# 10x Your Coding Productivity: The Ultimate GitHub Copilot Cheat Sheet

> Source: <https://dev.to/isahlopess/10x-your-coding-productivity-the-ultimate-github-copilot-cheat-sheet-5245>
> Published: 2026-08-31 17:57:33+00:00

I used to think AI coding assistants were just glorified autocompletes. You know, the kind that just suggests `console.log("here")`

when you are desperately trying to debug something.

But recently, while studying for a Microsoft Applied Skills credential, I had to completely change my perspective. I realized I was barely scratching the surface of what GitHub Copilot can actually do when you know how to talk to it.

I stopped using it just to finish my sentences and started using it as a true pair programmer. Here are the 3 features that genuinely changed my daily workflow—no fluff, just practical usage.

`Ctrl + I`

)
Context switching is my worst enemy. The moment I leave VS Code to Google a specific RegEx pattern or check a documentation page, my focus is gone.

Now, I use the Inline Chat (`Ctrl + I`

or `Cmd + I`

). It opens a prompt exactly where my cursor is. I can just type: *"Write a Python function that parses a CSV file and removes duplicate rows"*. Copilot generates the code inline. I review it, hit **Accept**, and I never even had to open a browser tab. It keeps me in the zone.

`/explain`

)
We have all inherited a project where the previous developer loved complex, nested logic that looks like ancient hieroglyphics.

Instead of spending an hour reverse-engineering someone else's code, I now highlight the block, open the Copilot Chat, and type `/explain`

.

It breaks down the logic step-by-step in plain English. It is honestly like tapping a Senior Developer on the shoulder to ask a question, but without the guilt of interrupting their work.

`/tests`

I know we are all supposed to love writing unit tests, but let's be real: setting up the mocks, the boilerplate, and mapping out edge cases is tedious.

Nowadays, I just highlight my function and type `/tests`

.

```
// Example: A simple discount function
function calculateDiscount(price, couponCode) {
    if (couponCode === 'SUMMER20') return price * 0.8;
    if (couponCode === 'DEV10') return price * 0.9;
    return price;
}
```

Copilot automatically maps out the edge cases (e.g., what if the coupon string is empty? what if it's invalid?) and generates the testing suite using my framework of choice. I just review the assertions, tweak what I need, and move on to the actual architecture of the app.

I am currently navigating my journey as a **Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador**, and my main goal right now is to deeply understand AI-assisted development.

The commands above are just a tiny fraction of the official Microsoft pathway. If you want to stop guessing and actually learn how to prompt Copilot properly—and earn a verified credential for your resume while you are at it—I highly recommend taking the hands-on lab I am studying right now.

👉 [Click here to access the official Accelerate App Development with GitHub Copilot pathway](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/applied-skills/accelerate-app-development-by-using-github-copilot/?wt.mc_id=studentamb_575225)

It is 100% free, created by Microsoft, and highly practical.