- Published 6/30/2026
- 1st Edition
- Online video 978-0-13-590559-3
Build Functioning Agents from Scratch with Copilot
Build AI Agents with GitHub Copilot is a course designed to help developers harness the power of GitHub Copilot to build AI agents more efficiently and effectively. By combining foundational knowledge of AI agents with hands-on practice, the course takes a practical, project-based approach, guiding learners from understanding core concepts and setting up their environment to building, testing, and refining real AI agents with Copilot's assistance. Along the way, participants explore best practices, compare Copilot with other tools, and reflect on responsible AI development, ensuring they leave with both the technical skills and strategic insight to accelerate their productivity with AI-assisted coding.
About the Presenter
Shaun Wassell is a lifelong programmer and problem-solving addict. His goal is to help people build incredible software and solve meaningful problems by mastering the art of software development. For the past 2+ years, he's been a trainer at CBT Nuggets, and focuses on creating high-quality web development and certification content. You can check out his extensive collection of React, Angular, Python and JavaScript courses, as well as a huge amount of other software- and IT-training content at cbtnuggets.com.
About Pearson Video Training
Pearson publishes expert-led video tutorials covering a wide selection of technology topics designed to teach you the skills you need to succeed. These professional and personal technology videos feature world-leading author instructors published by your trusted technology brands: Addison-Wesley, Cisco Press, Pearson IT Certification, Sams, and Que. Topics include: IT Certification, Network Security, Cisco Technology, Programming, Web Development, Mobile Development, and more. Learn more about Pearson Video training at informit.com/video.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Lesson 1: Understand AI Agents and GitHub Copilot
Learning objectives
1.1 Understand what an AI agent is
1.2 Explore key components of code-based AI agents
1.3 Recognize the role of GitHub Copilot in AI agent development
1.4 Compare GitHub Copilot with other AI coding tools
1.5 Identify use cases for AI agents with Copilot
Lesson 2: Set Up Your Development Environment
Learning objectives
2.1 Install GitHub Copilot
2.2 Configure Copilot settings and preferences
2.3 Use advanced configurations
2.4 Set up an AI agent project
2.5 Write and run
Lesson 3: Build and Extend AI Agents with Copilot
Learning objectives
3.1 Implement a simple rule-based agent
3.2 Make and execute decisions
3.3 Control agent behavior with generative AI
3.4 Create effective AI agent prompts
3.5 Integrate multiple components
Lesson 4: Apply Best Practices and Next Steps
Learning objectives
4.1 Make AI agent code reusable
4.2 Using structured outputs
4.3 Learn best practices for creating safe agents
Summary
