GitHub Copilot for Xcode: Public preview version available
With GitHub Copilot for Xcode, developers can use Microsoft AI for code completion and as a chat window. The software saves a few detours.
GitHub Copilot in Xcode in action
(Image: Microsoft)
Microsoft has released a public preview of its AI development tool GitHub Copilot for Xcode Chat. It supports users who develop apps in Apple's Xcode programming environment in Swift or Objective-C. The preview can be downloaded and installed via homebrew or as a DMG archive. Microsoft advertises its tool by claiming that it can be used to write code faster and more precisely.
The AI tool supports developers in two ways. Firstly, it can be used to complete code. After installation, corresponding suggestions are displayed in Xcode when the user starts to type in code. Alternatively, the completion function can also be informed of the developer's intentions by means of a comment in natural language.
Chat window with short paths
Microsoft recommends switching off the predictive code completion integrated in Xcode to be on the safe side, so that there is no confusion if two AIs want to intervene in the source code at the same time.
The second elementary component of the Copilot tool is a chat window that is embedded in Xcode and can be called up there. It makes it possible to enter into a dialog with the AI. There are several advantages compared to using an AI in the browser. In addition to the shorter path, these include, for example, commands that make it possible to receive explanations, improvements and shortcuts to code segments from the AI more quickly. All you have to do is enter one of the commands beginning with a slash character (e.g. /simplyfy, /explain, /fix).
Free access with 50 chat messages
A further simplification compared to the AI in the browser window is the option of passing source code files directly to the AI via a selection dialog (Reference Context). According to Microsoft, chat dialogs can also be conducted simultaneously in several Xcode instances. Previous conversations can be tracked via the chat history.
Videos by heise
Access to GitHub is required to use GitHub Copilot. The free version includes 2000 code completions and 50 chat messages per month. The limits can be increased for an additional charge. At least Xcode 8 and macOS 12 are required for use with Xcode.
(mki)
