Mastering GitHub Copilot: When to use AI agent mode

AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot offer two main features, Copilot Edits and agent mode, which cater to different developer needs in coding workflows. Copilot Edits is designed for quick, precise modifications, such as refactoring a function or applying consistent changes across files, while agent mode acts as a collaborative partner for more complex, multi-file challenges, suggesting architectural fixes and running terminal commands. The Copilot chat window in VS Code serves as the central hub for interacting with these features, allowing users to ask coding questions, debug issues, and generate tests. By leveraging these tools together, developers can enhance their productivity, with Copilot Edits offering granular control and agent mode providing broader, more autonomous assistance. The key to maximizing their potential lies in understanding when to use each feature based on the task's complexity and scope. As developers guide these AI tools with specific prompts, they retain the final say over any suggested changes, ensuring that the AI serves as an extension of their coding instincts. GitHub also offers a tutorial series to help new users become proficient with AI-assisted coding.