GitHub is transforming the way programming is done using natural language. Today, in a blog post, the company unveiled its latest development environment, Workspace. Described as an ‘intuitive, Copilot-powered infrastructure,’ Workspace is designed to simplify the process of getting started, learning, and executing projects.

Copilot Workspace, powered by GPT-4 Turbo, extends beyond merely suggesting code lines; it supports the entire software project lifecycle, from initial planning to the pull request.

A standout feature of Copilot Workspace is its comprehensive editability. Developers have the flexibility to modify everything the platform offers, from the planning stages to the final code. This allows for iterative improvements until the developer is fully confident in the direction of the project. Such flexibility ensures that developers maintain full control over their work while also benefiting from the cognitive assistance that Copilot Workspace provides.

Once developers finalize their plans, they can execute their code directly within Copilot Workspace. For additional modifications, they can transition to the underlying GitHub Codespace. Sharing the Workspace with team members is streamlined through a link, facilitating collaboration and feedback. Copilot Workspace integrates effortlessly with existing GitHub workflows. This integration allows developers to file pull requests, run GitHub Actions, perform security code scans, and request reviews from peers, enhancing the overall development process.

Available through GitHub’s browser and desktop applications, as well as on mobile devices, Workspace represents what the company sees as the future of development environments. GitHub first announced Workspace last year and has now opened registrations for a preview starting April 29th.

A survey conducted by GitHub last year revealed that a majority of its users were already utilizing AI tools. Currently, GitHub boasts over a million paying subscribers for Copilot.

GitHub is optimistic about the role of natural language programming in reducing the barriers to software development. With 100 million users already on GitHub, the company envisions a future where a billion people will be able to command a machine as effortlessly as riding a bike.

In its blog post, the company also highlights the global shortage of software developers. GitHub points out, “This is the double potential of Github Copilot: it is now much easier for both professional and amateur developers to turn creativity into code.”