Add content on setting up Copilot for learning to code (#55316)

Co-authored-by: Laura Coursen <[email protected]>

Author: jc-clark

content/get-started/learning-to-code/index.md

@@ -7,7 +7,9 @@ children:
   - /getting-started-with-git
   - /finding-and-understanding-example-code
   - /reusing-other-peoples-code-in-your-projects
+  - /setting-up-copilot-for-learning-to-code
   - /learning-to-debug-with-github-copilot
   - /storing-your-secrets-safely
 shortTitle: Learn to code
 ---
+

content/get-started/learning-to-code/setting-up-copilot-for-learning-to-code.md

@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+---
+title: Setting up Copilot for learning to code
+intro: 'Configure {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to help you learn coding concepts and actively build your programming skills.'
+versions:
+  fpt: '*'
+topics:
+  - Copilot
+shortTitle: Set up Copilot for learning
+---
+
+## Can {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} help me learn to code?
+
+Yes! {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} can adapt to meet your changing needs throughout your coding journey. When you're an experienced developer, you'll use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} as a coding assistant. While you're learning to code, it's more beneficial as a **supportive companion**.
+
+In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to act as a **tutor** that will help you build a deep understanding of programming concepts, rather than relying on it to write your code for you. To optimize your learning, follow these steps for each repository you work on!
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+This guide assumes that you'll use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}. To get set up, see [Set up Copilot in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/setup-simplified) in the {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} documentation.
+
+## Step 1: Disable code completions
+
+First, let's disable code completions. This will give you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of programming concepts by writing more code yourself.
+
+1. In {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}, open your project.
+1. Create a folder in the root directory called `.vscode`.
+1. Inside `.vscode`, create a file called `settings.json`.
+1. Add the following text to the file:
+
+   ```json copy
+   {
+       "github.copilot.enable": {
+           "*": false
+       }
+   }
+   ```
+
+1. Save the file. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} code completions are now disabled for this project in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}.
+
+## Step 2: Add learning instructions
+
+Now, let's provide {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} with instructions to act like a tutor that supports your learning.
+
+1. In the root folder of your project, create a file called `copilot-instructions.md`.
+1. Add the following text, or customize it for your personal learning goals:
+
+   ```markdown copy
+   I am learning to code. You are to act as a tutor; assume I am a beginning coder. Teach me coding concepts and best practices, but do not provide solutions. Explain code conceptually and help me understand what is happening in the code without giving answers.
+
+   Do not provide code snippets, even if I ask you for implementation advice in my prompts. Teach me all the basic coding concepts in your answers. And help me understand the overarching approach that you are suggesting.
+
+   Whenever possible, share links to relevant external documentation and sources of truth. 
+   
+   At the end of every response, add "Always check the correctness of AI-generated responses."
+   ```
+
+1. Save the file. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} will use these instructions when you ask questions in {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %}.
+
+## Step 3: Use {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} to learn
+
+You're ready to start building real coding skills with {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s help!
+
+Throughout your work on the project, engage in a long-running conversation with **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %}**. Treat it as your **personal tutor**, asking questions as they arise and using it to navigate challenges or clarify concepts.
+
+> [!TIP] You can open {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} with a keyboard shortcut: <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>Alt</kbd>+<kbd>I</kbd> (Windows/Linux) or <kbd>Command</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>I</kbd> (Mac).
+
+{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_chat_short %} is especially helpful for debugging your code. For step-by-step guidance, see [AUTOTITLE](/get-started/learning-to-code/learning-to-debug-with-github-copilot).