Microsoft has introduced a new feature in Visual Studio Preview projects, allowing developers to use AI-powered smart renaming with the GitHub Copilot Chat extension. This option allows developers to choose new names for variables, methods, and classes from suggested lists provided by Copilot Chat, based on their coding style.
Instead of simply proposing new identifier names, GitHub Copilot Chat examines the usage of the identifier within the program and analyzes the developer's coding style to offer identifiers that align with their code base. Microsoft emphasizes the importance of using accurate identifier names throughout the code to facilitate understanding when revisiting the code in the future and to promote better collaboration within development teams.
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To utilize this feature, users need a subscription to GitHub Copilot, the latest version of Visual Studio Preview, and an updated GitHub Copilot Chat extension. Enabling rename suggestions can be done by going to "Options" -> GitHub -> "Copilot Chat" and checking the "Enable rename suggestions" checkbox.
Once set up, users can begin using the identifier renaming tool by selecting the desired identifier, right-clicking on it, and choosing the "Rename" option. The AI will present a list of suggestions specifically tailored to the current project code and the developer's coding style.
Microsoft states that the renaming feature is still being developed and actively welcomes feedback on its impact on the coding workflow.
In addition to variable renaming, GitHub Copilot AI offers various other functionalities to assist programmers in writing better code. In September, the Copilot Chat beta access was made available to all existing GitHub Copilot subscribers using Visual Studio and VS Code. Copilot requires a monthly subscription fee of $10, while Copilot Chat is a complimentary addition to existing subscriptions.
Earlier this year, GitHub unveiled Copilot X, a beta version exclusively available to business users of Visual Studio and VS Code. This expanded version of Copilot includes several AI services, such as Copilot Chat for text-based communication with AI assistants, Copilot Voice for "speaking code by voice," Copilot for PRs to generate pull request descriptions automatically, and Copilot for CLI, a natural language-based tool for command-line control.
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