Tired of spending countless hours troubleshooting errors and unexpected values in your code? Visual Studio 2022 introduces GitHub Copilot Variable Analysis. This powerful tool makes inspecting and analyzing variables from Locals, Autos, watch windows and DataTips effortless, helping you solve issues faster and cutting down on time and frustration.

Enhanced Debugging Experience

Debugging can often resemble searching for a needle in a haystack, especially in complex codebases. But GitHub Copilot Variable Analysis can make the debugging experience much easier and smoother. Simply hover over any variable in the Locals, Autos, Watch, or DataTips windows to reveal the Copilot icon. Clicking this icon launches an interactive chat within Visual Studio, delivering detailed, AI-driven insights about the variable’s values and how they affect your code’s execution.

This feature is also accessible via the right-click context menu for added convenience.

How It Works

When you click the Copilot icon next to a variable, GitHub Copilot analyzes its value and delivers comprehensive insights. The debugger supplies necessary references, allowing Copilot to evaluate the code and offer relevant insights for understanding variable behavior or specific values.

When relevant, Copilot also offers code solutions. To incorporate a suggested solution, simply click the preview button in the chat, which will insert the code directly into the editor. If the code aligns with your requirements, you can accept it and continue debugging.

The Benefits of Real-Time Analysis

Variable Analysis is a standout feature of GitHub Copilot, enabling real-time evaluation of variables. When unexpected values arise, you can quickly access detailed information, significantly improving your troubleshooting speed. This seamless integration within the IDE reduces the need for internet searches or context switching, allowing you to concentrate on resolving issues.

Furthermore, GitHub Copilot empowers you to make informed decisions rapidly. Whether addressing errors or understanding variable behavior, you receive instant feedback without disrupting your workflow.

Thank you for your feedback

We believe that the continuous feedback from our users is what makes Visual Studio better with every release. We appreciate your input and are committed to incorporating your suggestions to improve your development experience. Thank you for helping us make Visual Studio the best IDE for developers worldwide.