GitHub Copilot app for Beginners: Using the diff, terminal, and browser

GitHub Copilot app now allows users to review, run, and test code changes directly within the app, simplifying the AI coding loop.

By Kayla CinnamonSep 10github.blog1 min read

Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)

GitHub Copilot app for Beginners: Using the diff, terminal, and browser — Image: github.blog

GitHub Copilot app now includes built-in panels for reviewing changes, running commands, and testing code in the browser, making the AI coding process more streamlined and user-friendly.

GitHub Copilot now lets you see changes, run code, and test it in one place, so you don't have to switch between different tools. It's like having a helper that shows you what's changed, runs the code, and lets you see the results right in the app.

Analysis

Reviewing Changes with the Diff Panel

The diff panel provides a clear view of what lines were added, removed, or changed in the code. It highlights additions in green and deletions in red, allowing users to make informed decisions about the changes.

Running Commands in the Terminal Panel

Users can run commands directly from the terminal panel within the GitHub Copilot app. The panel supports running both predefined scripts and custom commands, making it easy to test and debug code.

Testing Code in the Browser Panel

The browser panel enables users to preview and test the changes in a web browser. This feature is particularly useful for applications with a user interface, allowing users to iterate and refine their code without leaving the app.

Example Workflow

Open the dev server script to start the project.
Use the Pick & Polish tool to adjust elements and test the changes.
Accept the changes and create a pull request to integrate the new feature.

Conclusion

By consolidating review, run, and preview functionalities into a single app, GitHub Copilot simplifies the AI coding process, making it more accessible and efficient for beginners and experienced users alike.

Key points

Built-in panels for review, run, and preview
Clear highlighting of changes in the diff panel
Support for running scripts and custom commands in the terminal
Ability to test changes in a web browser

The Upside

This feature will make it easier for beginners to work with AI-generated code, reducing the learning curve and making the process more intuitive.

The Downside

However, users might still need to be cautious, as the app relies on the accuracy of the AI-generated code, and mistakes could still occur.

Tagsgithub open-source ai coding tools

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