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Cover image for Github Copilot is Now Free: Here's How to Set It Up
Ajika Angelo
Ajika Angelo

Posted on • Edited on

Github Copilot is Now Free: Here's How to Set It Up

Introduction

Three days ago, an announcement sent all developers into a happy mood. This was Microsoft's announcement of making the AI companion programmer, Github Copilot free in VS Code.
As many developers will be joining the Copilot Community, I have decided to write this article to help you set up GitHub Copilot and use it for free.

The prerequisites for this tutorial include the following:

  • Internet access
  • Visual Studio Code
  • GitHub Account

Benefits of using Copilot in coding projects.

Before we set up GitHub Copilot with you, let's first explore some of the advantages you will have while using Copilot in your coding projects.

  1. Faster development. GitHub Copilot will help you with code snippets and code auto-completion hence faster typing and coding.

  2. Error reduction. With GitHub Copilot, you will have fewer code errors as it offers correct and accurate syntax and logical suggestions.

  3. Improved Learning. You will be offered opportunities to learn new languages while coding with Copilot as it has an understanding of vast language syntax.

  4. No more Stack Overflow. You won't spend much time searching for answers to your code challenges on Stack Overflow.

  5. Creativity. You will become creative as Copilot offers alternative solutions and approaches hence offering you new ideas of how to solve problems.

The benefits are much more than the above as you will get to experience the power of GitHub Copilot.

With that, let's get to the start of a journey of a lifetime.

How to Set Up Free GitHub Copilot

Step 1: Install the GitHub Copilot VS Code extension

GitHub Copilot extension

Step 2: Open Copilot Chat

Github copilot chat

Step 3: Sign in to your GitHub Account

Click Sign in to that account

setup github copilot account

Choose Sign in to Github.com

Sign in to Github

Click Allow on the pop-up

Allow Github copilot extension

_Step 4: And now Copilot is up and running

Copilot running

We have now successfully set up GitHub Copilot in your VS Code. Welcome to the journey of a life time, Dev.

Conclusion

You can explore various tips, on how to use Copilot, displayed on the screen, or check more Copilot tips.

Top comments (24)

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amon20 profile image
Orieda Amon

wonderful tutorial

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arabic_chat_be51acfa5a88a profile image
arabic chat
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angelocodes profile image
Ajika Angelo

Thanks @amon20

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angelocodes profile image
Ajika Angelo

👍

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iamcknitin profile image
Ck. Nitin

nice

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angelocodes profile image
Ajika Angelo

Thanks @iamcknitin

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skillboosttrainer profile image
SkillBoostTrainer

Wow, this is fantastic news! 🎉 GitHub Copilot being free is a game-changer for developers. Thanks for the clear and concise guide—it makes getting started so much easier. Looking forward to boosting productivity and exploring creative solutions with Copilot! 🚀

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angelocodes profile image
Ajika Angelo

Thanks for reading @skillboosttrainer

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thestark profile image
ꜱᴛᴀʀᴋ

github capilot free ver vs codeium free ver?

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angelocodes profile image
Ajika Angelo

I will comparatively use them and write about it soon

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lyongg profile image
VM Tri

Copilot is free now but has some restrictions :
1/ It allows you to send 50 prompts per month.
2/ You can receive 2000 code suggestions per month.
But it's enough for me. Sign up and check it out !

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angelocodes profile image
Ajika Angelo

That's true. 2000 words and 45 to 50 prompts
Thanks for the addition

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sparrow01 profile image
Sparrow

good job

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angelocodes profile image
Ajika Angelo

Thanks @sparrow01

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himanshu_mishra_13 profile image
Himanshu Mishra

thank u

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angelocodes profile image
Ajika Angelo

Thanks too @himanshu_mishra_13

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lurodriguez profile image
L Rodríguez

Great news, I used the paid version, but if its free, better!

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angelocodes profile image
Ajika Angelo

Yeah, now all developers can atleast taste the power of GenaAI in coding

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divicbold profile image
Divine Ameh

Thanks

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angelocodes profile image
Ajika Angelo

Welcome

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seatsforeveryone profile image
SeatsForEveryone.com

Good job!

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angelocodes profile image
Ajika Angelo
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saima12 profile image
saima

nice information

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angelocodes profile image
Ajika Angelo

Thanks for appreciating

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