Simona Liao presents updates that give developers more nuanced control over GitHub Copilot suggestions in Visual Studio. The article covers new options, shortcuts, and configurations improving focus and customization.

Better Control Over GitHub Copilot Code Suggestions in Visual Studio

GitHub Copilot continues to evolve as an AI-powered coding assistant, now offering developers more precise control over when and how code suggestions appear in Visual Studio 2022.

Enhanced Control Features

Developers often find code suggestions helpful but sometimes intrusive. Responding to community feedback, Visual Studio now offers several features to improve the coding experience:

1. Minimize Distractions While Coding

  • Pause Completions When Typing: A new debounce option delays Copilot suggestions until you pause typing, reducing interruptions.
  • Access: Go to Tools -> Options -> IntelliCode -> Advanced and enable wait for pauses in typing before showing whole line completions.

2. Manual Trigger for Code Completions

  • Disable Automatic Suggestions: Turn off automatic completions and trigger them only via keyboard shortcuts (Alt + , or Alt + .).
  • Configuration: Navigate to Tools > Options > IntelliCode > General and uncheck Automatically generate code completions in the Editor.
  • Experience: A hint bar appears while Copilot generates suggestions; use Tab to accept available completions.

3. Manage Next Edit Suggestions (NES)

  • Hide and Reveal NES: Next Edit Suggestions (NES) can now remain hidden by default until you’re ready to review.
  • Indicator: A margin symbol in the editor gutter alerts you when NES are available. Click the indicator or press Tab to view, then Tab or ESC to accept or dismiss, respectively.
  • Further configuration: Visit Tools > Options > GitHub > Copilot > Copilot Completions and check Collapse Next Edit Suggestions.

4. Partial Acceptance of Code Completions

  • Word-by-Word and Line-by-Line: Accept Copilot suggestions incrementally:
    • Ctrl + Right Arrow for word-by-word acceptance.
    • Ctrl + Down Arrow for line-by-line acceptance.
  • Margin Options: Margin indicators allow partial acceptance via UI as well.
  • Disabling: To revert, go to Tools > Options > IntelliCode > Advanced -> Whole-line completions.

5. Community Feedback

This release implements features requested by developers in the Developer Community and through surveys, aiming to ensure a comfortable and powerful Copilot experience.

Useful Resources

Appreciation

Simona Liao encourages ongoing feedback from the developer community to further refine GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio for all coding workflows.

This post appeared first on “Microsoft DevBlog”. Read the entire article here