- **Visual Studio Code** (free) - [download here](https://code.visualstudio.com/)

- **GitHub Copilot Chat** extension for VS Code - installed from within VS Code (this single extension provides both inline suggestions and Chat)

This workshop uses two VS Code extensions. Both are published by GitHub and are free. Install them in the order shown below.

Both extensions require you to be signed into GitHub. Do this once and both will be authenticated.

1. Open VS Code

2. Press `Ctrl+Shift+P` to open the Command Palette

3. Type: `sign in` and arrow down to **"GitHub: Sign in"** - press `Enter`

- Your default web browser will open to a GitHub authentication page

4. In the browser, confirm your GitHub account when prompted and select **Authorize Visual Studio Code**

5. Switch back to VS Code - your browser may ask you to confirm opening VS Code; select **Open** or **Allow**

6. You should hear VS Code announce a notification, and the accounts icon in the Activity Bar will show your GitHub username

This single extension provides both inline code completions and the conversational Chat panel. It is used throughout the second half of the workshop.

1. Press `Ctrl+Shift+X` to open the Extensions panel

- Your screen reader will announce "Extensions" and place focus in the search box

2. Type: `GitHub Copilot Chat`

- The list updates as you type

3. Press `Tab` to move from the search box into the results list

4. Arrow down through the results. Look for **"GitHub Copilot Chat"** with publisher **"GitHub"**

- There are similar-named extensions from other publishers - verify the publisher is "GitHub" before installing

5. Press `Enter` to open the extension details page

6. Press `Tab` to find the **Install** button, then press `Enter` or `Space`

7. Wait for installation to complete - VS Code will announce "Extension installed" or similar

1. Press `Ctrl+Shift+I` to open the Copilot Chat panel

2. Type: `Hello, are you there?` and press `Enter`

3. A response will appear in the chat history above the input field

4. Navigate up with `Shift+Tab` or `Up Arrow` to read the response

5. If you see an error about signing in, press `Ctrl+Shift+P` and run **"GitHub: Sign in"** again

1. Press `Ctrl+N` to create a new untitled file

2. Press `Ctrl+Shift+P`, type `change language`, and select **"Change Language Mode"** - choose **Python** or **JavaScript**

3. Start typing a function name such as `function greet` (JavaScript) or `def greet` (Python)

4. Pause for 1-2 seconds - Copilot will suggest a completion in grey ghost text

5. Press `Tab` to accept it, or `Esc` to dismiss

6. If no suggestions appear: confirm Copilot icon shows in the status bar and that you are signed in