How to Make GitHub Copilot Opt-in on a Per-Project Basis in Visual Studio Code

Learn how to manage GitHub Copilot settings in VS Code to keep your secrets safe by enabling it on a per-project basis.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/72617988/ asked by the user 'Jo Liss' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/525872/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/72745764/ provided by the user 'Chirag' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/16878491/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Managing GitHub Copilot: Opt-in on a Per-Project Basis

When working with code, especially in environments where you may be handling sensitive information, privacy and security are paramount. Developers using GitHub Copilot often find themselves in a unique position: while they want the assistance that Copilot provides, they also want to ensure that sensitive data doesn’t unintentionally get shared or exposed during the development process. This raises the question: Can you make GitHub Copilot opt-in on a per-project basis?

The Concern with Sensitive Files

Many developers frequently edit files that could contain sensitive information, such as API keys, passwords, or proprietary code. The great advantage of using Copilot is its ability to suggest code snippets, but there's always a risk. If you enable Copilot while working on these secret-laden files, there's a possibility that this information could be transmitted back to GitHub. Thus, you want a way to control when Copilot is active.

Solution: Enabling GitHub Copilot on a Per-Project Basis

Step 1: Disable the GitHub Copilot Extension

To begin managing the settings of your GitHub Copilot extension effectively, the first step is to disable it entirely:

Open Visual Studio Code.

Go to the Extensions pane (you can open it using Ctrl+ Shift+ X or Cmd+ Shift+ X on Mac).

Search for GitHub Copilot in the extensions marketplace.

Click on the Disable button for the Copilot extension.

Disabling the extension removes the automatic suggestions that are provided by Copilot, allowing you to work without the risk of sharing secretive data.

Step 2: Enabling GitHub Copilot for Specific Projects

Once you have Copilot disabled, you can turn it on specifically for those projects where you feel it is safe to use:

Open the desired project or workspace where you want to enable Copilot.

Navigate to the Extensions pane again.

Search for GitHub Copilot.

Click on the Enable button specifically for that project.

By doing this, you ensure that Copilot is only assisting you in projects where you are confident that no sensitive data is at risk of being exposed.

Summary of Steps

Disable GitHub Copilot Extension:

Open VS Code

Go to Extensions

Search for GitHub Copilot

Click Disable

Enable for Specific Projects:

Open the project in VS Code

Go to Extensions

Search for GitHub Copilot

Click Enable

Conclusion

Managing third-party tools like GitHub Copilot in a thoughtful manner is essential for developers, particularly when sensitive information is involved. By disabling Copilot and selectively enabling it on a per-project basis, you can leverage its powerful suggestions without compromising your data security. The steps provided are simple but effective, ensuring peace of mind as you code.

By taking control of your environment, you can enjoy the benefits of GitHub Copilot while safeguarding your secrets. Happy coding!

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