GitHub is the world’s leading platform for software development and collaboration, where millions of developers and organizations share, learn, and create amazing software. GitHub is also at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI), using it to enhance the developer experience and to empower the future of software development.
In this article, we will explore some of the latest AI updates that GitHub has announced at its annual conference, GitHub Universe 2023. These updates include Copilot Chat, a natural language interface for coding; Copilot Enterprise, a customizable AI assistant for enterprises; AI-powered security features, such as code scanning and dependency monitoring; and more.
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9 AI update made at GitHub Universe 2023
GitHub Universe 2023, the annual conference for GitHub, the world’s leading platform for software development and collaboration, has unveiled some exciting AI updates that will transform the way developers create, share, and secure their code. Here are 9 AI updates made at GitHub Universe 2023 that you need to know:
Copilot Chat

Copilot Chat is a new feature that allows developers to write and understand code using natural language. You can chat with Copilot, an AI assistant that leverages OpenAI’s GPT-4 model, and ask it to explain complex concepts, suggest code based on your open files and windows, help detect security vulnerabilities, and help with finding and fixing errors in code, terminal, and debugger.
Copilot Chat is integrated with your code editor and supports multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Mandarin, Spanish, and more. Copilot Chat will be generally available in December 2023 as part of your existing GitHub Copilot subscription, or for free for verified teachers, students, and maintainers of popular open-source projects.
Slash Commands and Context Variables

Slash commands and context variables are another new feature that makes coding easier and faster with Copilot. You can use simple commands like /fix and /tests to perform common tasks like code fixes and test generation. Copilot will use your code as context and generate the appropriate code for you. You can also use context variables like $file, $line, $function, and $class to refer to specific parts of your code and ask Copilot to modify them. Slash commands and context variables are available in Copilot Chat and in the Copilot extension for Visual Studio Code.
Inline Chat Integration

Inline Chat Integration is a new feature that enables developers to chat about specific lines of code directly within their code editor. You can use Copilot Chat to ask questions, get explanations, or generate code for any line of code you select. You can also collaborate with other developers and share your chat history and code suggestions. Inline Chat Integration is available in Visual Studio Code and will be soon available in other code editors.
JetBrains Suite Integration

JetBrains Suite Integration is a new feature that brings Copilot Chat to the JetBrains suite of IDEs, such as IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, and more. You can access Copilot Chat directly within your preferred coding environment and enjoy the same benefits of natural language programming and AI-powered assistance. JetBrains Suite Integration is available to preview starting today.
Chat on Mobile App and GitHub.com

Chat on Mobile App and GitHub.com is a new feature that brings Copilot Chat to your mobile device and your web browser. You can access Copilot Chat from the GitHub mobile app or from GitHub.com and use it to write and understand code anytime, anywhere. You can also sync your chat history and code suggestions across devices and platforms. Chat on Mobile App and GitHub.com will be available soon.
Copilot Enterprise

Copilot Enterprise is a new offering that enables enterprises to use Copilot with their own data and models. You can train Copilot on your own codebase, domain, and language, and customize it to fit your specific needs and preferences. You can also control the access and usage of Copilot within your organization and ensure compliance with your policies and standards. Copilot Enterprise is available to preview starting today.
AI-powered Security Features

AI-powered Security Features are new features that enhance the security of your code and your software supply chain. You can use Copilot to scan your code for vulnerabilities, suggest fixes, and generate secure code. You can also use GitHub Advanced Security to monitor your dependencies, detect malicious code, and enforce security policies. GitHub Advanced Security now supports more languages, such as Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Ruby, and Go, and integrates with more tools, such as Dependabot, CodeQL, and Semmle.
Copilot Partner Program

Copilot Partner Program is a new program that enables third-party developers and vendors to integrate Copilot with their own products and services. You can use Copilot with your favorite tools and platforms, such as Slack, Jira, AWS, Azure, and more, and enjoy the benefits of natural language programming and AI-powered assistance. You can also create your own integrations and extensions for Copilot and share them with the community. Copilot Partner Program is open to join today.
GitHub Copilot Workspace

GitHub Copilot Workspace is an upcoming platform that will enable developers to create code using natural language and AI. It is a new feature that will be previewed at GitHub Universe 2023, the annual conference for GitHub, the world’s leading platform for software development and collaboration. GitHub Copilot Workspace is expected to launch in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GitHub Universe 2023?
GitHub Universe 2023 is the annual conference for GitHub, the world’s leading platform for software development and collaboration. It is a two-day event that features interactive sessions on AI, security, and the developer experience. It is held on November 8-9, 2023, both live and virtual.
What is GitHub Copilot?
GitHub Copilot is an AI assistant that helps developers write and understand code using natural language. It leverages OpenAI’s GPT-4 model and GitHub’s advanced code search to generate smart code suggestions and explanations. It is integrated with various code editors and platforms, such as Visual Studio Code, JetBrains suite, GitHub mobile app, and GitHub.com.
What is Copilot Chat?
Copilot Chat is a new feature that allows developers to chat with Copilot and ask it to explain complex concepts, suggest code based on their open files and windows, help detect security vulnerabilities, and help with finding and fixing errors in code, terminal, and debugger.
Conclusion
GitHub Copilot is the new foundation of GitHub, the world’s leading AI-powered developer platform. With Copilot Chat, Copilot Enterprise, Copilot Partner Program, and Copilot Workspace, GitHub Copilot is transforming every aspect of the software development lifecycle, from coding to collaboration, from security to deployment.
Copilot is also the foundation for various generative AI projects, which demonstrate the creative potential of AI for software development and beyond. These AI updates are not only impressive, but also inspiring, as they show how GitHub is redefining the future of software development with AI.