Copilot vs ChatGPT: Which Writes Code Better?

Recently, AI has made big moves in helping developers write code faster and with less effort.

Tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT have become essential for many developers. 

Copilot assists with real-time coding, while ChatGPT is great for explaining and debugging code. 

In this comparison, we’ll look into how both tools work, their strengths, and which one might be better for you based on your coding needs.

By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of when to use Copilot for real-time coding and when ChatGPT shines for problem-solving and learning new programming concepts.

ALSO READ: ChatGPT Prompts To Craft Children Book Ideas

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered tool developed by GitHub and based on OpenAI’s Codex model. 

It’s designed to help developers write code faster by offering real-time code suggestions and completions directly within the coding environment.

Unlike ChatGPT, which works best as a standalone conversation tool.

Copilot integrates directly with Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like Visual Studio Code, allowing developers to see and implement code suggestions as they type.

Copilot is particularly useful for automating repetitive tasks, generating boilerplate code, and suggesting entire code blocks based on the developer’s current work.

For example, if you’re writing a function in Python, Copilot can instantly suggest code completions based on what you’ve already typed and what it predicts you’ll need next. 

This can save a lot of time, especially in large projects.

The latest version, GitHub Copilot X, introduces even more advanced features, including AI-assisted pull requests, automated documentation suggestions, and better code completion accuracy.

These updates make it even more useful for streamlining the coding process.

As for pricing, Copilot offers a free plan for students and open-source developers, while individual subscriptions cost around $10 per month.

There’s also a team plan for $19 per user per month, which provides additional collaboration features for teams working on shared projects.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is an AI model designed for much more than just coding. 

It works as a conversational tool, allowing users to ask questions, get code snippets, explanations, and troubleshoot errors. 

While GitHub Copilot focuses mainly on code completion within an IDE, ChatGPT acts more like a coding assistant that can help you understand complex concepts, debug your code, or even generate project ideas.

One of ChatGPT’s main strengths is its ability to explain code in simple terms. 

For instance, if you’re learning a new programming language or struggling with understanding a particular algorithm, you can ask ChatGPT to break it down step by step. 

Additionally, ChatGPT can help with code generation, creating code snippets based on detailed prompts.

Since its release, ChatGPT has gone through several updates, with ChatGPT-4 being the most advanced version. 

This newer version offers more accurate code generation, better understanding of complex queries, and enhanced language support.

Making it a versatile tool for developers of all skill levels.

ChatGPT offers a free version, but users can opt for ChatGPT Plus, which costs around $20 per month and gives access to GPT-4, the most advanced version with better response accuracy and faster processing times.

Key Differences: Copilot vs ChatGPT for Writing Codes

While both GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT are designed to assist with coding, they have distinct strengths depending on the task at hand. 

Here’s a closer look at their key differences:

1. Code Completion vs. Problem Solving:

GitHub Copilot shines when it comes to real-time code completion. 

As you type code in your IDE, Copilot suggests code snippets, autocompletes functions, and generates entire blocks of code based on the context. 

It’s designed to speed up your workflow, especially for repetitive tasks. 

On the other hand, ChatGPT excels in problem-solving. 

If you're struggling with debugging or need an explanation of how a specific piece of code works, ChatGPT provides detailed responses, including explanations and step-by-step guides.

2. IDE Integration vs. Web-Based Interaction:

GitHub Copilot is integrated directly into popular coding environments like Visual Studio Code, making it easy to get suggestions as you code. 

ChatGPT, however, operates through a web-based interface or API. 

This means you’ll need to switch between your coding environment and the browser to interact with ChatGPT, which can disrupt your workflow, but it offers more flexibility for asking broader questions or brainstorming ideas.

3. Context Awareness:

Copilot is context-aware within the code you’re writing. 

It looks at the surrounding code and suggests relevant solutions. 

For example, if you’re working on a Python function, Copilot will suggest code completions based on the syntax and the surrounding functions. 

ChatGPT also understands context but only based on the prompts you give. 

It’s great for answering specific queries, but it doesn’t have access to your full code unless you provide it.

4. Error Handling and Debugging:

ChatGPT is more effective for error handling and debugging. 

You can paste a piece of code and ask ChatGPT to identify what’s wrong or how to fix it. 

Copilot, while great for generating code, doesn’t offer robust debugging support and may suggest incorrect or incomplete solutions without recognizing coding errors.

5. Learning Curve and Customization:

Copilot learns from your coding patterns over time, making it more personalized as you use it. 

It adapts to your coding style and preferences, making it a better long-term companion if you're working within the same environment. 

ChatGPT, while customizable through prompts, doesn’t adapt in the same way, but its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of coding tasks beyond writing code, such as creating documentation, explaining concepts, and brainstorming ideas.

Use Cases: When to Use GitHub Copilot vs ChatGPT

GitHub Copilot is an excellent tool when you need quick, real-time assistance while coding. 

Here are some specific scenarios where Copilot is the best fit:

1. Automating Repetitive Coding Tasks:

If you often write similar code structures or boilerplate code, Copilot can save you a lot of time.

For example, tasks like generating loops, defining functions, or setting up frameworks can be automated with Copilot’s real-time suggestions, allowing you to focus on more complex aspects of your project.

2. Faster Code Completions in IDEs:

Copilot integrates directly into IDEs like Visual Studio Code, providing instant code suggestions based on the context of your work. 

This means that as you type, Copilot completes the code for you, which is especially useful for developers who are already familiar with the coding environment and just need a bit of speed boost for common coding patterns.

3. Working on Large Projects:

If you're working on a large project with lots of repetitive tasks or need to maintain consistency in coding style across multiple files, Copilot can help.

It analyzes the surrounding code and ensures that the suggestions it makes fit the project's existing structure and style.

4. When You Already Know What You’re Doing:

Copilot is most effective when you already have a solid understanding of what you're trying to achieve. 

If you know the solution but want to speed up the process of writing code, Copilot’s real-time suggestions are invaluable.

5. For Developers Comfortable in IDEs:

Copilot is great for experienced developers who are familiar with working in IDEs like Visual Studio Code.

It allows you to stay focused within your coding environment, avoiding the need to switch between windows or ask external tools for help.

Use Cases: When to Use ChatGPT

ChatGPT is ideal when you need more than just code completions. 

It’s great for learning, troubleshooting, and even brainstorming new ideas. 

Here are some specific situations where ChatGPT shines:

1. Explaining Complex Code

If you’re dealing with a tricky piece of code and you don’t understand how it works, ChatGPT can help break it down. 

Whether you're learning a new programming language or tackling a difficult algorithm, ChatGPT can explain the steps in simple terms, making it easier to understand and apply the concept.

2. Debugging and Troubleshooting

ChatGPT excels in debugging code. 

You can paste a code snippet with an error, and ChatGPT will not only identify the issue but also suggest potential fixes. 

This makes it a powerful tool for developers who frequently encounter bugs and need quick, clear guidance on how to resolve them.

3. Learning and Practice

If you’re a beginner or learning a new programming language, ChatGPT can guide you through the basics. 

You can ask it questions about syntax, programming concepts, or how to write specific functions. 

It’s also a great tool for practicing coding problems and getting immediate feedback on your solutions.

4. Writing Documentation and Explanations

ChatGPT isn’t just for writing code—it’s also excellent at helping you write documentation. Whether you need to explain how a function works or describe a complex system, ChatGPT can generate clear and concise explanations that you can use in your project documentation.

5. Problem Solving and Brainstorming

ChatGPT is a versatile tool when it comes to problem-solving. 

If you're stuck on how to approach a coding problem or need ideas for how to structure a new project, ChatGPT can generate suggestions and offer different approaches to solving the problem.

6. For Developers Who Need Broader Help

ChatGPT is great for developers who need help beyond just code generation. 

If you’re looking for a tool that can assist with everything from writing code to providing detailed explanations and troubleshooting, ChatGPT offers a more conversational and flexible approach.

Feature Comparison: GitHub Copilot vs ChatGPT

When comparing GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT, it’s important to highlight their key features and how they support coding in different ways. 

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of their main features:

1. Real-Time Code Suggestions

GitHub Copilot: Provides real-time code completions within an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Visual Studio Code. 

It reads the surrounding code and predicts what you’ll need next, offering suggestions in real-time as you type.

ChatGPT: While ChatGPT can generate code snippets based on your prompts, it doesn’t offer real-time suggestions. 

Instead, you interact with it outside the IDE, typing in a specific request and receiving a block of code in return. 

You need to copy and paste the code into your IDE.

2. Integration with IDEs

GitHub Copilot: Fully integrated into popular coding environments, making it easy to use without leaving your workspace. 

This keeps your workflow efficient and uninterrupted.

ChatGPT: Operates as a web-based tool or via an API, which means you’ll need to switch between the browser and your coding environment. 

It’s less seamless but more versatile in terms of the questions you can ask beyond coding.

3. Context Awareness

GitHub Copilot: Uses the context of your current code to suggest relevant code snippets. 

It adapts to your project as you work, offering suggestions based on what you’ve already written.

ChatGPT: Relies on the prompt you provide. 

While it can generate accurate code, it doesn’t have direct access to your project’s context unless you copy and paste the relevant code into your prompt.

4. Error Handling and Debugging

GitHub Copilot: Offers basic suggestions for code completion but doesn’t have strong error handling or debugging capabilities. 

It’s primarily designed for speeding up coding tasks, not for fixing code errors.

ChatGPT: Excels in debugging. 

You can paste an error message or problematic code, and ChatGPT will help you identify the issue and suggest a fix, often explaining the solution in detail.

5. Documentation Assistance

GitHub Copilot: Helps with basic code documentation, offering suggestions for comments and code explanations. 

It’s useful for keeping your codebase documented but doesn’t generate long-form documentation.

ChatGPT: ChatGPT can generate full explanations, walkthroughs, and even project documentation. It’s ideal for writing detailed instructions, making it more suited for educational purposes or when clear documentation is required.

6. Personalization and Learning

GitHub Copilot: Learns from your coding style over time. 

The more you use it, the better it gets at predicting the type of code you need, offering more personalized suggestions.

ChatGPT: Doesn’t learn from your personal coding style, but it provides broad support for different languages and frameworks, making it a good resource for learning new technologies.

Copilot vs ChatGPT: Which Tool Is Best for You?

Choosing between GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT depends on what you need as a developer. 

If you’re looking for real-time coding assistance, especially within an IDE like Visual Studio Code, then GitHub Copilot is the perfect tool. 

It speeds up the coding process by offering quick suggestions and completing repetitive code snippets, making it ideal for developers who are comfortable working within an IDE and want to focus on efficiency.

On the other hand, ChatGPT is more versatile. It’s great for debugging, explaining code, writing documentation, and helping you understand new programming concepts. 

If you’re learning a new language, need in-depth troubleshooting, or want a broader tool that goes beyond just writing code, ChatGPT is the better option.

Ultimately, if you need help with real-time coding and prefer to stay within your coding environment, Copilot is your best bet. 

But if you’re looking for a more conversational tool that can also assist with learning, problem-solving, and documentation, ChatGPT is a more flexible option.

Both tools have their strengths, and using them together can give you the best of both worlds—quick code generation from Copilot and detailed problem-solving from ChatGPT.