Python Web Development with Copilot + VS Code

 🎯 Objective
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

Set up VS Code and Copilot for Python development

Use Copilot to scaffold and refine a Python web application

Understand basic web frameworks (Flask or FastAPI)

Run and test a simple web app locally

⏱️ Duration
2.5 hours (can be split into two sessions)

👥 Target Audience
Intermediate Python learners

Students, educators, developers

Outreach participants with basic coding exposure

📦 Materials Needed
Laptops with internet access

VS Code installed

GitHub account (for Copilot activation)

Python 3.x installed

Optional: virtual environment setup

🗂️ Module Breakdown
1️⃣ Setup and Orientation (30 min)
Goal: Ensure all tools are installed and ready Steps:

Install VS Code and Python

Install Python extension in VS Code

Sign in to GitHub and activate Copilot

Create a new project folder and open in VS Code

Classroom Cue: “Let’s get your coding cockpit ready!”

2️⃣ Introduction to Copilot (20 min)
Goal: Understand how Copilot assists coding Steps:

What is Copilot? How does it work?

Demo: Write a simple Python function with Copilot suggestions

Tips: Comment-driven prompting, tab completion, inline edits

Visual Tag: [Copilot Suggestion Box]

3️⃣ Building a Web App with Flask (45 min)
Goal: Scaffold a basic web app using Copilot Steps:

Create app.py and comment: # Create a Flask web app

Let Copilot generate boilerplate code

Add routes: home page, about page

Use Copilot to add HTML templates (inline or separate files)

Run the app locally and test in browser

Classroom Cue: “Let Copilot be your co-pilot!”

4️⃣ Enhancing with Forms and Logic (30 min)
Goal: Add interactivity using Copilot Steps:

Create a form (e.g., contact or feedback)

Use Copilot to handle POST requests and form validation

Store or display submitted data

Visual Tag: [Form + Route Diagram]

5️⃣ Debugging and Refinement (15 min)
Goal: Use Copilot to fix and improve code Steps:

Introduce a bug and ask Copilot to suggest a fix

Refactor a function for clarity

Add comments and docstrings with Copilot’s help

6️⃣ Wrap-Up and Showcase (10 min)
Goal: Reflect and share Steps:

Participants demo their apps

Discuss Copilot’s strengths and limitations

Share ideas for next steps: FastAPI, deployment, databases

🧠 Optional Extensions
Homework: Build a personal portfolio site with Flask + Copilot

Advanced Module: Use FastAPI and Copilot for API development

Outreach Adaptation: Add bilingual comments and regional use cases