Use Edit Mode for Quick, Targeted Improvements

Posted on Aug 29, 2025

Usage

Sometimes you don’t need a new feature, you just need your code polished.
That’s where GitHub Copilot Edit Mode shines. With a single comment, you can rewrite a block of code to improve readability, simplify logic, or follow a specific style.

ProTip

Use Edit Mode for Quick, Targeted Improvements
Instead of rewriting code by hand, highlight what you want to change and tell GitHub Copilot exactly what to do.

Try These Approaches

1️⃣ Simplify Complex Logic
Highlight a block and type:
# Rewrite this function to be easier to read without changing its behavior
Copilot will clean it up while keeping the output the same.

2️⃣ Match a Coding Style
// Update this function to use async/await instead of promises
Copilot adjusts the syntax to follow modern best practices.

3️⃣ Add Error Handling Automatically
// Add try/catch blocks to handle potential runtime errors
A quick way to improve reliability in one step.

4️⃣ Agent Mode for Larger Jobs
Review all service files and update them to follow the same error-handling pattern
Copilot Agent Mode expands the scope, applying consistent improvements across multiple files.

Extra Prompts to Try

# Refactor this loop into a more concise version
# Add XML or JSDoc comments to describe parameters and return values
# Replace deprecated methods with supported alternatives

Quick Takeaway

Edit Mode is like a focused assistant, it takes your instructions and makes precise changes without touching the rest of your code.
For bigger patterns, Agent Mode can apply the same logic repo-wide.