Ask, Edit, & Agent - In-depth Overview of GitHub Copilot Chat Modes



AI Summary

Overview

  • Participants: James and Burke.
  • Focus: Understanding the different coding modes in Visual Studio Code with GitHub Copilot: Ask, Edit, and Agent modes.

Key Points

  1. Quick Introduction to Modes
    • Ask Mode: Standard chat mode, used for brainstorming and inquiries.
    • Edit Mode: More interactive, allows applying code changes based on AI suggestions.
    • Agent Mode: Autonomously performs tasks like running commands and modifying the codebase.
  2. Ask Mode Details
    • Functions as a chat interface, great for learning and discussing project-related queries.
    • Can ask specific questions about implementations (e.g., showing notifications in a web app).
    • Uses project context to provide relevant suggestions.
  3. Edit Mode Functionality
    • Allows users to make direct code changes.
    • Incorporates smart apply features, allowing AI to suggest code placements in files.
    • Offers a live diff view for code review and modifications.
  4. Agent Mode Capabilities
    • Complete control: models can run tasks autonomously.
    • Checks its work and suggests improvements based on existing codebase patterns.
    • Acts like a developer, capable of handling multiple tasks, including API interactions.
  5. Iterative Improvements
    • Users can request additional modifications (e.g., changing UI elements).
    • Emphasizes a collaborative approach to coding, enhancing productivity with AI’s capabilities.
  6. Real Examples and Scenarios
    • Discussed scenarios on how to enhance button designs, manage delete functionality, and implement features dynamically.
    • Demonstrated creating GitHub issues directly from the chat to streamline development workflows.

Conclusion

  • The video explores the significance of understanding when to use each mode based on task requirements, promoting a more efficient coding environment with GitHub Copilot in VS Code.