Github Copilot now has a free tier — here’s what’s inside

Key announcement: Microsoft has made GitHub Copilot, its AI-powered coding assistant, available in a free tier that includes limited access to advanced language models.

• The free version includes access to GPT-4 and Claude 3.5 Sonnet with a monthly limit of 50 interactions
• Users seeking unlimited access can opt for the Pro plan at $10 monthly, which includes additional features like OpenAI’s o1 model

Technical capabilities: GitHub Copilot functions as a specialized coding assistant that combines real-time code completion with interactive chat functionality.

• The tool can automatically complete code lines as developers type
• It provides a chat interface for answering coding-related questions
• Developers can access Copilot through multiple platforms, including Visual Studio Code, Apple Xcode, and JetBrains environments
• The system has demonstrated versatility in creating various applications, from simple to-do lists to complex simulations like Conway’s Game of Life

Strategic context: This move aligns with Microsoft’s broader AI development strategy and follows the announcement of GitHub Spark earlier this year.

• GitHub Spark, still in limited release, represents an evolution in AI-assisted development by enabling the creation of mini-applications from single prompts
• The technology could potentially be integrated into future GitHub plan offerings
• This release positions GitHub Copilot as a predecessor to ChatGPT, having launched approximately one month before the popular AI chatbot

Accessibility and integration: The free tier democratizes access to AI-powered development tools through GitHub’s existing infrastructure.

• Users can access Copilot Chat directly through the GitHub dashboard with a free account
• The system integrates seamlessly with popular development environments
• The platform serves both as a learning tool for beginners and a productivity enhancer for experienced developers

Market implications: Microsoft’s decision to offer a free tier of GitHub Copilot could reshape the landscape of AI-assisted software development by lowering barriers to entry while maintaining a path to monetization through premium features.