + ] or Alt + [ to find the best fit.
• Example:
  • Start typing public bool IsPrime(int number) and Copilot will propose multiple implementations. Scroll to pick the one you like.

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5. Use Copilot for Documentation

• Prompt:
  Add /// above a method or class, and Copilot will suggest detailed XML documentation:

  /// <summary>
  /// Calculates the factorial of a given number.
  /// </summary>
  /// <param name="n">The number to calculate the factorial for.</param>
  /// <returns>The factorial of the number.</returns>
  

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6. Generate Boilerplate Code

• Prompts for Repetitive Tasks:
  • // Generate a CRUD API for managing books in a library
  • // Create a basic RESTful controller for users

Copilot will generate scaffolding for models, controllers, and routes.

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7. Experiment with Context

• Copilot understands your code's context. Ensure related snippets are in the same file for better results.
  Example: If you define a class, Copilot will suggest methods related to that class.

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8. Tweak Settings for Your Workflow

• Go to Tools > Options > GitHub Copilot to:
  • Enable or disable inline suggestions.
  • Adjust the maximum length of generated suggestions.

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9. Learn Libraries and Frameworks

• Use prompts to generate sample code for unfamiliar libraries.
  Prompt:
  // Write a LINQ query to filter users by age greater than 18
  Output Suggestion:

  var adults = users.Where(u => u.Age > 18).ToList();
  

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10. Create Mock Data

• Prompt:
  // Generate mock data for a list of users
  Output Suggestion:

  var users = new List<User> {
      new User { Name = "Alice", Age = 25 },
      new User { Name = "Bob", Age = 30 }
  };
  

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11. Debug and Improve Code

• Prompt:
  // Identify and fix the bug in the following code
  Copilot may suggest fixes or improvements to your code.

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12. Practice Security

• Review suggestions for security risks, particularly when Copilot generates database queries or handles user inputs.

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13. Stay Up-to-Date

• Regularly update the GitHub Copilot extension via Extensions > Manage Extensions to benefit from new features and bug fixes.

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By combining these prompts with effective usage tips, you can harness GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio 2022 to improve productivity, learn faster, and write robust code efficiently.

Online Reference 

GitHub Copilot setup guide

How to use GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio

GitHub Copilot prompts

GitHub Copilot productivity tips

GitHub Copilot for C# developers