Microsoft's GitHub has unveiled the Copilot AI agent, designed to enhance developer efficiency by automating programming tasks. Developers can assign tasks like "fix payment module bug" or "refactor code to React component" on the GitHub platform, and the AI agent will execute the task, notifying users upon completion.
The AI agent is powered by Anthropic's Claude 3.7 Sonnet model, which excels in understanding code context and generating compliant programs. Unlike other tools focused on creating new features, GitHub's AI agent emphasizes code maintenance and optimization, appealing to large enterprises with extensive codebases.
Carvana's VP of Engineering, Alex Devkar, noted that using the agent improved efficiency by 70% in resolving a cross-platform compatibility issue. While Copilot's basic features are free for individual users, the new AI agent is a premium service.
Since acquiring GitHub for $7.5 billion in 2018, Microsoft has invested heavily in the developer ecosystem. GitHub's annual revenue now exceeds $2 billion, with 90% of global tech companies using the platform. As AI programming tools become widespread, basic coding roles may shift, but demand for high-level developers will focus on defining needs and designing complex systems.
