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by Simon & Garfunkel
23 16

Cultivating Security: Understanding Refresh Tokens and Their Secure Utilization in Flutter

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the security of user data is paramount. Mobile and web applications require robust authentication and authorization mechanisms to safeguard sensitive information while providing seamless user experience.  

One essential component of modern authentication systems is the use of tokens, specifically refresh tokens. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of refresh tokens, their role in securing user sessions, and best practices for using them securely in Flutter applications. 

Chapter 1: What Is a Token? 

Before we delve into the intricacies of refresh tokens, let’s start with the basics. What exactly is a token in the context of authentication and authorization?  

A token is a piece of data that serves as a credential to prove the identity of a user or entity. In essence, it’s a digital “key” that grants access to specific resources or services within an application. Tokens are widely used in modern web and mobile applications to facilitate secure access to user accounts, data, and functionalities. 

BM Insight: BrightMarbles Group Holding pays utmost attention to retaining an immaculate security record in the software-development ecosystem. Having earned the ISO 27001 Certificate in 2022 largely contributed to staying one of the industry game changers both regionally and internationally. Read more about it in the post Announcing BMGH’s ISO 27001 Certification, written by our vCISO Branko Džakula 

Chapter 2: Differences Between Authentication and Authorization 

It’s crucial to understand the distinction between authentication and authorization, as tokens play a role in both processes: 

  • Authentication is the process of verifying a user’s identity. It answers the question, “Who are you?” Authentication ensures that the user is who they claim to be. Common authentication methods include username/password, biometrics, or third-party providers like Google or Facebook. 
  • Authorization, on the other hand, determines what actions or resources a user is allowed to access after they have been authenticated. Authorization defines the question, “What are you allowed to do?” Tokens often come into play during authorization, indicating the level of access a user has. 

Now that you know the difference, try not to use these two terms interchangeably.  

Chapter 3: What Are Different Token Types? 

Man using digital device make payments online shopping and icon customer network connection on screen.Wooden black office desk table on top view .

Tokens used in authentication and authorization processes can vary in type and purpose. Two primary token types are commonly used: 

  • Access token. An access token is a short-lived token that grants limited access to specific resources or functionalities within an application. It is usually used for a brief period and is designed to expire relatively quickly to enhance security. 
  • Refresh token. A refresh token is a long-lived token that serves as a key to obtaining new access tokens once the original access token expires. Refresh tokens are part of OAuth 2.0 and are used to refresh access tokens, without the need for the user to reauthenticate. This helps maintain user sessions and improve the user experience. 

*OAuth 2.0 documentation https://auth0.com/intro-to-iam/what-isoauth-2 

BM Insight: Rookies in the world of mobile app development need to undergo proper security training from day one to build bulletproof software tools with confidence. Learning about access and refresh tokens, in addition to many other elements, is part of this education. For more details on how to kick off a career in mobile development, read our article Mastering Mobile: 7 Essential Tips for Junior Developers in the World of Mobile Development.  

Chapter 4: What is a Refresh Token, How and When to Use It? 

A refresh token is a specialized token designed to address a common issue in authentication systems: the need to maintain a user’s session without forcing them to log in repeatedly. Here’s how refresh tokens work and when to use them: 

  • After a user successfully logs in, both an access token and a refresh token are issued.  
  • The access token is used for accessing resources and services, but it has a short lifespan for added security.  
  • When the access token expires, the refresh token can be used to obtain a new access token without requiring the user to re-enter their credentials.  
  • This cycle continues until the refresh token itself expires or is revoked. 

Refresh tokens are particularly valuable for enhancing the user experience, as users can stay logged in without the inconvenience of frequent logins. 

Chapter 5: How to Keep Refresh Tokens Secure? 

Man holding smart phone making online shopping and banking payment. Blurred background .

Ensuring the security of refresh tokens is crucial to prevent unauthorized access to user accounts. Here are some best practices for keeping refresh tokens secure: 

  • Secure storage. Store refresh tokens in a secure storage mechanism. In Flutter, you can use libraries like flutter_secure_storage or the SharedPreferences package with encryption to store tokens securely on the device.  
  • Token rotation. Implement token rotation, which involves issuing a new refresh token each time an access token is obtained. This practice invalidates older refresh tokens, adding an extra layer of security.  
  • Automatic reuse detection. Implement safeguards to detect and prevent the reuse of refresh tokens. Each refresh token should have a unique identifier, and a server-side check should ensure that a token is used only once. 

To learn more about Token Rotation and Automatic Reuse Detection you can check Auth0 documentation. https://auth0.com/docs/secure/tokens/refresh-tokens/refresh-token-rotation. 

Chapter 6: Some Tips and Tricks Regarding Refresh Tokens 

Here are some additional tips and tricks to consider when working with refresh tokens: 

  • Token expiry. Configure token expiration times appropriately. Access tokens should have a short lifespan, and refresh tokens should be long-lived but not indefinite.  
  • Token revocation. Implement a mechanism for users to revoke their refresh tokens if they suspect any unauthorized access.  
  • Token scope. Use token scopes to limit the access granted by access tokens. Not all tokens need access to all resources.  
  • Logging and monitoring. Implement comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect suspicious activity related to token usage. This can help you identify and respond to security threats promptly. 

The Final Word 

In conclusion, refresh tokens are a vital component of modern authentication systems, providing security and a seamless user experience. By following best practices and staying informed about the latest security guidelines, you can ensure that your refresh token implementation in Flutter applications remains robust and resilient to potential threats. 

About Author 

Marko Krstanovic is a talented software engineer and technical officer with a proven track record of delivering exceptional mobile applications. His expertise spans various programming languages and technologies, including iOS and Flutter, which he has used to create seamless and secure client apps. With over five years of experience, Marko is a true innovator in the tech industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile app development.   

Flutter App Developer
by Simon & Garfunkel
23 16

Painting Your Flutter App with ‘ThemeData’ and ‘ColorScheme’ Magic 

We’re all familiar with the default Flutter Counter app. Yet, have you ever taken a moment to ponder the origin of that captivating, iconic blue color of the ‘FloatingActionButton’?  

Surprisingly, it’s a mystery hidden within the code, with no explicit color property to be found.  

Flutter Counter App: Floating Action Button

Moreover, have you ever wondered how to seamlessly integrate a refined color scheme into your own Flutter app?  
If you’re a Flutter enthusiast eager to master the art of app design, you’re about to embark on an enlightening journey.  

Today, we’re delving into the heart of Flutter’s design framework, exploring the finesse of ‘ThemeData’, the role of the indispensable ‘ColorScheme’, and how these components collaborate to craft visually captivating user experiences. 

Setting the Stage: The ‘ThemeData’ Class 

In the world of Flutter app design, ‘ThemeData’ is your guiding light, illuminating your path to crafting a captivating user experience. Beyond the aesthetics, it defines the very essence of your app’s visual identity. 

Colors and Typography: Brushstrokes of Elegance 

Colors form the heartbeat of your design. With ‘ThemeData’, you define your app’s color palette using the ‘ColorScheme’ class, ensuring a harmonious, inviting appearance. Typography, the silent narrator, plays an equally vital role as you create text styles for various components, weaving a narrative of elegance and coherence. 

Themes in Flux: A Dance of Light and Dark 

Flutter’s beauty lies in its adaptability. ‘ThemeData’ transcends static design; it’s dynamic and versatile. The ‘brightness’ property empowers you to effortlessly switch between light and dark themes, catering to diverse user preferences and varying lighting conditions. 

BM Insight: In the dynamic world of mobile app development, it’s vital to recognize that apps are utilized across an extensive array of devices, each with its unique configurations. This underscores the pivotal role of comprehensive and frequent testing. For further insights into mastering mobile development and ensuring your app’s compatibility, you can explore our 7 Essential Tips for Mastering Mobile Development. 

The Backbone of Design: ‘ColorScheme’ 

Meet the unsung hero—the ‘ColorScheme’ class. It forms the bedrock of your ‘ThemeData’, encapsulating primary, secondary, background, surface, and error colors. This foundational gem ensures a harmonious, visually united experience across your app. 

ColorScheme myColorScheme = ColorScheme.light( 

  primary: Color(0xFF6200EA),   secondary: Color(0xFF03DAC6),   background: Color(0xFFFFFFFF),   surface: Color(0xFFFFFFFF),   onPrimary: Color(0xFFFFFFFF),   onSecondary: Color(0xFF000000), 

  // ...other color variants ); 

Striking the Perfect Balance 

For a streamlined design approach that doesn’t require granular control over every aspect, using ‘ColorScheme’ within ‘ThemeData’ is an excellent choice. It provides you with a set of 10 essential colors, such as primary, secondary, background, and more, while also allowing you to add additional colors if needed.  
This strikes a balance between consistency, ease of use, and the flexibility to cater to your app’s specific design requirements. 

Light and Dark Themes in Action 

Themes empower your app to adapt seamlessly to different environments. Here’s a snippet demonstrating how to set both light and dark themes: 

final lightTheme = ThemeData(   brightness: Brightness.light,   primaryColor: Colors.blue, 

  // ...other properties 

); 

final darkTheme = ThemeData(   brightness: Brightness.dark,   primaryColor: Colors.deepPurple, 

  // ...other properties 

); 

void main() {   runApp(     MaterialApp(       theme: lightTheme,       darkTheme: darkTheme,       home: MyApp(), 

    ), 

  ); } 

Pro Tips for Developers: Effortless Adaptation to Theme Changes in Your App 

When designing custom widgets with unique color schemes, consider utilizing a ‘ThemeData’ extension. By creating getter methods within this extension, you can easily access theme-dependent colors. 

Here’s a concise example: 

extension ThemeDataExt on ThemeData {   bool get isDarkMode => brightness == Brightness.dark; 

  Color get warrningDialogBackground =>       isDarkMode ? Colors.black : Colors.white; } 

Consider these two approaches when designing a ‘WarningDialog’ widget: 

1. Using Hardcoded Colors: 

WarningDialog(   color: Colors.white,   // Other properties... 

) 

While this approach works, it may pose issues if you later decide to implement dark mode. You would need to update the color manually. 

2. Using ‘ThemeData’ extension Colors: 

WarningDialog( 

  color: warningDialogBackground, 

  // Other properties... 

) 

The second approach is more flexible and maintainable, making it a better choice for long-term development. This approach enhances code organization and readability, making it more straightforward to incorporate theme-based colors into your Flutter widgets. 

By utilizing a theme-dependent color, like ‘warningDialogBackground’, you future-proof your widget for dark mode implementation. It seamlessly adapts to theme changes without requiring manual adjustments. 

Empowering User Experiences with Themes 

In the mesmerizing world of Flutter design, ‘ThemeData’, and the invaluable ‘ColorScheme’ come together to craft an experience that’s both visually captivating and consistently coherent. Themes not only establish a harmonious color palette but also adapt to the user’s environment, providing both light and dark options.  

As you journey through Flutter’s design framework, remember that you’re the conductor of your app’s visual symphony. Whether replicating the allure of the default counter app or forging an innovative path, Flutter’s design elements are your tools, and you’re the artist.  

Let’s create experiences that captivate, inspire, and delight.  
Happy designing! 

About author:  

Marko Krstanovic is a talented software engineer and technical officer with a proven track record of delivering exceptional mobile applications. His expertise spans various programming languages and technologies, including iOS and Flutter, which he has used to create seamless and secure client apps. With over five years of experience, Marko is a true innovator in the tech industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile app development. 

by Simon & Garfunkel
23 16

Understanding the Differences: MVC vs. MVVM

When it comes to software architecture, choosing the right pattern is crucial for building scalable, maintainable, and testable applications. Two popular patterns, Model-View-Controller (MVC) and Model-View-View Model (MVVM), provide structure and separation of concerns.  

In this blog, we will explore the differences between MVC and MVVM, highlighting their unique characteristics, advantages, and use cases.  

A picture containing text, screenshot, diagram, design Description automatically generated

Differences Between MVC and MVVM 

The main differences between MVC and MVVM are, as follows: 

Separation of Concerns 

MVC separates the application into three main components:  

  • Model: Represents the data and business logic of the application.  
  • View: Handles the presentation layer and user interface.  
  • Controller: Manages the interaction between the Model and the View.  

MVVM also emphasize separation of concerns, but with three different components:  

  • Model: Represents the data and business logic, similar to MVC.  
  • View: Handles the UI and presentation layer, akin to MVC.  
  • ViewModel: Acts as an intermediary between the View and the Model, exposing data and commands for data binding. 

View-Model Communication 

In MVC, the View communicates directly with the Controller to handle user interactions and updates. The Controller then interacts with the Model to retrieve or update data. The View does not directly reference the Model.  

In MVVM, the View communicates with the ViewModel through data binding. The ViewModel exposes properties and commands that the View binds to. The ViewModel, in turn, interacts with the Model to retrieve or update. 

BM Insight: People who are only planning to join the guild of mobile software architects can choose from many entrance doors. Our blog post Mastering Mobile: 7 Essential Tips for Junior Developers in the World of Mobile Development is one such gateway, so give it a read and see what it takes to go this way.  

Data Binding 

MVC typically does not have built-in data binding capabilities. The View relies on the Controller to retrieve data from the Model and update the UI manually.  

MVVM introduces powerful data binding capabilities. Data binding establishes a connection between the View and the ViewModel, allowing automatic synchronisation of data between them. When data changes in the ViewModel, the View is automatically updated, and user interactions trigger commands in the ViewModel.  

In Flutter, there are several popular state management frameworks that provide data binding capabilities:  

  • Provider. Provider is a lightweight and flexible state management solution in Flutter. It allows you to manage and share data across different parts of your application using a provider pattern. It supports data binding by providing the ChangeNotifier class, which can be extended to create observable models. Widgets can then listen to changes in these models and update their UI accordingly.  
  • Riverpod. A state management library built on top of Provider, Riverpod offers a more refined and simplified API for managing state and sharing data in Flutter applications. It supports data binding by utilising the StateNotifier and StateNotifierProvider classes. With Riverpod, you can easily expose data as streams or providers that can be consumed by widgets for UI updates.  
  • MobX. MobX is a popular state management library in the Flutter ecosystem. It leverages the concept of observable data and reactions to automatically update the UI when data changes. MobX uses a reactive programming approach, where changes in the data trigger the re-computation of dependent values and automatic UI updates. It provides annotations and observables that facilitate data binding between the ViewModel and the View. 

BM Insight: In the last few years, there has been a growing need for cross-platform app development and relevant engineers. Instead of developing different versions of apps for each platform separately, we can work with tools such as Xamarin, React Native, and Flutter to build apps that work across multiple platforms. Find out more about the use of Flutter for that matter in our article Flutter: The Future of Cross-Platform Mobile App Development. 

Testability 

MVC provides good testability, particularly with unit testing the Model and Controller components. However, testing the View can be challenging due to its tight coupling with the Controller.  

MVVM enhances testability with better separation of concerns. The ViewModel can be tested independently of the View and the Model, as it does not have direct dependencies on them. Unit testing the ViewModel becomes more manageable, resulting in more comprehensive and focused tests. 

Flexibility and Extensibility 

MVC offers flexibility, allowing for different View and Controller implementations. This flexibility can be useful when adapting the application to changing requirements or integrating with various UI frameworks.  

MVVM provides enhanced flexibility through the use of data binding. The separation of the View and ViewModel enables easier UI customization and reusability. Different Views can be bound to the same ViewModel, or multiple ViewModels can be used with a single View. 

Conclusion 

MVC and MVVM are both effective architectural patterns that promote separation of concerns. MVC provides a straightforward and widely adopted approach, while MVVM introduces data binding and a clearer separation between the View and ViewModel.  

The choice between MVC and MVVM depends on the specific requirements of the project, the complexity of the UI, and the need for testability and flexibility. Understanding the differences between these patterns helps developers make informed decisions and create well-structured, maintainable applications. This blog will help you make the right decision. 

by Simon & Garfunkel
23 16

Mastering Mobile: 7 Essential Tips for Junior Developers in the World of Mobile Development

Congratulations on starting your journey as a junior mobile developer! In this blog, we’ll explore essential tips and strategies that will empower you to excel in the world of mobile development. Let’s dive in! 

1. Familiarize Yourself with Mobile Platforms 

Whether you’re developing for iOS or Android, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific platform’s guidelines, tools, and best practices. This includes understanding the platform’s UI/UX design patterns, programming languages (Swift or Objective-C for iOS, Java or Kotlin for Android), and development environments (Xcode for iOS, Android Studio for Android).  

BM Insight: At BrightMarbles Group Holding, we committedly follow tech trends, always doing our best to adopt innovative principles and apply them to our projects. Cross-platform mobile development has gained popularity and applicability in the last few years. It helps mobile developers build apps for different platforms using a single codebase, based on different frameworks, such as Flutter. Read more about this method and framework in one of our previous posts Flutter: The Future of Cross-Platform Mobile App Development.  

2. Learn Version Control 

Version control is an essential skill for any developer. Get familiar with popular version control systems, such as Git, and learn how to use basic Git commands for managing and collaborating on code repositories. Understanding version control will help you keep track of changes, work collaboratively with other developers, and easily revert to previous versions of your code if needed.  

3. Practice Good Coding Practices 

Writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code is crucial in mobile development. Follow the best practices, like using meaningful variable and function names, organizing your code into reusable functions or classes, and adhering to the DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) principle.  

Also, be mindful of performance considerations in mobile development, such as optimizing memory usage and minimizing network requests.  

4. Stay Up to Date with Industry Trends  

Mobile development is a rapidly evolving field, with new technologies, frameworks, and best practices constantly emerging. Stay updated with the latest trends by regularly reading blogs, forums, and news related to mobile development. This will help you stay relevant and adapt to changing technologies and meet user expectations.  

BM Insight: Artificial intelligence (AI) has been gradually changing our work environment in the last decade, only to cause tectonic changes in the last few months. It’s vital to get to know those powerful AI tools and use them to improve your productivity. GitHub Copilot is one such smart solution that works as an all-round coding assistant; more details in our guide Streamline Your Coding with GitHub Copilot: The Ultimate Coding Assistant.  

5. Test Thoroughly and Frequently 

Mobile apps are used on a wide range of devices with varying configurations, so thorough and frequent testing is critical. Learn about different testing techniques, such as unit testing, integration testing, and UI testing, and incorporate them into your development process. Also, test your app on different devices and OS versions to ensure it works well across different platforms and devices.  

6. Collaborate and Communicate Effectively 

Mobile development is often a team effort, so learn how to collaborate and communicate effectively with team members, including other developers, designers, and stakeholders. Use collaboration tools such as version control systems, project management tools, and communication platforms to streamline workflows, share ideas, and keep everyone on the same page.  

7. Embrace Continuous Learning 

Technology is constantly evolving, and mobile development is no exception. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and improvement and be proactive in expanding your knowledge and skills. Take advantage of online resources, tutorials, documentation, and other learning opportunities to stay up-to-date and enhance your capabilities as a mobile developer.  

Conclusion 

Remember, mobile development can be challenging but also rewarding. Stay persistent, be open to learning, and seek feedback from your peers and mentors. With dedication and practice, you’ll grow as a skilled mobile developer in no time. Good luck! 

About author: 

Marko Krstanovic is a talented software engineer and technical officer with a proven track record of delivering exceptional mobile applications. His expertise spans various programming languages and technologies, including iOS and Flutter, which he has used to create seamless and secure client apps. With over five years of experience, Marko is a true innovator in the tech industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile app development. 

by Simon & Garfunkel
23 16

Flutter: The Future of Cross-Platform Mobile App Development

Cross-platform app development is a trend in mobile app development that gained traction in recent years. Cross-platform development allows developers to create mobile apps that run on multiple platforms, such as iOS and Android, using a single codebase. Traditionally, native app development required developers to build separate versions of their app for each platform, which meant more time, effort, and resources. Cross-platform development tools, such as Xamarin, React Native, and Flutter, have made it easier and more efficient for developers to create apps that work seamlessly across multiple platforms. 

Cross-platform development also offers several advantages over traditional native development.

For example:

  1. Faster time to market: Using a single codebase, developers can create apps more quickly and efficiently, which means they can get their apps to market faster. 
  2. Lower development costs: Developing a single app that works across multiple platforms is generally more cost-effective than developing separate versions for each platform.
  3. Easier maintenance: A single codebase makes maintaining and updating the app easier, saving time and resources in the long run.
  4. Greater reach: By creating apps that work on multiple platforms, developers can reach a wider audience and potentially attract more users. 

Cross-platform development does have some limitations, such as the need for a robust and stable framework and limitations on certain platform-specific features. However, the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks, and cross-platform development is becoming an increasingly popular approach in mobile app development. 

What Is Flutter, And Why Should You Consider Using It? 

Flutter is an open-source mobile app development framework developed by Google. It allows developers to build high-quality, cross-platform mobile apps with a single codebase. Flutter has become increasingly popular in recent years, and many developers believe it is the future of cross-platform app development. 

So, what makes Flutter the future of cross-platform app development? Here are a few reasons: 

Fast Development 

Flutter is known for its fast development cycle. One of the reasons for this is its use of hot reload, which allows developers to see the impact of their code changes in real time. This means developers can quickly make changes, 

experiment with different designs, and fix bugs without needing to rebuild the app from scratch. 

Consistent Performance 

Flutter uses its rendering engine, which makes it possible to achieve consistent performance across different platforms. This means that the same app code will perform the same on iOS and Android devices, ensuring a high-quality user experience for all users. 

Customizable Widgets 

Flutter’s customizable widgets make creating unique and visually appealing user interfaces more accessible. Flutter’s widgets provide a high degree of flexibility and can be customized extensively, which can be an advantage for designers and developers looking to create unique and engaging user experiences. 

Native-Like Performance 

Flutter compiles its code to native machine code, which means that the performance of Flutter apps is similar to that of native apps. This is because the compiled code runs directly on the device’s processor rather than in a virtual machine or interpreter.

Growing Community 

Flutter has a rapidly growing community of developers and contributors, which means a wealth of resources and support is available. This makes it easier for developers to learn and use Flutter and ensures that the framework will continue to evolve and improve in the future. 

In Conclusion 

Flutter is the future of cross-platform app development because of its fast development cycle, consistent performance, customizable widgets, native-like performance, and growing community. If you’re a mobile app developer, consider giving Flutter a try and experience the power and potential of this exciting framework. 

Bonus: Tips And Tricks To Get Started With Learning Flutter 

  1. Understand the basics of Dart programming language: Before you start learning Flutter, make sure you are familiar with the basics of Dart programming language. Flutter uses Dart as its programming language, and understanding the syntax and features of Dart will help you learn Flutter more easily. 
  2. Install Flutter: To start learning Flutter, install it on your computer. You can download Flutter from the official website and follow the installation instructions. 
  3. Follow the Flutter documentation: The official documentation is an excellent resource for learning Flutter. It contains many examples, tutorials, and guides to help you get started. 
  4. Practice coding: The best way to learn Flutter is by coding. Practice creating simple apps, widgets, and layouts. Start with simple projects and gradually move on to more complex ones. 
  5. Join Flutter communities: Join Flutter communities on social media, forums, and Slack channels. You can learn a lot from other developers who are also learning Flutter, and you can also ask for help and advice from experienced developers. 
  6. Attend Flutter conferences and events: Attend Flutter conferences and events to learn about the latest developments in Flutter and to meet other developers in the community.
  7. Use Flutter packages: Flutter has many packages you can use to add functionality to your app. Explore the packages and use them in your projects to learn how they work.
  8. Keep practicing: Learning Flutter is a continuous process. Keep practicing and building projects to improve your skills and understanding of the framework. 

Good luck, and keep learning! 🙂

About Author

Marko Krstanović is a talented software engineer and technical officer with a proven track record of delivering exceptional mobile applications. His expertise spans various programming languages and technologies, including iOS and Flutter, which he has used to create seamless and secure client apps. With over five years of experience, Marko is a true innovator in the tech industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile app development.

by Simon & Garfunkel
23 16

Streamline Your Coding with GitHub Copilot: The Ultimate Coding Assistant

Introducing GitHub Copilot 

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered tool developed by GitHub in collaboration with OpenAI. This innovative tool has made waves in the programming world since its release in June 2021. It is an extension of Visual Studio Code, a popular code editor. It is designed to help programmers write code more efficiently. GitHub Copilot is trained on a vast amount of open-source code available on GitHub. It uses machine learning algorithms to predict the code that programmers will likely write next. This means that GitHub Copilot can suggest code snippets, function calls, and even entire functions based on the context of the code being written. It is like having a programming assistant who can help you write code faster and with fewer errors. 

How Does GitHub Copilot Work?  

GitHub Copilot uses a technology called GPT (Generative Pretrained Transformer) to predict the code programmers are likely to write next. GPT, a machine learning algorithm, is trained on extensive text data and used in natural language processing applications, such as chatbots and language translation tools. 

GitHub Copilot analyzes the code being written and predicts the subsequent code line that the programmer will write. It then suggests this code to the programmer, who can accept or reject the suggestion. 
 

Advantages of GitHub Copilot  

GitHub Copilot has several benefits for programmers:  

  1. Time Savings: By suggesting code snippets and functions, GitHub Copilot reduces the time programmers spend writing code from scratch. 
  1. Error Reduction: By recommending tested and functioning code, GitHub Copilot helps programmers avoid errors, allowing them to concentrate on their code’s logic rather than syntax errors. 
  1. Improved Productivity: GitHub Copilot boosts programmers’ productivity by enabling faster coding, freeing up time for crucial tasks like testing and debugging. 
  1. Learning Aid: For novice programmers, GitHub Copilot serves as a valuable learning tool, facilitating quicker, more efficient code writing. 

Limitations of GitHub Copilot  

While GitHub Copilot has several benefits, it also has some limitations:  

  1. Limited Context: GitHub Copilot’s suggestions are based solely on the code being written, so it may not always propose the most optimal code. 
  1. Lack of Creativity: GitHub Copilot can only suggest code based on patterns learned from its training data, which may limit its ability to provide inventive solutions to problems. 
  1. Potential Security Risks: The open-source code used to train GitHub Copilot’s machine-learning algorithm could expose it to security risks such as malicious code injection. 

Enabling GitHub Copilot   

Enabling GitHub Copilot is a straightforward process. First, you need to have Visual Studio Code installed on your computer. Once you install Visual Studio Code, you can install the GitHub Copilot extension. 

To install the GitHub Copilot extension, follow these steps:  

  1. Open Visual Studio Code.  
  1. Click on the Extensions icon on the left-hand side of the screen.  
  1. In the search bar, type “GitHub Copilot”.  
  1. Click on the “Install” button next to the GitHub Copilot extension.  
  1. Once the extension is installed, you must sign in with your GitHub account to use GitHub Copilot.  
     

After you have installed and signed into GitHub Copilot, you can start using it in Visual Studio Code. Simply start typing your code, and GitHub Copilot will start suggesting code snippets and functions based on the context of your code. 

A small icon will appear in your bottom right corner. That means you nailed the activation. When Copilot is “activated and thinking,” a loader will replace the icon. That means that your help is on its way. 

Tips and Tricks  

There are certain things you can do to help your code assistant:  

  1. Include the necessary libraries and classes for Copilot to utilize. This will help Copilot to improve his responsiveness.  
  1. Just tapping enter or space is enough to activate Copilot when a new suggestion is needed.  
  1. Be aware that your internet connection can affect Copilot’s responsiveness. 
  1. Familiarize yourself with GitHub Copilot Keyboard Shortcuts. 
  • Accept suggestion — Tab.  
  • Dismiss suggestion — Esc.  
  • Show next suggestion — Alt +] or Option (⌥) +]  
  • Show earlier suggestion — Alt + [ or Option (⌥) + [  
  • Trigger suggestion — Alt + \ or Option (⌥) + \  
  • Open ten suggestions in a separate pane — Ctrl + Enter. 
  1. Effortlessly write entire classes: With GitHub Copilot, writing an entire class is a seamless and speedy process that takes mere seconds. By simply pressing “Tab,” you can quickly generate and implement code snippets or complete functions, further streamlining your coding process. 

Conclusion  

GitHub Copilot is a powerful tool that empowers programmers to write code more efficiently. It has the potential to save time, improve productivity, and reduce errors. However, programmers should still use their knowledge and creativity when writing code, as GitHub Copilot can only suggest code based on the context it has learned from. And as always, remember to save your code frequently because even GitHub Copilot can’t save you from a crashing computer. Happy coding, and may the code be with you!  

About Author

Marko Krstanovic is a talented software engineer and technical officer with a proven track record of delivering exceptional mobile applications. His expertise spans various programming languages and technologies, including iOS and Flutter, which he has used to create seamless and secure client apps. With over five years of experience, Marko is a true innovator in the tech industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile app development.

IT Outsourcing Trends we expect in 2020

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by Simon & Garfunkel
23 0 reply 3 days ago
Cras sit amet nibh libero, in gravida nulla. Nulla vel metus scelerisque ante sollicitudin. Cras purus odio, vestibulum in vulputate at, tempus viverra turpis. Fusce condimentum nunc ac nisi vulputate fringilla. Donec lacinia congue felis in faucibus. Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Fugiat a voluptatum voluptatibus ducimus mollitia hic quos, ad enim odit dolor architecto tempore, dolores libero perspiciatis, sapiente officia non incidunt doloremque?
by Simon & Garfunkel
23 0 reply 3 days ago
Cras sit amet nibh libero, in gravida nulla. Nulla vel metus scelerisque ante sollicitudin. Cras purus odio, vestibulum in vulputate at, tempus viverra turpis. Fusce condimentum nunc ac nisi vulputate fringilla. Donec lacinia congue felis in faucibus. Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Fugiat a voluptatum voluptatibus ducimus mollitia hic quos, ad enim odit dolor architecto tempore, dolores libero perspiciatis, sapiente officia non incidunt doloremque?
by Simon & Garfunkel
23 0 reply 3 days ago
Cras sit amet nibh libero, in gravida nulla. Nulla vel metus scelerisque ante sollicitudin. Cras purus odio, vestibulum in vulputate at, tempus viverra turpis. Fusce condimentum nunc ac nisi vulputate fringilla. Donec lacinia congue felis in faucibus. Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Fugiat a voluptatum voluptatibus ducimus mollitia hic quos, ad enim odit dolor architecto tempore, dolores libero perspiciatis, sapiente officia non incidunt doloremque?
by Simon & Garfunkel
23 0 reply 3 days ago
Cras sit amet nibh libero, in gravida nulla. Nulla vel metus scelerisque ante sollicitudin. Cras purus odio, vestibulum in vulputate at, tempus viverra turpis. Fusce condimentum nunc ac nisi vulputate fringilla. Donec lacinia congue felis in faucibus. Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Fugiat a voluptatum voluptatibus ducimus mollitia hic quos, ad enim odit dolor architecto tempore, dolores libero perspiciatis, sapiente officia non incidunt doloremque?
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