GitHub recently rolled out a technical preview of its GitHub Copilot Workspace. As a premier partner of GitHub, we took a sneak peek at the tool to understand its features. In short: its a game changer. Here’s what we discovered.
GitHub Copilot Workspace is a tool designed to assist developers in writing software. Instead of manually writing every line of code, developers can use Copilot Workspace to guide them through the process. This tool helps developers by suggesting solutions, identifying areas for improvement, and automating certain tasks. By utilizing Copilot Workspace, developers can potentially increase their productivity and efficiency.
GitHub Copilot Workspace assists developers in a four step process: Task, Spec, Plan, and Code. These four steps walk the developer from requirements to code, suggesting areas for consideration throughout the process, and providing the opportunity for editing and updating portions of each step at various levels of granularity, if needed or desired. Let’s review each step to see how you can move forward.
1. Task:
The process begins with defining the Task. This involves clearly describing the problem or the desired feature. For example, a developer might state “create a website that allows users to order pizza.” This initial description provides Copilot Workspace with the necessary context to begin its assistance. Importantly, this initial description and every subsequent step within the process are editable. Developers can refine the description, adjust the plan, and modify the generated code to perfectly align with their specific needs and project requirements.
2. Spec:
Following the Task definition, Copilot Workspace assists in developing the Spec. This involves refining the initial description and adding more specific details. For example, the developer might specify the desired user interface, the required functionalities (e.g., order tracking, delivery options), and any specific design constraints. This detailed specification provides a clear and concise blueprint for the development process.
3. Plan:
Based on the refined Spec, Copilot Workspace assists in creating a Plan. This involves outlining the steps necessary to achieve the desired outcome. For instance, Copilot Workspace might suggest steps such as “design the website’s user interface,” “write code to handle customer orders,” and “integrate with a payment processing system.” These steps provide a roadmap for the development process.
Copilot Workspace also helps identify areas within the existing code that require modification. This can be particularly helpful when working on existing projects or when integrating new features into existing systems. By pinpointing the relevant code sections, Copilot Workspace streamlines the development process and reduces the time spent searching for the necessary code.
4. Code:
Finally, Copilot Workspace actively assists in the Code writing process. It suggests lines of code that can be incorporated into the project. Developers can then review and edit these suggestions to ensure they meet the specific requirements and coding standards. This collaborative approach can significantly enhance the speed and accuracy of the coding process.
Crucially, developers can preview the changes made at any point in the process. This allows them to visualize the impact of their edits and ensure that the code behaves as expected.
Once the code is complete, Copilot Workspace can facilitate the creation of Pull Requests (PRs). PRs are a common mechanism in software development for sharing and reviewing code changes with other developers. By automating the creation of PRs, Copilot Workspace streamlines the collaboration process and ensures that code changes are properly reviewed and integrated.
Finally, Copilot Workspace can be integrated with various development environments and build systems. This allows developers to build and test their software within their preferred environment, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow.
While still under development, Copilot Workspace demonstrates significant potential to revolutionize the software development process. By automating repetitive tasks, providing intelligent suggestions, and streamlining the workflow, Copilot Workspace empowers developers to focus on higher-level tasks and achieve greater productivity. Looking to implement or expand the power of GitHub Copilot on your team? Our team at Covers are GitHub experts. Take a look at our full slate of GitHub services.
