Today, we’ll explore the power of GitHub Copilot in implementing an end-to-end List Management Service. This service allows you to effortlessly add, remove, update, and query items in a list using GitHub Copilot’s code generation capabilities.
Previously, we understood all about Azure Governance that you can keep up with as well by just clicking here.
Implement lists with GitHub Copilot in C#:
Creating the Console Application in GitHub CoPilot
Let’s dive right in. Fire up Visual Studio and create a new console application named “GitHubCopilot.List.Demo.”
GitHub makes it easy to generate the foundational code for list manipulation.
Prompt Engineering for Precise Code Generation
To ensure the generated code aligns with our requirements, we’ll employ prompt engineering.
By adding comments throughout our code, we provide Copilot with additional context, enhancing its ability to generate relevant snippets.
Creating the Order Model
Begin by generating an “OrderModel” class with essential properties such as ID, name, date of order, amount, and status.
This not only identifies these properties but also infers their data types based on the provided information.
Generating the Order Service Class
Next, let Copilot assist in creating the “OrderService” class, responsible for handling list manipulation methods. GitHub impressively generates methods for adding, removing, searching, finding, and more.
While the generated code may include additional functions, you have the flexibility to retain or remove them based on your specific needs.
Refining Search Methods In GitHub CoPilot
Refine the generated code further by prompting Copilot to create specific search methods. For instance, generate a method for searching orders by name, making it case-insensitive and checking for contents.
Transitioning smoothly, request Copilot to implement a search method using a LINQ query with name filtering and case insensitivity.
Invoking the Functions in GitHub CoPilot
Finally, invoke the generated functions in your application.
Then, Copilot facilitates the creation of a list of orders and demonstrates how to manipulate and display them using simple console commands.
Conclusion
GitHub Copilot proves to be a valuable tool for accelerating the development of list management functionalities. While the generated code serves as an excellent starting point, remember to enhance it by adding exception handling, input data validation, and any additional business logic required for a production-ready solution.
In future tutorials, we’ll explore more ways to leverage GitHub, including generating unit test cases to further streamline your development process. With Copilot, you can save time on routine code creation and focus on refining and optimizing your applications.
To delve deeper in the topics related to Azure Governance and pretty much all about it, start with Azure Policies.
For more such updates, subscribe to Lead With Tech.
