Randy Pagels (@xebia.com) shares practical tips for using GitHub Copilot to instantly generate file templates, helping developers kickstart new projects and files with ease.

Start New Files Faster with GitHub Copilot

Posted by Randy Pagels on May 16, 2025

Starting a new code file doesn’t have to be tedious. With GitHub Copilot, you can generate foundational code templates instantly for a wide array of file types, allowing you to focus more on feature work and less on setup.

Let Copilot Generate the Starting Template

Instead of searching for boilerplate code or manually configuring new files, leverage Copilot to create core structures. Here’s how:

  1. Create a new file in your project (examples: index.html, app.py, or component.jsx).
  2. Add a clear comment at the top, describing what you want (such as # Create a Flask API with one GET route or // Create a basic React component that displays a user profile).
  3. Activate Copilot by pressing Tab or opening Copilot Chat (Ctrl + I) to accept, refine, or expand the suggestion.
  4. Review and adjust the generated code as needed.

Supported File Types

GitHub Copilot excels at generating:

  • Python scripts
  • HTML boilerplates
  • React components
  • CSS files
  • YAML configuration files
  • Dockerfiles
  • GitHub Actions workflows

Key Benefits

  • Faster prototyping: Get from zero to functioning code structure in seconds.
  • Reduce repetition: Skip routine scaffolding and let Copilot fill in the blanks.
  • Consistency: Ensure standard file structures across projects.

Quick Takeaway

Whenever you open a blank file, let GitHub Copilot jumpstart your work. A strong foundation means you spend more energy building business logic, not chasing boilerplate. For those who want to write better code, faster—Copilot is a game changer.

Authored by Randy Pagels (randy.pagels@xebia.com)

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