Write your first prompt with the GitHub Copilot app

Opening a new AI tool can feel a little like staring at a blank page. You know you want help with something, but figuring out exactly what to ask can be its own task. The good news is that you don’t need to write the perfect prompt to get started. A prompt is simply a description of what you want to accomplish. Start with what you know, give Copilot some context, and refine the request as you go. Let’s walk through what it looks like to start your first task in the GitHub Copilot app . Start with the right context Before you can ask Copilot to make a change, it needs something to work on. Agent sessions can be connected to a GitHub repository or a folder on your local machine, giving Copilot access to the code and files it needs for the task. From the GitHub Copilot app home screen, you can select a project you’ve worked with before or add a new one. If you’re working on code that’s only on your computer, you can add a local folder instead. Either way, connecting a project gives the session the context it needs to work with your codebase. Once your project is selected, you’re ready to write your first prompt. Describe what you want in plain English You don’t need to learn a special syntax or figure out the perfect way to phrase your request. Start by describing the change you want to make. For example: Add a most-funded sort option to the games list. That’s enough to get started. Copilot can examine the project, find the relevant parts of the codebase, and work on the requested change. If the first attempt isn’t quite what you had in mind, you can provide additional details or ask for changes. Prompting is an iterative process, so you don’t have to anticipate every detail before you begin. The best prompt is often the one that gets you moving. Choose the right model when you need it The GitHub Copilot app also lets you choose which AI model handles your task. Different models have different strengths, and some are better suited to complex reasoning while others can