AI Tools

AI Tools

1. ChatGPT

Use ChatGPT to brainstorm and debug ideas before you write code. Keep prompts specific and include short code or error snippets so the model can reason about the exact issue.

Setup

Create or sign in to your ChatGPT account.

For coding help, paste a minimal reproducible snippet and the exact error output.

2. GitHub Copilot in VS Code (Remote Environment)

This explains how to install and use GitHub Copilot inside your AWS EC2 instance accessed through VS Code Remote-SSH. You’ll enable AI code completion directly in your remote workspace.

Prerequisites

VS Code installed locally

SSHFS and SFTP

Working SSH access to your EC2 instance

A GitHub account with Copilot Pro access

Tip: WashU students can get Copilot Pro through the GitHub Student Developer Pack. See Get Copilot Pro via Education Pack below.

If you haven’t connected VS Code to your instance yet, see your course’s SSH guide.

Install GitHub Copilot Locally

Open VS Code on your local machine. Open Extensions. Search GitHub Copilot and click Install. Sign in with your GitHub account if prompted.

You should see the Copilot icon in the status bar.

Install GitHub Copilot on the Remote Instance

When connected via Remote-SSH, you also need the extension installed on the remote environment.

Connect to the instance. The status bar shows SSH: <your-instance>. Open Extensions. Find GitHub Copilot. Click the down arrow next to Install and choose Install on SSH: <your-instance-name>. Wait for the install to finish.

Get Copilot Pro via the Education Pack

Go to [[1]] and sign in with your school email. Apply for the GitHub Student Developer Pack if you haven’t already. After approval, open your GitHub Settings → Billing & plans → Copilot. Activate Copilot Pro (Student). In VS Code, ensure you are signed in to the same GitHub account.