This blog post reflects my personal experience from the initial days of my GitHub Copilot subscription, and is not an advertisement or a paid endorsement.

Introduction

Recently, I had the chance to test out GitHub's Copilot Agent. As someone who's always looking for ways to streamline my workflow, I was eager to see what this new tool could offer. I subscribed for the latest updates and immediately put it to the test.

My First Tasks

My initial experience involved submitting tasks to the Copilot Agent.

I initially misunderstood a commit, but the agent explained it very well.
The first tests were mostly successful. I needed to edit some lines of code, but the overall process was much faster.
I tasked the agent with creating API controllers in my CakePHP application while I focused on the main logic. I had to update some code due to outdated information the agent had, but it still saved time.
While I finished the core logic, the agent completed the controllers. It was a great way to focus on creative and critical work while the agent handled repetitive tasks.
On another project, I asked the agent to migrate it to a newer version of .NET. A task that would typically take me at least an hour was finished while I commuted home. I only needed to adjust and update the Docker image build process.

Overall Impressions

The Copilot Agent is a promising tool with the potential to significantly boost efficiency. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it performed. It allowed me to focus on creative work while handling repetitive tasks effectively.

Cautions

However, it's crucial to remember that blindly copying code generated by the agent can lead to issues. It's essential to review each line of code provided, especially before submitting a pull request. Writing tests can also help catch any logical errors. Occasionally, the changes suggested by the agent might not be entirely logical or align with the current implementation.

Pricing

As for pricing, it seems reasonable, even for open-source or personal projects. The value depends on the number of projects you work on and how much you value your time.

Conclusion

Overall, my experience with the Copilot Agent has been positive. It can undoubtedly help increase efficiency, but due diligence and code reviews are still necessary. It's a valuable tool for handling repetitive tasks, allowing developers to concentrate on the more creative and critical aspects of their work.

We're definitely in the AI age now, and we've got to roll with it. Sure, some folks online aren't thrilled about AI, especially for making content, but honestly, I think they're the smaller group. Most people will jump on the AI train online, and those who don't might get left behind.

At the end of the day, knowing how to actually use AI tools well, not just blindly copy what they spit out, may be an advantage.

Copilot Agent Experience