Applied GitHub Copilot Techniques

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Iterative Development
• Code Refactoring
• Test Generation
• Documentation Generation
• API Integration
• Error Handling
• Best Practices
• Exam Key Points

Introduction

Applied techniques demonstrate how to effectively use GitHub Copilot in real-world development scenarios. These practical approaches help maximize productivity and code quality.

Iterative Development

Build code incrementally with Copilot:

Technique

1. Start with high-level comment describing the goal
2. Accept initial suggestion
3. Add more specific requirements
4. Refine iteratively
5. Build complexity gradually

Example

// Step 1: Create a function to fetch user data
function fetchUser(id) { }

// Step 2: Add error handling
// Step 3: Add caching
// Step 4: Add retry logic

Code Refactoring

Use Copilot to improve existing code:

Refactoring Techniques

• Extract Functions: Break down large functions
• Simplify Logic: Make code more readable
• Apply Patterns: Implement design patterns
• Optimize Performance: Improve efficiency
• Modernize Code: Update to modern syntax

Using Copilot Chat

Ask Copilot Chat to refactor:

• "Refactor this function to be more efficient"
• "Extract this logic into a separate function"
• "Apply the Strategy pattern here"
• "Simplify this code while maintaining functionality"

Test Generation

Generate comprehensive tests using Copilot:

Generate Tests Smart Action

1. Right-click on function or class
2. Select "Generate Tests"
3. Copilot creates test file
4. Review and customize tests
5. Run tests to verify

Using Chat

Request tests via Chat:

• "Write unit tests for this function"
• "Create integration tests for this API"
• "Generate test cases covering edge cases"
• "Write tests using Jest/Pytest/etc."

Documentation Generation

Generate documentation automatically:

Code Comments

• Ask Copilot to add comments
• Generate docstrings for functions
• Create API documentation
• Explain complex algorithms

README Files

• Generate project README
• Create setup instructions
• Document API endpoints
• Write usage examples

API Integration

Use Copilot for API integration tasks:

REST API Calls

• Generate HTTP client code
• Create request/response handlers
• Implement error handling
• Add authentication

Example Prompt

// Create a function to call GitHub API
// Endpoint: GET /users/{username}
// Include error handling and retry logic
async function fetchGitHubUser(username) { }

Error Handling

Generate robust error handling:

Techniques

• Add try-catch blocks
• Implement retry logic
• Create custom error types
• Add validation checks
• Handle edge cases

Prompt Example

"Add comprehensive error handling with retry logic and proper error messages"

Best Practices

1. Start Simple, Build Complexity

Begin with basic implementation, then add features incrementally.

2. Use Specific Prompts

Be specific about requirements, constraints, and desired outcomes.

3. Review and Refine

Always review generated code and refine as needed.

4. Combine Techniques

Use multiple Copilot features together for complex tasks.

5. Test Thoroughly

Test all generated code before using in production.

Exam Key Points

• Iterative development: build code incrementally
• Use Copilot Chat for refactoring requests
• Generate Tests smart action creates comprehensive tests
• Documentation can be generated automatically
• API integration code can be generated with proper prompts
• Error handling should be comprehensive
• Start simple, build complexity gradually
• Always review and test generated code
• Combine multiple techniques for complex tasks
• Use specific prompts for better results