A beginner’s guide to coding with AI

A computer monitor with code, surrounded by coding icons, plus a keyboard, mouse, and binary code grid

Learning to code can feel intimidating, especially if you're not from a technical background. But thanks to the rise of AI in education and coding, learning to code is now more accessible than ever. Tools like Microsoft Copilot are helping beginners learn by doing, offering real-time support and guidance. Whether you're a freelancer wanting to automate tasks, a small business owner building a website, or a hobbyist exploring tech, you can now learn to code with AI—and Copilot is one of the best places to start.

How Copilot can help you code

Like learning any new skill, it takes time to master coding. But with Copilot acting as your AI coding assistant, you can accelerate your learning and enjoy:

Instant feedback on your code
Smart suggestions for syntax and structure
Error correction to help you debug code
Hands-on learning through real-time code generation

Get started coding with Copilot

Here’s a simple beginner coding guide to get started coding with Copilot:

Set up Copilot: Install GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code or use Copilot in Excel for scripting tasks.
Start with simple prompts: Type a comment like # create a function to add two numbers and let Copilot generate the code.
Use comments to guide the AI: The more specific your comment, the better the output.
Review and understand: While a useful tool, AI is not infallible. Remember to read the code, tweak it, and see how changes affect the result.

Effectively learn coding with Copilot

To learn programming with AI effectively, follow these Copilot coding best practices:

Use Copilot’s suggestions as a starting point, then make adjustments and correct the code output as needed.
Experiment with different prompts and code variations.
Treat Copilot as an aide, rather than a crutch. It’s there to guide, not replace, your learning.

A top-down view of a person typing code on a keyboard

AI art created via Copilot

Examples of using Copilot to help you code

Here are a few beginner-friendly examples of how you can use Copilot to help you code:

Python function: Ask Copilot to write a function that calculates the area of a rectangle. It will generate the code and you can modify it to add input validation.
HTML/CSS webpage: Use comments like <-- create a simple webpage with a header and footer --> to build a basic layout.
Debugging help: Paste your broken code and prompt Copilot to find places where correction is needed. It will suggest corrections and explain the changes.

Frequently asked questions

Is Copilot good for complete beginners? Yes! It’s designed to be intuitive and helpful.
Can Copilot teach me programming logic? It can guide you through the basics, but full understanding still requires practice.
What coding languages does Copilot support? Copilot supports languages like Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and more.
Is it safe to rely on AI-generated code? While AI is a helpful support tool, it’s important to always review and understand the code before using it.

Your helpful AI coding companion

While Copilot is a powerful tool to help you get your bearings when you’re starting out coding, it’s important to also understand its limitations. Copilot is best used as a support system for your learning. Understanding what the code does is essential. Also, be mindful of ethical considerations and code ownership, especially when using AI-generated code in public projects.

Start coding with Copilot

If you're new to coding, Copilot is a fantastic companion. It helps you learn faster, make fewer mistakes, and build confidence. With Copilot at your side, you can enjoy the benefits of real-time guidance, smart code suggestions, and hands-on learning. Learning to code with AI has never been easier. Try Copilot today and turn curiosity into capability.

DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.