GitHub has announced that it has expanded access to its programming-centric chatbot, Copilot Chat, to all current GitHub Copilot for Individual subscribers using Visual Studio and VS Code. Previously, Copilot Chat was exclusively available to organizations with a Copilot for Business subscription. This move allows individual users to access the chatbot’s features at no additional cost, provided they have the $10/month Copilot for Individual subscription.
Copilot Chat resides in the integrated development environment (IDE) sidebar, facilitating multi turn conversations about coding, including discussions about the code currently being worked on. GitHub emphasizes that Copilot Chat’s ability to understand and provide context-specific assistance sets it apart from general-purpose chat assistants.
Shuyin Zhao, VP of Product Management at GitHub, believes that the integration of Copilot Chat with GitHub Copilot creates a powerful AI assistant, capable of helping developers work efficiently in their preferred natural language. This, in turn, reduces repetitive tasks and positions natural language as a universal programming language.
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Common use cases for Copilot Chat include real-time guidance on best practices, tailored code-related tips and solutions, and assistance with code analysis and security issue resolution, all within the IDE, eliminating the need to switch between tools.
GitHub’s goal is to promote “natural language as a new universal programming language” to democratize software development. This aligns with the company’s recent emphasis on enabling developers to work more efficiently and effectively.
