GitHub has launched GitHub Copilot Free for Visual Studio users. While this may seem like an important step, it’s crucial to understand what it means for your workflow.
With Copilot Free, you gain access to a range of AI-powered tools, including smarter debugging, AI-generated commit messages, AI-driven breakpoint placement, and easy access to Completions and Chat. According to GitHub, developers have seen a 25% speed increase when using Copilot, which could lead to faster coding for some users, but results may vary depending on individual workflows and preferences.
Microsoft has also announced the availability of GitHub Copilot Free, aimed at developers who want to get started with Copilot. However, this version is limited: users can access up to 50 messages and interactions, and 2,000 real-time code suggestions per month. After reaching these limits, users will need to upgrade to the Pro version, which costs $10 per month for unlimited access.
If you’d like to try it out immediately, Copilot Free is now available for use in Visual Studio. However, it’s important to note that users will not currently be notified when they hit their usage limit, but GitHub promises updates coming in January to address this.
To get the most out of Copilot Free, it is recommended to keep your Visual Studio installation up-to-date and subscribe to the preview channels for early access to new features. Looking ahead to January, there will be improvements to the user experience, including clearer indicators for when usage limits are reached.
For those looking to upgrade, GitHub offers several paid plans:
- Free: Basic access for those getting started, at no cost.
- Pro: $10 per month for unlimited access to Copilot.
- Business: $19 per user/month for teams.
- Enterprise: $39 per user/month for organizations requiring a fully customized experience.
While Copilot Free can help streamline some tasks, it’s worth considering whether the paid plans might better meet your needs if you’re looking for an uninterrupted experience.
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