Welcome to the tech rollercoaster! Understanding Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Azure can feel like deciphering your grandma’s secret recipe with unfamiliar ingredients.

While many techies are still grappling with Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Azure, there’s a new buzzword: Copilot!

I know it is like playing musical chairs with a pack of hyperactive puppies. But no worries, lets look into it on a very high level in super layman terms.

General Use of “Copilot”

The term “Copilot” can be used more generally to describe any assistant or helper, not necessarily related to coding or technology. For instance, a copilot in aviation is the second pilot who assists the main pilot in flying the airplane. Similarly, in different software or tools, “copilot” might just mean a helpful assistant feature designed to aid the user in completing tasks.

The terms “Copilot” and “GitHub Copilot” might seem similar, but they actually refer to different things in different contexts. Here’s a simple explanation:

GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot is a specific product developed by GitHub and OpenAI. It’s an AI-powered coding assistant designed to help developers, It’s like having a super-smart sidekick that helps you write and improve your code. You can use GitHub Copilot directly within your code editor (like Visual Studio Code), and it helps you while you are programming.

Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft Copilot is developed by Microsoft and OpenAI. it refers to AI features embedded within Microsoft’s suite of software applications, such as Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more. It helps users perform tasks more efficiently by providing intelligent suggestions and automating repetitive processes.

I know what question you have. Github is owned by Microsoft. Yes, You’re right that Microsoft owns GitHub, but they operate somewhat independently in terms of branding and specific focus areas. So, On a high level:

‘Github Copilot’ is Github + Open AI and ‘Microsoft Copilot’ is Microsoft + Open AI.

Key Differences between GitHub Copilot and Microsoft Copilot

Target Audience: GitHub Copilot is designed specifically for developers and assists with coding tasks. Microsoft Copilot is aimed at general users of Microsoft’s productivity software and assists with writing, data analysis, email management, and presentations.

Functionality: GitHub Copilot focuses on generating and suggesting code, while Microsoft Copilot focuses on enhancing productivity in document creation, data analysis, communication, and presentations.

Integration: GitHub Copilot is integrated into coding environments like Visual Studio Code. Microsoft Copilot is integrated into Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Branding: GitHub Copilot is branded and marketed by GitHub and OpenAI as a unique product. The general term “copilot” doesn’t refer to a particular brand or product.

Example

• GitHub Copilot: You’re writing a Python program and GitHub Copilot suggests the next line of code you might want to write based on the context of what you have already written.
• General Copilot: You’re driving a car, and your friend (your copilot) helps by navigating or managing the GPS.