Here's why I will NOT be using Github CoPilot

TL;DR

The author explains why they won't use GitHub Copilot as an AI pair programmer, highlighting concerns about learning, code structure, and their personal issues with the software company.

Transcript

so i want to take a few minutes today to talk a little bit about why i will not use the github copilot so-called ai pair programmer this video is inspired though it is not a response to a video made by engineering man over on his channel you should check him out i'm an occasional consumer of his content and he raised some very good points about why... Read More

Key Insights

• 🏑 Expertise is a result of the process of acquiring knowledge and competence in a specific field. Tools like GitHub Copilot may hinder this process, preventing individuals from becoming advanced programmers.
• 👨‍💻 Relying on tools like Copilot can lead to a lack of understanding and learning, as users do not actively code or write the code themselves.
• 🖤 Code structure and consistency may be compromised when using Copilot, as it lacks insight into the broader context of a program.
• 👨‍💻 GitHub Copilot may be useful for highly experienced programmers who can integrate the generated code into their existing knowledge and workflows.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the author's main reasons for not using GitHub Copilot?

The author's main reasons include the belief that it hampers the learning process, resulting in a lack of understanding, and the fact that it may not provide consistent and logical code structure. Additionally, the author expresses personal issues with the software company behind Copilot.

Q: How does the author compare GitHub Copilot to tools like Stack Overflow?

The author acknowledges that tools like Stack Overflow have their place in programming, as they can help solve specific problems and provide insights into different approaches. However, they caution against directly copying and pasting code without understanding it, which can be a limitation of both Copilot and Stack Overflow.

Q: Who would benefit from using GitHub Copilot, according to the author?

The author suggests that highly experienced programmers who are already experts in their field might benefit from using Copilot. These individuals can integrate the generated code into their existing knowledge and the broader context of their programs without hindering their understanding.

Q: What personal issue does the author have with GitHub Copilot?

The author expresses personal concerns about using Visual Studio Code, which is the platform on which GitHub Copilot operates. They have reservations about supporting Microsoft, citing negative experiences with the company's products in the past.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The author argues against using GitHub Copilot as it hinders the process of learning and becoming an advanced programmer.

• They highlight that relying on tools like Copilot can result in a lack of understanding and knowledge of coding principles.

• The author also expresses concerns about the code structure and consistency provided by Copilot, as well as their personal issues with the software company behind it.