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Overview

Unlock GitHub Copilot’s power to explore and choose from multiple AI-generated code completions. This feature enhances productivity by letting you compare different implementations and pick the one that best fits your style and requirements.

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Accessing Multiple Suggestions

Use the following shortcut to open the suggestions panel:
PlatformShortcut
Windows / LinuxAlt + ]
macOSOption + ]
Once the panel appears, browse suggestions with the same shortcut and press Tab to insert your chosen snippet.
Use Alt + [ (or Option + [) to navigate back to the previous suggestion.

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Base Code: Traffic Light Functions

Start with these core functions in your file: 
def get_light_state(direction, cycle_timer):
    if direction == 'north':
        if cycle_timer < NS_GREEN_DURATION + NS_YELLOW_DURATION:
            return 'red'
        elif cycle_timer < NS_GREEN_DURATION + NS_YELLOW_DURATION + EW_GREEN_DURATION:
            return 'green'
        else:
            return 'yellow'

def draw_traffic_light(surface, direction, state):
    """
    Draws a circular traffic light for a given direction at a fixed offset from the intersection.
    """
    if direction == 'north':
        pos = (CENTER_X, STOP_LINE['north'] - LIGHT_OFFSET)
    elif direction == 'south':
        pos = (CENTER_X, STOP_LINE['south'] + LIGHT_OFFSET)
    elif direction == 'east':
        pos = (STOP_LINE['east'] - LIGHT_OFFSET, CENTER_Y)
    elif direction == 'west':
        pos = (STOP_LINE['west'] + LIGHT_OFFSET, CENTER_Y)
    # Drawing logic goes here...
With these helpers, you’re ready to add new features using Copilot’s multiple suggestions.

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Example 1: Adding calculate_area

Type this stub and invoke the suggestions panel: 
def calculate_area(shape):
    """Calculate the area of a rectangle or circle."""
A sample completion might be: 
def calculate_area(shape):
    """Calculate the area of a rectangle or circle."""
    if shape == 'rectangle':
        return CAR_SIZE['vertical'][0] * CAR_SIZE['vertical'][1]
    elif shape == 'circle':
        return 3.14 * (LIGHT_RADIUS ** 2)
    else:
        raise ValueError("Invalid shape type. Use 'rectangle' or 'circle'.")
Press Tab to insert the version you like.

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Example 2: Simulating an API Request

Ask Copilot for a basic API stub: 
import random

def api_request():
    """
    Simulate a simple API request.
    Replace this with real network logic as needed.
    """
    return random.choice(['north', 'south', 'east', 'west'])
Explore suggestions that include error handling, retries, or logging.

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Example 3: Implementing QuickSort

Comment your goal and trigger multiple completions: 
# implement quicksort algorithm
An efficient suggestion could be: 
def quicksort(arr):
    """Sort an array using the QuickSort algorithm."""
    if len(arr) <= 1:
        return arr
    pivot = arr[len(arr) // 2]
    left = [x for x in arr if x < pivot]
    middle = [x for x in arr if x == pivot]
    right = [x for x in arr if x > pivot]
    return quicksort(left) + middle + quicksort(right)
Insert your preferred snippet with Tab.
Review all AI-generated code carefully. Ensure it meets your performance, security, and style guidelines before merging.

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Tips for Choosing Suggestions

  • Review each completion for correctness and readability.
  • Browse beyond the first suggestion to discover alternative approaches.
  • Compare implementations side by side to select the best fit.
  • Adapt accepted code to align with your project’s conventions and standards.

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