How to use Copilot to generate code

As a programmer, I get excited about tools that simplify the coding experience. With the help of artificial intelligence tools, we can generate demo code and make necessary modifications as per the requirement. The newly introduced Copilot tool in Visual Studio Code allows us to create AI-generated code with natural language chat interactions. By explaining functionality, we can better understand the meaning of existing code.

How to use Copilot to generate code?

To get started, we first need to get the latest Power Platform Tools extension. To achieve this, you need to go to the extension page, search for "Power Platform Tool", and click the Install button. After installation, launch Visual Studio Code and open the site’s root folder. Then, log in to Power Pages Copilot using your Dataverse environment credentials.

Please note that Power Pages websites only support specific languages, such as HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, so Copilot in Visual Studio Code is mainly used to generate code in these languages. In addition, it is able to recognize and use frameworks compatible with Power Pages websites, such as Bootstrap and jQuery.

Use Copilot to generate code

In order to use Copilot to generate code, you need to clearly describe in the chat box what you want the code to do, such as form validation or Ajax calls through the PowerPages Web API. You can then adjust the generated code as needed. When you're happy with the code, just copy and paste it into the appropriate location. Copilot will generate code based on your description and context, helping you speed up your development process and improve code quality.

The following are some examples of tips provided for Copilot. When using generative AI, make sure your instructions are accurate, especially when generating code.

• Write Web API code to get active contacts.
• Write code in JavaScript to ensure that the value submitted for the phone number field is in a valid format.

Hopefully now you can easily create code using Copilot.

Use Copilot to understand the code

In addition to helping users create code, Copilot can also explain complex code, which is very important for both beginners and experienced developers. To learn how to use Copilot to generate code, follow the steps below.

First, highlight the line of code you want to understand and right-click to open the context menu.

Now, click on Copilot in Power Pages Explain. >

This will allow Copilot to read the selected code and then respond accordingly.

You can highlight the code you want to explain and type your explanation into the chat box, or simply paste the code and ask Copilot to help decipher it.

Read: 10 Microsoft Copilot AI Tips You Can Use Every Day

Will Copilot generate code?

Yes, just like any other artificial intelligence platform, Copilot can generate code. You can pull up the Copilot chat box, enter the prompt, and allow it to generate code. However, we recommend that you integrate Copilot with Visual Studio Code and then generate code.

Read: How to use Copilot in Excel

How to let GitHub Copilot write code?

To start GitHub Copilot Chat in Visual Studio, follow these steps:

• Click the "View" option in the menu bar.
• Click "GitHub Copilot Chat" from the drop-down list.
• In the "Copilot Chat" window, you will find the "Ask Copilot" text box at the bottom.
• Type your question in the text box and press Enter.

For example, you can type "How to write a function that returns the average of two numbers?" and the copilot will give you suggestions

Read: Add Copilot to Context Menu on Windows Desktop.

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