GitHub Copilot: the essential AI assistant for developers
GitHub Copilot has transformed the way developers write code. Powered by OpenAI models and trained on billions of lines of code, Copilot generates real-time suggestions directly in your editor. Studies show a significant productivity gain for developers using Copilot daily. In Switzerland, more and more companies are integrating GitHub Copilot into their development toolchain to accelerate delivery while maintaining code quality.
At ITTA in Geneva and Lausanne, the GitHub Copilot for Developers training (GH-300) is delivered in one day by an instructor experienced in AI-assisted development. You will work on concrete projects to master the tool in real conditions.
Prompt engineering for software development
The effectiveness of GitHub Copilot largely depends on how you interact with it. The GH-300 training teaches you prompt engineering techniques specific to development: writing descriptive comments, structuring code to guide suggestions, using contextual files and adjusting Copilot settings for your needs. You will learn to distinguish between situations where Copilot excels and those where manual intervention is preferable.
The training covers advanced techniques: generating code from function signatures, using code examples as context, manipulating Copilot suggestions for complex algorithms and managing multi-file suggestions.
Copilot Chat: debugging, refactoring and code comprehension
Copilot Chat is the conversational interface that allows you to interact with GitHub Copilot in natural language. The training teaches you to use Copilot Chat to understand existing code, identify bugs, propose refactoring solutions and generate explanations for complex code sections. You will discover slash commands (/explain, /fix, /tests) and inline chat for quick context-aware interactions.
Copilot Chat is particularly useful for onboarding on new codebases, understanding legacy code and getting improvement suggestions without leaving the editor.
Test generation and documentation
Generating unit tests is one of the most powerful use cases for GitHub Copilot. The training teaches you to generate relevant tests for your functions and classes, covering edge cases and error scenarios. You will also learn to use Copilot to generate technical documentation, docstrings and inline comments that improve code maintainability.
The training covers test framework integration (Jest, pytest, JUnit) and best practices for reviewing and validating AI-generated tests.
Security and best practices with AI-generated code
Using AI-generated code requires specific vigilance. The GH-300 training teaches you to identify potential security risks in Copilot suggestions: injections, inappropriate dependencies, sensitive data exposure and license violations. You will learn to systematically review generated code and integrate security checks into your development workflow.
The training also addresses organizational policies for Copilot usage: configuration of authorized suggestions, management of excluded files and compliance practices for regulated environments.
FAQ
Do I need a GitHub Copilot subscription to take the training?
The training environment provides access to GitHub Copilot during the day. To use the tool after the training, a GitHub Copilot Individual or Business subscription is required.
What programming languages are covered?
GitHub Copilot supports most programming languages. The training uses examples in Python, JavaScript and TypeScript, but the techniques learned apply to all languages supported by Copilot.
Is the training available as a virtual class?
Yes. You can attend the training in person in Geneva or Lausanne, or as a virtual class with the same instructor and the same hands-on exercises.
What certification do you get with this training?
The GH-300 training prepares you for a Microsoft Applied Skill that validates your practical skills with GitHub Copilot for software development.
Does GitHub Copilot replace the developer?
No. GitHub Copilot is an assistant that accelerates development by generating code suggestions. The developer remains responsible for business logic, code review, architecture and overall project quality. The training teaches you to use Copilot as an effective complementary tool.
Do I need to know GitHub to take this training?
A basic knowledge of GitHub and Visual Studio Code is recommended. The training focuses on using GitHub Copilot, not on GitHub fundamentals.