GitHub Copilot for Developers

Overview

GitHub Copilot for Developers focuses on using Copilot well, not just turning it on. You will work through a first feature, repository instruction files, a…

What you will learn

  • Configure Copilot in your IDE and use completions, next-edit suggestions, and chat (Module 1).
  • Write prompts, custom instructions, and prompt files that enforce team standards (Module 2).
  • Build features, APIs, and data access code with multi-file edits (Module 3).
  • Generate meaningful tests and debug with AI assistance (Module 4).

Prerequisites

  • Required: Programming experience in any language and Git basics. A supported IDE and a GitHub account with Copilot [confirm whether a license is provided].
  • Helpful: Experience with pull-request workflows and CI. If you are new to programming, this course is not the right starting point.

Curriculum

  1. Module 1: Getting Started with GitHub Copilot

    • Topics: Plans and features; how suggestions are generated; context and limitations; IDE installation and settings; completions, next-edit suggestions, and chat; keyboard-driven workflow.
    • Deliverable: Working feature. Completion check: Module 1 assessment.

    Hands-on:

    • Practice: First Feature with Copilot. Small feature via completions and chat.

  2. Module 2: Prompting and Context Engineering for Code

    • Topics: Comments, signatures, and examples; chat participants, slash commands, and variables; referencing files; repository custom instructions; prompt files; workspace context.
    • Deliverable: Instruction and prompt files. Completion check: Module 2 assessment.

    Hands-on:

    • Practice: Instruction Files. Repository instructions enforcing a coding standard.

  3. Module 3: Building Features and APIs

    • Topics: Boilerplate and scaffolding; unfamiliar libraries; multi-file edits; API endpoints and models; SQL and ORM queries; configuration and scripts.
    • Deliverable: Service code. Completion check: Module 3 assessment.

    Hands-on:

    • Practice: CRUD Service. REST service with persistence.

  4. Module 4: Testing and Debugging with Copilot

    • Topics: Unit and integration tests; edge cases and mocks; test-driven workflow; explaining errors and stack traces; fix suggestions; terminal and log help.
    • Deliverable: Test suite. Completion check: Module 4 assessment.

    Hands-on:

    • Practice: Test and Fix. Test suite for the CRUD service and resolved failures.

  5. Module 5: Refactoring, Documentation, and Code Quality

    • Topics: Modernizing legacy code; pattern application; performance improvements; docstrings and READMEs; explaining code; reviewing AI-generated code.
    • Deliverable: Refactored module. Completion check: Module 5 assessment.

    Hands-on:

    • Practice: Legacy Modernization. Refactor, document, review summary.

  6. Module 6: Copilot Agent Mode and the Coding Agent

    • Topics: Multi-step autonomous tasks; tool use and MCP servers; reviewing agent changes; assigning issues to Copilot; pull request generation; guardrails and limits.
    • Deliverable: Merged PR with review notes. Completion check: Module 6 assessment.

    Hands-on:

    • Practice: Issue to Pull Request. Agent-generated PR reviewed and merged.

  7. Module 7: Copilot Across GitHub and DevOps

    • Topics: Pull request summaries and reviews; issue and discussion help; code search; GitHub Actions workflows; infrastructure-as-code; CLI assistance.
    • Deliverable: CI workflow. Completion check: Module 7 assessment.

    Hands-on:

    • Practice: CI Pipeline. Actions workflow plus a Copilot-assisted review process.

  8. Module 8: Security, Governance, and Team Adoption

    • Topics: Vulnerability filtering and code scanning; licensing and public code matching; data handling and policies; organization policies and metrics; team practices; measuring impact.
    • Deliverable: Adoption plan. Completion check: Module 8 assessment.
    • Capstone (independent work, [CAPSTONE_HOURS] hours): A complete feature built end to end with Copilot: custom instructions, implementation, tests, refactoring, documentation, an agent-generated pull request, CI workflow, and a security review.

    Hands-on:

    • Practice: Team Adoption Plan. Policies, metrics, and rollout.

Course fee

$699 $399

What's included

  • Live cohort + recordings: Attend every session live and revisit the recordings for one year.
  • Real lab environment: Practise on a hands-on environment that mirrors real projects.
  • Live doubt-clearing support: Ask questions and get answers in real time during every session.
  • Assessments and lab activities: Apply what you learn through graded assessments and guided labs.
  • Learning assets: Keep the slides, notes, and reference material for good.
  • Role-readiness guidance: Mentor guidance to get you ready for the role you are targeting.
  • Verifiable certificate: Earn a shareable certificate on completing the hands-on capstone.
  • Global peer community: Learn with a global cohort and stay connected after the program.

In short

GitHub Copilot for Developers is a 24-hour instructor-led course covering Module 1: Getting Started with GitHub Copilot, Module 2: Prompting and Context Engineering for Code, Module 3: Building Features and APIs. It includes guided practical labs.

Key facts

  • Course: GitHub Copilot for Developers
  • Duration: 24 hours
  • Modules: 8
  • Format: instructor-led live training

Frequently asked questions

Which Copilot plan do I need?

[Confirm]. Module 6 requires a plan that includes agent mode and the coding agent; other modules work on standard plans.

Which programming language is used?

Labs are language-agnostic with starter projects in [confirm languages]. You can follow in your own language.

Will I use the coding agent?

Yes, in Module 6, if your plan includes it. Otherwise the trainer demonstrates it and you complete the review exercise on a provided PR.

How is this different from Claude AI / Claude Code for Developers?

That course covers Anthropic's Claude and the Claude Code agentic terminal tool. This course is specific to GitHub Copilot and GitHub.

Does this cover security and licensing concerns?

Yes. Module 8 covers vulnerability filtering, public code matching, data handling, and organization policies.

Is this suitable for managers?

Technical leads benefit from Modules 2, 6, and 8. Non-coding managers should consider Enterprise AI Literacy instead.

What do I keep?

Instruction and prompt files, a service with tests, a refactored module, a merged agent PR, a CI workflow, and an adoption plan.

Is a corporate version available?

Yes, with labs on your codebase patterns.

Topics covered

GitHub Copilot for Developers, Artificial intelligence, Corporate training