GitHub Copilot Explained: Features, Benefits, Pricing & How to Use It

Your New Coding Partner is an AI? Let’s Talk

GitHub Copilot is changing how developers write code. Whether you're a beginner, a seasoned engineer, or a team lead exploring AI productivity tools, this blog breaks down what GitHub Copilot is, how it works, and what it really means for the future of software development.

What Is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered coding assistant developed by GitHub and OpenAI. It uses machine learning models like Codex to suggest code snippets, complete functions, and even generate entire blocks of code as you type. Trained on billions of lines of public code, GitHub Copilot integrates into IDEs to streamline enterprise development workflows and minimize repetitive coding tasks.

How GitHub Copilot Works?

Contextual Analysis

Microsoft Copilot reads your current file, cursor position, and comments to understand the coding context before suggesting relevant completions.

Suggestion Generation

Using OpenAI’s Codex model, it offers multi-line code completions, ranging from simple functions to complex logic patterns.

Natural Language to Code

You can type comments or plain instructions in natural language, and Copilot translates them into functional code within your IDE. This feature is especially valuable for technical leads looking to automate routine logic or assist junior developers within team-based projects.

Additional Features

Copilot supports multiple languages, autocompletes boilerplate code, and integrates with editors like VS Code, Neovim, and JetBrains.

Security and Data Handling

Microsoft GitHub filters out known vulnerable code patterns and doesn’t retain personal code snippets used for suggestions during individual sessions.

Key Features That Power GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot is more than just an autocomplete tool. It’s a complete AI-powered suite designed to boost productivity, streamline collaboration, and modernize your development workflow. Here are its standout features:

Code Completion

Offers real-time suggestions for code, from variables to entire functions, directly within your IDE.

GitHub Copilot Chat

Enables natural language conversations with an AI assistant to troubleshoot, explain code, and explore best practices. For deeper enterprise integration and cross-app collaboration, explore Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (M-4023).

GitHub Copilot Extensions

Broadens support across IDEs such as VS Code, JetBrains, and Visual Studio for smoother coding experiences.

Code Review

Offers AI-driven code explanations and inline comments to enable developers to identify issues quicker.

Pull-Request Summaries

Generates automated summaries of code modifications to streamline collaboration and review procedures.

Copilot Spaces

Enables collaborative coding environments with shared context across teams and sessions.

Copilot Workspace

Creates an end-to-end AI development environment with task planning and code generation.

GitHub Copilot for Azure

Integrates with Azure to accelerate cloud-native development and automate resource configurations. Teams looking to integrate Copilot with cloud-native pipelines can explore advanced automation workflows through our hands-on course, Automate Azure Load Testing by using GitHub Actions.

Agentic AI Capabilities

Carries out multi-step activities independently, such as debugging or dependency updates across files. To understand how this emerging model works, explore this blog which serves as a guide to Agentic AI.

App Modernization Capabilities

Assists in refactoring legacy codebases, updating frameworks, and adopting modern design patterns.

What Makes GitHub Copilot a Game-Changer for Teams?

From acceleration in development to better code quality, GitHub Copilot provides real benefits to developers and teams. You can also accelerate app development by using GitHub Copilot to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. Here is a summary of its most significant benefits:

Increased Productivity and Speed

• Faster Coding: Copilot autocompletes functions and logic in real time, significantly reducing time spent writing routine code from scratch. Explore custom Copilot training for developer productivity to maximize these time-saving capabilities across your team.
  
  

• Reduced Boilerplate Code: It manages repetitive patterns of code programmatically, allowing programmers to concentrate on addressing fundamental issues rather than coding boilerplate.
  
  

• Accelerated Learning: Beginners can quickly understand unfamiliar syntax or frameworks by observing Copilot’s suggestions and explanations. For a stronger base, start with our GitHub foundations (GH-900) course to build essential skills.
  
  

• Improved Focus: By reducing context-switching and providing in-editor suggestions, Copilot allows developers to remain in flow while they code.

Enhanced Code Quality

• Fewer Errors: AI-driven suggestions reduce syntax mistakes and logic errors, leading to more stable code.
  
  

• Better Documentation: Copilot can help draft function descriptions and inline comments, improving code readability and maintainability.
  
  

• Code Consistency: It encourages consistent coding styles by learning from existing project patterns and implementing them uniformly.

Other Notable Benefits of GitHub Copilot

• Multi-Language Support: Copilot supports dozens of languages, including Python, JavaScript, Go, C++, and more, making it ideal for diverse teams.
  
  

• IDE Integration: Functions flawlessly in widely used development platforms such as Visual Studio Code, JetBrains, and Neovim.
  
  

• Contextual Understanding: Copilot analyzes current files, comments, and code structure to offer relevant and intelligent suggestions.
  
  

• Learning Tool: Developers can explore new libraries and APIs efficiently, using Copilot’s examples as an educational resource.
  
  

• Increased Developer Happiness: By eliminating tedious tasks and reducing frustration, Copilot also reduces developer fatigue in high-scale environments by automating repetitive tasks and enabling focus on high-value initiatives.

Practical Tips for Maximizing GitHub Copilot’s Potential

• Write Clear Comments: Use descriptive comments to guide Copilot toward accurate code suggestions.
  
  
• Start with a Function Name: Typing a meaningful function name often triggers the most relevant completions.
  
  
• Review Suggestions Carefully: Always validate Copilot’s code for accuracy, security, and project fit.
  
  
• Use in Familiar Languages: You’ll get better results using Copilot in languages you already understand.
  
  
• Refine with Prompts: Rephrase or edit prompts to get more tailored code snippets.
  
  
• Keep It Contextual: Ensure your surrounding code is clean—Copilot performs best with clear context.
  
  

For deeper guidance on real-world implementation, NetCom Learning offers enterprise-grade training through its GitHub Copilot Masterclass.

Real-World Use Cases for GitHub Copilot in Teams

• Speed up routine coding tasks by letting Copilot autocomplete common functions, loops, and syntax patterns.
  
• Use Copilot to draft first-pass code quickly, then refine it manually to fit your exact requirements.
  
• Convert natural language comments into functional code snippets, reducing time spent switching between documentation and the editor.
  
• Leverage Copilot Chat to get code explanations, troubleshoot issues, and explore unfamiliar libraries or frameworks.
  
• Maintain consistent coding practices across teams by using Copilot in collaborative projects with shared style guidelines.
  
• Experiment with unfamiliar languages or APIs by observing Copilot’s suggestions as a learning aid.
  
• Improve onboarding for new team members by using Copilot to understand and navigate large codebases.
  
  

Integrate Copilot into pull request workflows to accelerate documentation and review summaries. You can also accelerate app development by using GitHub Copilot through structured, hands-on training.

Best Practices for Using GitHub Copilot

Effectively utilizing GitHub Copilot starts with making intentional, clear prompts. Comments or function names that describe what's happening provide the AI more guidance and result in more correct suggestions. Clean, well-structured code is also essential because Copilot depends significantly on context within the nearby code.

While the tool is excellent for speeding up development, developers should always review and test its output to ensure it aligns with project requirements and security standards. Pairing Copilot with strong testing practices and tools like GitHub Advanced Security can help safeguard your codebase. Staying informed about new features and integrations can also help you continually improve your workflow and make the most of what Copilot offers.

Getting Access to GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot is accessed via a set of plans that are customized according to individual developers, teams, or large organizations. It is accessed based on your GitHub account and can be enabled on supported IDEs, GitHub.com, GitHub Mobile, and even in the command line. There are free options for students, teachers, and open-source maintainers, but premium plans open up greater capabilities and greater usage limits.

GitHub Copilot Individual Plans

Copilot Free is designed for personal use, offering up to 2,000 code completions and 50 premium requests per month. It’s ideal for casual users and requires no subscription.

Copilot Pro is available for $10/month or $100/year, offering unlimited completions, Copilot Chat, and access to advanced models. It includes 300 premium requests monthly, with additional usage billed at $0.04 per request. A 30-day free trial is available for new users.

Copilot Pro+ is built for power users at $20/month or $200/year. It includes everything in Pro, plus 1,500 premium requests and full access to GitHub’s most advanced coding agents and models.

How to Get Started:

Sign up via the GitHub Copilot plans page. Install the Copilot extension in your preferred IDE. Enable chat features via GitHub.com or GitHub Mobile. You can upgrade at any time as your usage grows.

Free Access Eligibility:

Verified students, educators, and open-source maintainers can apply for complimentary access to Copilot Pro.

GitHub Copilot for Organizations and Enterprises

Copilot Business is priced at $19/user/month and supports organizations using GitHub Free, Team, or Enterprise Cloud. It includes all individual features plus centralized policy controls, SAML SSO, user management, and IP indemnity. Organizational data is excluded from model training by default.

Copilot Enterprise costs $39/user/month and is tailored for enterprises using GitHub Enterprise Cloud. It builds on the Business plan with enhanced customization, workflow support, and higher premium request allowances. Enterprises can mix and match Business and Enterprise plans across teams as needed.

How to Get Started:

Enterprise owners or billing admins can enable Copilot from the enterprise settings. Payment verification is mandatory, and admins can set policies, control access, and impose data controls.

Rollout & Governance:

Organizations can start with pilot groups and scale gradually. Built-in policy settings support secure deployment, audit logging, and privacy controls.

Note: GitHub Copilot is not available for GitHub Enterprise Server (on-premises). For the most accurate pricing and feature updates, always refer to the official GitHub Copilot documentation and pricing page.

Master GitHub Copilot with NetCom Learning

Ready to make GitHub Copilot a true productivity partner? NetCom Learning offers authorized Microsoft training programs designed to help you understand, implement, and maximize Copilot in real-world scenarios. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, we deliver expert-led, hands-on courses that provide practical experience with GitHub Copilot, Azure integration, AI-powered development, and secure coding practices. Whether you're an individual developer or managing a team, our training helps you build the skills you need to adopt Copilot with confidence and drive innovation.

Key Questions Answered – GitHub Copilot

Q. Who created GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot was developed by GitHub in collaboration with OpenAI. It was officially launched in June 2021 and is powered by OpenAI’s Codex and GPT models, trained on public code repositories to provide real-time coding assistance.

Q. Is GitHub Copilot free to use?

GitHub Copilot offers a Free plan with limited completions for individual use. The Pro version costs $10/month and includes more features. Verified students, teachers, and open-source maintainers can access it for free. Businesses need paid Copilot Business or Enterprise plans.

Q. What is GitHub Copilot used for?

GitHub Copilot assists developers by offering intelligent code completions, generating functions, and reducing repetitive tasks. It also helps answer technical questions, organize documentation, and accelerate learning across programming languages and frameworks.

Q. Is GitHub Copilot better than ChatGPT?

Copilot is better for real-time coding within IDEs, offering contextual suggestions as you write. ChatGPT is more conversational and versatile but not designed for live code completion. Each tool serves different purposes based on workflow needs.

Q. Is GitHub Copilot actually useful?

Yes, developers report significant productivity gains, fewer errors, and faster development cycles. It’s widely used for learning, rapid prototyping, and boilerplate reduction. Most users find it valuable, though manual review of AI-generated code remains essential.