Problems, Causes and Solutions of Using GitHub Copilot: A Study with Practitioners

Core Concepts

Practitioners face various problems when using GitHub Copilot, including Operation Issues, Compatibility Issues, and issues with Suggestion Content, which are caused by Copilot Internal Errors, Network Connection Errors, and Editor/IDE Compatibility Issues, among others. Potential solutions include Bug Fixes, Configuration Changes, and Using Suitable Versions.

Abstract

This study explores the problems that practitioners face when using GitHub Copilot, as well as their underlying causes and potential solutions. The researchers collected data from 476 GitHub issues, 706 GitHub discussions, and 142 Stack Overflow posts to identify and categorize the problems, causes, and solutions. The key findings are: Operation Issue (57.5%) and Compatibility Issue (15.6%) are the most common problems faced by Copilot users. Copilot Internal Error (19.4%), Network Connection Error (13.6%), and Editor/IDE Compatibility Issue (12.8%) are the most frequent causes of the problems. Bug Fixed by Copilot (25.6%), Modify Configuration/Setting (16.6%), and Use Suitable Version (13.0%) are the predominant solutions to address the problems. The researchers provide a two-level taxonomy for the problems, a one-level taxonomy for the causes and solutions, and a mapping between the problems, causes, and solutions. They also discuss the implications of the findings for Copilot users, the Copilot team, and researchers.

Stats

Copilot had a total of 1.3 million paid users till Feb of 2024. The researchers collected data from 476 GitHub issues, 706 GitHub discussions, and 142 Stack Overflow posts. 57.5% of the problems were categorized as Operation Issues, and 15.6% were Compatibility Issues. 19.4% of the causes were Copilot Internal Errors, 13.6% were Network Connection Errors, and 12.8% were Editor/IDE Compatibility Issues. 25.6% of the solutions were Bug Fixes by Copilot, 16.6% were Modify Configuration/Setting, and 13.0% were Use Suitable Version.

Quotes

"There has been an outage of one of our models which has caused the others to have to handle a higher traffic load." "It seems that my company's network settings blocked the connection to copilot and that affect the behavior of my personal mac too." "This is related to the version of your visual studio 2022."

Key Insights Distilled From

Exploring the Problems, their Causes and Solutions of AI Pair Programming: A Study with Practitioners of GitHub Copilot

by Xiyu Zhou,Pe... at arxiv.org 04-30-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2311.01020.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can the Copilot team improve the robustness and reliability of the Copilot service to address the frequent Copilot Internal Errors and Network Connection Errors?

To address the frequent Copilot Internal Errors and Network Connection Errors, the Copilot team can implement the following strategies: Enhance Server Infrastructure: Investing in robust server infrastructure can help prevent Copilot Internal Errors caused by server-side issues. This includes optimizing server capacity, load balancing, and redundancy to ensure consistent service availability. Implement Error Handling Mechanisms: Developing comprehensive error handling mechanisms within Copilot can help detect and address Internal Errors promptly. This includes detailed error logging, real-time monitoring, and automated alerts for system failures. Improve Network Connectivity: To mitigate Network Connection Errors, the Copilot team can work on optimizing network protocols, enhancing server-client communication efficiency, and implementing fallback mechanisms for unstable network connections. User-Friendly Error Messages: Providing clear and informative error messages to users when Internal Errors or Network Connection Errors occur can help users understand the issue and take appropriate actions. This can include troubleshooting steps or links to support resources. Regular Maintenance and Updates: Regular maintenance and updates to the Copilot service can help address underlying issues that lead to Internal Errors and Network Connection Errors. This includes bug fixes, performance optimizations, and security enhancements. User Feedback Integration: Actively soliciting and incorporating user feedback regarding Internal Errors and Network Connection Errors can provide valuable insights for improvement. This feedback can help prioritize development efforts and address common user pain points effectively.

How can Copilot users employ to mitigate the Compatibility Issues they face when using Copilot with various IDEs and plugins?

To mitigate Compatibility Issues when using Copilot with various IDEs and plugins, Copilot users can adopt the following strategies: Check System Requirements: Before using Copilot, users should ensure that their IDEs and plugins meet the system requirements specified by Copilot. This includes compatible operating systems, software versions, and hardware specifications. Update IDEs and Plugins: Keeping IDEs and plugins up to date with the latest versions can help prevent Compatibility Issues. Developers should regularly check for updates and install them to ensure seamless integration with Copilot. Disable Conflicting Plugins: If users encounter Compatibility Issues with specific plugins, they can try disabling conflicting plugins temporarily to isolate the problem. This can help identify the source of the issue and allow Copilot to function properly. Utilize Official Support Channels: Users facing Compatibility Issues can reach out to the official support channels provided by Copilot for assistance. This includes forums, documentation, and customer support services where users can seek guidance on resolving compatibility issues. Community Forums and Discussions: Engaging with the Copilot community through forums and discussions can help users troubleshoot Compatibility Issues collaboratively. Sharing experiences and solutions with other users can provide valuable insights and workaround strategies. Report Issues: If users encounter persistent Compatibility Issues, they should report them to the Copilot team through official channels. Providing detailed information about the issue, including IDE versions, plugin conflicts, and error messages, can help the team investigate and address the problem effectively.

How can the Copilot team leverage the user feedback and feature requests to enhance the overall user experience and functionality of the tool?

To leverage user feedback and feature requests for enhancing the overall user experience and functionality of Copilot, the Copilot team can implement the following strategies: Feedback Collection Mechanisms: Implementing user-friendly feedback collection mechanisms within Copilot can encourage users to provide insights, suggestions, and bug reports. This can include in-app feedback forms, surveys, and direct communication channels. Prioritization Framework: Developing a prioritization framework based on user feedback can help the Copilot team identify and prioritize feature requests effectively. This framework can consider factors such as user impact, feasibility, and alignment with the product roadmap. Iterative Development: Adopting an iterative development approach allows the Copilot team to incorporate user feedback and feature requests in incremental updates. Regular releases with user-requested features and improvements can enhance user satisfaction and engagement. User Testing and Validation: Conducting user testing sessions and validation studies with a diverse group of users can provide valuable insights into the usability and effectiveness of new features. This feedback-driven approach ensures that user needs are met and enhances overall user experience. Transparency and Communication: Maintaining transparent communication with users regarding feature updates, bug fixes, and roadmap changes can build trust and engagement. Regular updates on how user feedback is being addressed can demonstrate the Copilot team's commitment to user satisfaction. Community Engagement: Encouraging community engagement through forums, user groups, and beta testing programs can foster a sense of ownership among users. Involving users in the development process and decision-making can lead to co-created solutions that align closely with user needs. By implementing these strategies, the Copilot team can effectively leverage user feedback and feature requests to continuously improve the user experience and functionality of the tool.