GitHub Copilot Free: Everything you need to know about the new free version for developers

Last update: 23/12/2024

GitHub Copilot Free-0

GitHub, the leading platform for developers, has taken a major step towards making artificial intelligence applied to programming more accessible. With the recent announcement of GitHub Copilot Free, a free version of its popular AI-based assistant, it is now possible to benefit from many of its key features without the need to pay a subscription.

Since its launch in 2021, GitHub Copilot has become an essential tool for programmers around the world. However, until now, most of its features were restricted to those who signed up for paid plans. With this new free offering, Microsoft, which acquired GitHub in 2018, seeks to democratize access to this innovative technology, staying true to its focus on empowering the developer community.

What is GitHub Copilot Free?

GitHub Copilot Free is a simplified and free version from the AI-based scheduling assistant. Like the paid plan, This service provides code hints, helps debug errors and allows you to interact with advanced AI models such as OpenAI's GPT-4o and Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet.

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However, since it is a free plan, there are certain limitations. Users will be able to make up to 2,000 code hints and send a maximum of 50 chat messages per month. Despite these restrictions, it remains an excellent tool for those working on small projects or only requiring occasional assistance.

GitHub Copilot in action

GitHub Copilot Free Highlights

This new free modality offers several interesting features which make it a valuable addition for any developer:

  • Editing in multiple files: GitHub Copilot Edits allows you to make changes to multiple files simultaneously, streamlining your workflows.
  • Assistance at the terminal: Copilot can suggest scripts to fix errors on failed commands, a valuable tool to work in command line environments.
  • Voice commands: With an integrated voice interface, developers can interact without using a keyboard.
  • Custom instructions: Users can define code preferences to maintain a consistent approach across their projects.
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Also, GitHub Copilot Free includes support for multiple platforms, such as Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, JetBrains, Vim, Neovim, Xcode, and Azure Data Studio, ensuring compatibility with the most popular development environments.

A paradigm shift for the developer community

The launch of this free version is more than a commercial strategy; it is part of a broader mission of Microsoft and GitHub: Empowering a billion developers worldwideAccording to GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke, the goal is to remove economic barriers so that more people, regardless of their geographic location or income level, can access advanced programming tools.

In the words of Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, this integration between GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio Code “is a real game changer.” Now, by using tools like Copilot Free, developers can significantly optimize your productivity, reducing repetitive tasks and focusing on the creative parts of software development.

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Unlimited access for students, educators and open source projects

It is important to note that the introduction of GitHub Copilot Free does not affect existing benefits for students, educators, and maintainers of verified open source projects. This group will continue to have Free and unlimited access to Copilot Pro, which reinforces GitHub's commitment to collaborative learning and innovation.

Developer using Copilot

For those interested in exploring what GitHub Copilot Free has to offer, all you need is a free GitHub account. There is no credit card or trial period required, making it easy to use. extremely accessible to all types of developers.

With this commitment to accessibility and community support, GitHub Copilot continues to establish itself as an essential tool for any professional or code enthusiast.