Posted on Jan 2, 2026
Welcome to 2026!
As we kick off a new year, it’s a great moment to reset how we think about GitHub Copilot.
Over the past year, many of us started using it as a faster way to write code. That was a good first step.
But in 2026, the real shift is this, GitHub Copilot works best when you treat it like a teammate, not just a tool.
1️⃣ Use Copilot to Think Before You Code
Before writing a single line, try:
Help me think through the approach for this feature and call out potential risks.
This shifts Copilot from code generator to planning partner.
2️⃣ Ask for Feedback, Not Just Output
Instead of:
Refactor this function
Try:
Review this function and suggest improvements for readability and maintainability.
You get options, tradeoffs, and reasoning, not just rewritten code.
3️⃣ Let Copilot Ask Questions
A strong teammate does not assume.
Before making changes, ask clarifying questions about expected behavior and edge cases.
This often prevents rework later.
4️⃣ Use Copilot as a Second Set of Eyes
Review this code as if you were joining the project for the first time.
Great for clarity, naming, and hidden assumptions.
GitHub Copilot is not a replacement for judgment.
Teammates still review each other’s work. The same applies here.
Use Copilot to move faster and think clearer, but keep responsibility where it belongs.
In 2026, the biggest gains with GitHub Copilot do not come from typing faster.
They come from working better. When you treat Copilot like a teammate, planning with it, reviewing with it, and thinking alongside it, the quality of your work improves across the board.