GitHub Copilot: Then and Now (2025 Update)

Introduction

GitHub Copilot revolutionized AI pair programming by delivering AI-powered code completions directly inside developers’ IDEs. Since its launch with OpenAI Codex, Copilot has transformed significantly with cutting-edge AI models and features in 2025.

For background on GitHub Copilot’s original concept and features, see the original GitHub Copilot page .

GitHub Copilot Then: The AI Pair Programmer

Initially built on OpenAI’s Codex, GitHub Copilot popularized AI-assisted coding by integrating seamlessly with popular IDEs like VS Code. It suggested code completions from single lines to entire functions, learning from a vast public code base. This made Copilot a natural, workflow-friendly assistant rather than a disruptive tool.