McKenna Barlow explains how GitHub Copilot testing for .NET streamlines test creation, automating unit test generation in Visual Studio with AI to boost code reliability and developer productivity.

Supercharge Your Test Coverage with GitHub Copilot Testing for .NET

GitHub Copilot testing for .NET brings AI-powered unit test generation directly into Visual Studio Insiders, changing the way developers ensure software quality. This integration automates writing, building, and running unit tests for C# applications, saving time and elevating reliability.

Key Features

  • Automatic AI-Generated Tests: Create, build, and run unit tests for individual members, files, projects, or whole solutions.
  • Type-Safe, Deterministic Results: Generated tests are grounded in compiler semantics and language rules for predictable, consistent outcomes.
  • Framework Support: Compatible with major .NET testing frameworks—MSTest, xUnit, and NUnit—so developers can work within their existing workflows.
  • Deep IDE Integration: Utilizes Roslyn analyzers, MSBuild, and Visual Studio’s Test Explorer for seamless test management, discovery, and execution.
  • Automatic Test Recovery: If a test fails, Copilot attempts to fix, regenerate, and rerun it to improve coverage iteratively.

How GitHub Copilot Testing Works

  1. Setup:
    • Install Visual Studio 2026 Insiders build.
    • Enable GitHub Copilot testing in Tools > Options > GitHub > Copilot > Testing.
    • Prepare your C# project or solution; ensure it builds cleanly.
  2. Invoke Testing:
    • Open Copilot Chat and use the syntax @Test #target, replacing #target with member, class, file, project, solution, or #changes for git diff.
    • Send the prompt; Copilot analyzes code and may create a test project if needed.
    • Tests are generated, built, and run automatically.
  3. Review Results:
    • Test Explorer displays generated results.
    • Summary in Copilot Chat includes total tests, coverage stats, pass/fail rates, and direct links to new or updated test files.
    • Insights highlight coverage gaps and recommend practical improvements.
    • Links in the summary allow fast navigation to new test assets, enabling rapid iteration and improvement.

Benefits

  • Speed: Go from zero coverage to meaningful test suites in clicks vs hours.
  • Confidence: Automated pass/fail checks and coverage stats improve quality.
  • Integration: Work entirely inside Visual Studio, making feedback fast and actionable.
  • Recovery: Copilot handles test failures, providing strong starting points and suggestions for further fixes.

Getting Started

  • Download Visual Studio 2026 Insiders build.
  • Enable and configure GitHub Copilot Testing.
  • Follow instructions in Copilot Chat to begin generating tests for your C# codebase.

More information and step-by-step guidance are available in the official documentation.

Feedback

Use the “Give Feedback” button in Visual Studio to share your experience and help improve AI-powered development workflows for .NET.

Author: McKenna Barlow

This post appeared first on “Microsoft .NET Blog”. Read the entire article here