content/copilot/get-started/quickstart.md

---
title: Quickstart for GitHub Copilot
intro: 'Quickly learn how to use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}.'
allowTitleToDifferFromFilename: true
versions:
  feature: copilot
redirect_from:
  - /copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot
  - /github/copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-visual-studio-code
  - /github/copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-a-jetbrains-ide
  - /github/copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-neovim
  - /github/copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-visual-studio
  - /copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-visual-studio-code
  - /copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-a-jetbrains-ide
  - /copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-neovim
  - /copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot-in-visual-studio
  - /copilot/using-github-copilot/getting-started-with-github-copilot
  - /copilot/quickstart
shortTitle: Quickstart
topics:
  - Copilot
contentType: get-started
category:
  - Configure Copilot
---

## Introduction

<!-- --------------------- -->
<!-- Web browser -->
<!-- --------------------- -->

{% webui %}

You can use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to get answers to coding-related questions, such as how best to code something, how to fix a bug, or how someone else's code works. For full details of what {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} can do, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/about-github-copilot/what-is-github-copilot).

Instructions for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} differ depending on where you are using it. This version of the quickstart is for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} on the {% data variables.product.github %} website. Click the tabs above for instructions on using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in other environments.

{% ifversion fpt %}
{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-signup %}
{% endif %}

{% ifversion ghec %}

## Prerequisite

To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} on the {% data variables.product.github %} website, you must have an active {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} plan. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %}
{% endif %}

## Asking your first question

1. On {% data variables.product.github %}, navigate to a repository and open a file.
1. Click the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} icon ({% octicon "copilot" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="copilot" %}) at the top right of the file view.

   ![Screenshot of the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} button, highlighted with a dark orange outline, at the top of the file view.](/assets/images/help/copilot/copilot-button-for-file.png)

1. Type a question in the "Ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}" box at the bottom of the chat panel and press <kbd>Enter</kbd>.

   For example, you could enter:

   * `Explain this file.`
   * `How could I improve this code?`
   * `How can I test this code?`

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} responds to your request in the panel.

1. You can continue the conversation by asking a follow-up question. For example, you could type "tell me more" to get {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to expand on its last comment.

## Other questions you can ask

There are many more things you can do with {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_dotcom %}. For example:

* Ask a general question about software development
* Ask exploratory questions about a repository
* Find out about the changes in a pull request
* Ask a question about a specific issue or commit

For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-chat/copilot-chat-in-github/using-github-copilot-chat-in-githubcom).

## Next steps

* **Find out more about {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat %}** - See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-chat/using-github-copilot-chat-in-your-ide){% ifversion fpt %}.{% endif %}{% ifversion ghec %} and [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-enterprise/copilot-chat-in-github/using-github-copilot-chat-in-githubcom).{% endif %}
* **Get {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} inline suggestions in an IDE** - See [AUTOTITLE](/enterprise-cloud@latest/copilot/using-github-copilot/using-github-copilot-code-suggestions-in-your-editor).
* **Learn how to write effective prompts** - See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/prompt-engineering-for-github-copilot).
* **Use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} on your mobile device** - See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-chat/copilot-chat-in-github-mobile/using-github-copilot-chat-in-github-mobile).
* **Use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} on the command line** - See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-in-the-cli/using-github-copilot-in-the-cli).

{% endwebui %}

<!-- --------------------- -->
<!-- Windows terminal -->
<!-- --------------------- -->

{% windowsterminal %}

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-intro %}

Instructions for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} differ depending on where you are using it. This version of the quickstart is for {% data variables.product.prodname_windows_terminal %}. Click the tabs above for instructions on using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in other environments.

{% ifversion fpt %}
{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-signup %}
{% endif %}

## Prerequisites

* **Subscription to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}**. To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_windows_terminal %}, you must have an active {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} subscription. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %}
* **{% data variables.product.prodname_windows_terminal %} Canary**. Terminal Chat is only available in [{% data variables.product.prodname_windows_terminal %} Canary](https://github.com/microsoft/terminal?tab=readme-ov-file#installing-windows-terminal-canary).

## Use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in Terminal Chat

After you've installed {% data variables.product.prodname_windows_terminal %} Canary, you can use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in [Terminal Chat](https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/terminal/terminal-chat) to ask command line-related questions.

1. Open **Settings** from the dropdown menu.

   ![Screenshot of the dropdown menu in the {% data variables.product.prodname_windows_terminal %} with the Settings item highlighted.](/assets/images/help/copilot/windows-terminal-dropdown.png)

1. Go to the **Terminal Chat (Experimental)** setting.

   ![Screenshot of the Settings menu in the {% data variables.product.prodname_windows_terminal %} with the Terminal Chat (Experimental) item highlighted.](/assets/images/help/copilot/windows-terminal-settings.png)

1. Under **Service Providers**, select **GitHub Copilot** and **Authenticate via GitHub** to sign in.

## Chat with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}

> [!NOTE] {% data reusables.copilot.windows-terminal-access-denied %}

1. Open **Terminal Chat (Experimental)** in the dropdown menu.

1. In the Terminal Chat chat window, type `how do i list all markdown files in my directory` then press <kbd>Enter</kbd>.

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s answer is displayed below your question.

1. Click on an answer to insert it to the command line.

## Next steps

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps1 %}
{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps2 %}

{% endwindowsterminal %}

<!-- --------------------- -->
<!-- VS Code -->
<!-- --------------------- -->

{% vscode %}

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-intro %}

Instructions for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} differ depending on where you are using it. This version of the quickstart is for {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}. Click the tabs above for instructions on using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in other environments.

{% ifversion fpt %}
{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-signup %}
{% endif %}

## Prerequisites

* **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} subscription** - To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}, you must have an active {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} subscription. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %}
{% data reusables.copilot.vscode-prerequisites %}

## Chat with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}

After you've installed the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} extension, you can ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} coding-related questions.

> [!NOTE] {% data reusables.copilot.chat-access-denied %}

1. Open an existing code file.
1. Open the Chat view from the Activity Bar.

   ![Screenshot of the Chat icon in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} Activity Bar.](/assets/images/help/copilot/chat-button-vscode.png)

1. At the bottom of the chat view, in the chat input field, type: `explain this file`.
1. Press <kbd>Enter</kbd>.

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} replies in the chat view.

1. In the editor, select one or more lines of code that are not commented.
1. In the chat input field, type: `add comments to these lines`.
1. If you like the comments that {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} suggests, hover over the suggested code in the chat view and click the "Insert at Cursor" icon to replace the selected lines with the suggested code.

   ![Screenshot of the "Insert at Cursor" icon in the chat view.](/assets/images/help/copilot/insert-at-cursor-vscode.png)

## Get your first inline suggestion

The following example uses JavaScript, however other languages will work similarly. {% data reusables.copilot.supported-languages %}

1. Open {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}.
{% data reusables.copilot.create-js-file %}
{% data reusables.copilot.type-function-header %}
   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} will automatically suggest an entire function body in grayed text. The exact suggestion may vary.
1. {% data reusables.copilot.accept-suggestion %}

## Next steps

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps1 %}
* **Use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} like a pro** - Learn how to write effective prompts for {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}. For more information, see [Best practices for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/prompt-crafting) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} documentation.
* **Get familiar with {% data variables.copilot.next_edit_suggestions %}** - See [Navigating and accepting {% data variables.copilot.next_edit_suggestions %}](/copilot/how-tos/get-code-suggestions/get-ide-code-suggestions#navigating-and-accepting-next-edit-suggestions-1).
{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps2 %}

{% endvscode %}

<!-- --------------------- -->
<!-- Visual Studio -->
<!-- --------------------- -->

{% visualstudio %}

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-intro %}

Instructions for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} differ depending on where you are using it. This version of the quickstart is for {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}. Click the tabs above for instructions on using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in other environments.

{% ifversion fpt %}
{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-signup %}
{% endif %}

## Prerequisites

* **Subscription to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}**. To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}, you must have an active {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} subscription. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %}
{% data reusables.copilot.visual-studio-prerequisites %}

## Chat with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}

After you've installed the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} extension, you can ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} coding-related questions.

> [!NOTE] {% data reusables.copilot.chat-access-denied %}

1. Open an existing code file.
1. In the {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} menu bar, click **View**, then click **{% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat %}**.
1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, type `what does this file do` then press <kbd>Enter</kbd>.

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s answer is displayed below your question.

1. Select a line of code in the editor.
1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, type `explain this line` then press <kbd>Enter</kbd>.

## Get your first inline suggestion

The following example uses JavaScript, however other languages will work similarly. {% data reusables.copilot.supported-languages %}

1. Open {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}.
1. In {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %}, create a new JavaScript (_*.js_) file.
{% data reusables.copilot.type-function-header %}
   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} will automatically suggest an entire function body in grayed text. The exact suggestion may vary.
1. {% data reusables.copilot.accept-suggestion %}

## Next steps

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps1 %}
* **Prompt like a pro** - Watch [{% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} Prompt Engineering with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hZsOeIINg8&list=PLReL099Y5nRckZDdcQ21UigO9pKa14yxC) on YouTube.
{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps2 %}

{% endvisualstudio %}

<!-- --------------------- -->
<!-- JetBrains -->
<!-- --------------------- -->

{% jetbrains %}

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-intro %}

Instructions for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} differ depending on where you are using it. This version of the quickstart is for JetBrains IDEs. Click the tabs above for instructions on using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in other environments.

{% ifversion fpt %}
{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-signup %}
{% endif %}

## Prerequisites

* **Subscription to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}**. To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in a JetBrains IDE, you must have an active {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} subscription. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %}
* **A compatible JetBrains IDE**. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} is supported in a large number of JetBrains IDEs. For a full list, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/github-copilot-chat/copilot-chat-in-ides/using-github-copilot-chat-in-your-ide?tool=jetbrains).
{% data reusables.copilot.jetbrains-plugin-prerequisites %}

## Chat with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}

After you've installed the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} plugin, you can ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} coding-related questions.

> [!NOTE] {% data reusables.copilot.chat-access-denied %}

1. Open an existing code file.
1. Open the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window by clicking the **{% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}** icon at the right side of the JetBrains IDE window.

   ![Screenshot of the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} icon in the Activity Bar.](/assets/images/help/copilot/jetbrains-copilot-chat-icon.png)

1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, type `what does this file do` then press <kbd>Enter</kbd>.

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s answer is displayed below your question.

1. Select a line of code in the editor.
1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, type `explain this line` then press <kbd>Enter</kbd>.

## Get your first inline suggestion

The following example uses JavaScript, however other languages will work similarly. {% data reusables.copilot.supported-languages %}

1. In your JetBrains editor, create a new JavaScript (_*.js_) file.
{% data reusables.copilot.type-function-header %}
   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} will automatically suggest an entire function body in grayed text. The exact suggestion may vary.
1. {% data reusables.copilot.accept-suggestion %}

## Next steps

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps1 %}
{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps2 %}

{% endjetbrains %}

<!-- --------------------- -->
<!-- XCode -->
<!-- --------------------- -->

{% xcode %}

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-intro %}

Instructions for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} differ depending on where you are using it. This version of the quickstart is for XCode in MacOS. Click the tabs above for instructions on using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in other environments.

{% ifversion fpt %}
{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-signup %}
{% endif %}

## Prerequisites

* **Subscription to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}**. To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in Xcode, you must have an active {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} subscription. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %}
* **Latest version of the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} extension**. For installation instructions, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/set-up/install-copilot-extension?tool=xcode).
* **Sign in to {% data variables.product.company_short %} in Xcode**. If you experience authentication issues, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/troubleshooting-github-copilot/troubleshooting-issues-with-github-copilot-chat#troubleshooting-authentication-issues-in-your-editor).

## Chat with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}

After you've installed the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} plugin, you can ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} coding-related questions.

> [!NOTE] {% data reusables.copilot.chat-access-denied %}

1. Open an existing code file.
1. Click **Editor** in the menu bar, then click **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}** then **Open Chat**.

   {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} opens in a new window.

1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, select the file to indicate that you want to chat about this file.

   ![Screenshot of a file selected in the Chat window. The file is highlighted with a dark orange outline.](/assets/images/help/copilot/xcode-chat-about-file.png)

1. Type `what does this file do` then press <kbd>Enter</kbd>.

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s answer is displayed below your question.

1. Select a line of code in the editor.
1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, type `explain this line` then press <kbd>Enter</kbd>.

## Get your first inline suggestion

The following example uses Swift, however other languages will work similarly.

1. Create a new file called `CalculateDays.swift`.
1. Type the following code in the new file:

   ```swift copy
   import Foundation

   func calculateDaysBetweenDates(_ start: Date, _ end: Date)
   ```

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} adds a suggestion of code that continues this function. Suggestions are displayed in grayed text.
1. {% data reusables.copilot.accept-suggestion %}
1. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} will continue to make suggestions, each of which you can accept by pressing <kbd>Tab</kbd>.

## Next steps

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps1 %}
* **Get familiar with {% data variables.copilot.next_edit_suggestions %}** - See [Navigating and accepting {% data variables.copilot.next_edit_suggestions %}](/copilot/how-tos/get-code-suggestions/get-ide-code-suggestions?tool=xcode#navigating-and-accepting-next-edit-suggestions-2).
{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps2 %}

{% endxcode %}

<!-- --------------------- -->
<!-- Eclipse -->
<!-- --------------------- -->

{% eclipse %}

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-intro %}

Instructions for using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} differ depending on where you are using it. This version of the quickstart is for Eclipse. Click the tabs above for instructions on using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in other environments.

{% ifversion fpt %}
{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-signup %}
{% endif %}

## Prerequisites

* **Subscription to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}**. To use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} in Eclipse, you must have an active {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} subscription. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %}
* **Latest version of the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} extension**. For installation instructions, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/set-up/install-copilot-extension?tool=eclipse).
* **Sign in to {% data variables.product.company_short %} in Eclipse**. If you experience authentication issues, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/troubleshooting-github-copilot/troubleshooting-issues-with-github-copilot-chat#troubleshooting-authentication-issues-in-your-editor).

## Chat with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %}

After you've installed the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} plugin, you can ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} coding-related questions.

> [!NOTE] {% data reusables.copilot.chat-access-denied %}

1. Open an existing code file.
1. In the menu bar of Eclipse, click **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}**, then click **{% octicon "copilot" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="copilot" %} Open Chat**.
1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, type `what does this file do` then press <kbd>Enter</kbd>.

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s answer is displayed below your question.

1. Select a line of code in the editor.
1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window, type `explain this line` then press <kbd>Enter</kbd>.

## Get your first inline suggestion

The following example uses Java, however other languages will work similarly.

1. Create a new Java class called `CalculateDaysBetween`.
1. Within the class add the following comment:

   ```java copy
   // Take 2 dates and return the number of days between them
   ```

   {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} adds a suggestion of code to use for this class. Suggestions are displayed in grayed text.
1. {% data reusables.copilot.accept-suggestion %}

## Next steps

{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps1 %}
* **Get familiar with {% data variables.copilot.next_edit_suggestions %}** - See [Navigating and accepting {% data variables.copilot.next_edit_suggestions %}](/copilot/how-tos/get-code-suggestions/get-ide-code-suggestions?tool=eclipse#navigating-and-accepting-next-edit-suggestions-3).
{% data reusables.copilot.quickstart-nextsteps2 %}

{% endeclipse %}