GitHub Copilot

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot suggests code as you type, answers questions in chat and can work as an agent that edits files in your editor or completes tasks in the background and opens pull requests. It also reviews pull requests and lets you pick from several language models. Individuals can start on a free plan with monthly limits, and Business and Enterprise plans add policy controls and license management.

Use cases

• Autocomplete code in the editor
• Explain unfamiliar code
• Delegate an issue to a coding agent
• Review pull requests
• Generate tests and documentation

Who it's for

• Developers
• Students
• Open source maintainers
• Engineering teams
• Enterprises

Why use GitHub Copilot

• Suggests code as you type and offers next edit suggestions inside your editor.
• Chat and agent mode can edit files in the editor, while a cloud agent works in the background and opens pull requests.
• Copilot code review checks pull requests, and Copilot CLI brings help to the terminal.
• Supports VS Code, Visual Studio, JetBrains, Xcode, Neovim and Eclipse, so you can keep your editor.
• Lets you pick from several language models, and Business and Enterprise plans add policy controls.

GitHub Copilot features

• Inline code completion and next edit suggestions
• Chat and agent mode in the editor
• Cloud agent that works in the background and opens pull requests
• Copilot code review
• Copilot CLI
• Choice of multiple language models
• Support for VS Code, Visual Studio, JetBrains, Xcode, Neovim and Eclipse
• MCP server integration

How to get started with GitHub Copilot

1. Sign in to GitHub and start with the free plan, or choose a paid plan.
2. Install the Copilot extension in your editor, such as VS Code, JetBrains or Xcode.
3. Start typing code to see inline suggestions, or open chat to ask about unfamiliar code.
4. Try agent mode for edits across files, or assign an issue to the cloud agent to get a pull request.
5. Add MCP servers or Copilot code review as your workflow grows, and upgrade if you hit monthly limits.

GitHub Copilot limitations

• Free plan is capped at 2,000 inline suggestions per month and excludes the cloud agent and code review
• Usage beyond monthly included credits requires purchasing more

GitHub Copilot pricing

Yes, GitHub Copilot has a free plan. Paid plans start at $10 per month, according to the official pricing page on 23 Oct 2026.

Prices can change and may vary by country or exclude tax. Check the official pricing page.

GitHub Copilot alternatives

The main GitHub Copilot alternatives listed on Debuly are Cursor, Claude Code, Qoder, Cline, firstmate and GitHub MCP Server. The table compares pricing and platforms; order is A–Z.

1. 

   Claude Code

   Anthropic's coding agent that fixes bugs, writes tests and runs migrations from your terminal, IDE, desktop app, web or Slack.

   CodingAutomation and agentsDeveloper platforms
   PaidVisit Claude Code (official site)
2. 

   Cline

   Open-source AI coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains, the terminal and desktop that edits files and runs commands with your approval.

   CodingDeveloper platformsAutomation and agents
   Open sourceVisit Cline (official site)
3. 

   Cursor

   AI code editor and coding agent with cloud agents, Bugbot code review and multi-provider models, sold with Grok and X plans.

   CodingAutomation and agentsDeveloper platforms
   FreemiumVisit Cursor (official site)
4. Fi

   firstmate

   Open-source agent distro: chat with one lead agent that spawns and supervises a crew of coding agents in separate git worktrees.

   CodingAutomation and agentsDeveloper platforms
   Open sourceVisit firstmate (official site)
5. 

   GitHub MCP Server

   GitHub's official MCP server that lets AI assistants read repos, manage issues and pull requests, and watch Actions runs in plain language.

   Developer platformsCodingAutomation and agents
   Open sourceVisit GitHub MCP Server (official site)
6. 

   Qoder

   An agentic coding platform with a desktop app, IDE, JetBrains plugin, CLI and mobile app, sold on credit-based plans.

   CodingAutomation and agentsDeveloper platforms
   FreemiumVisit Qoder (official site)

GitHub Copilot FAQ

Sources & verification

Facts on this page come from the official sources below, each with the date we read it. Written by Debuly; the vendor did not review this page.

Image credits

• Logo: from github.com · fetched 23 Oct 2026 · Vendor trademark, used only to identify the product; removed on request
• Cover: from images.ctfassets.net · fetched 23 Oct 2026 · Vendor marketing image from the official site; removed on request

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