Introduction
Writing code without touching your keyboard sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but it's actually happening right now. If you're tired of typing thousands of lines of code every day, or if physical limitations make traditional coding tough, there's a new way to build software that's changing everything.
Meet Hey, GitHub! – a voice-controlled coding tool that lets you write, edit, and navigate code just by talking. You can tell it to go to specific lines, explain complex functions, or even write entire code blocks, all hands-free. It works right inside Visual Studio Code with GitHub Copilot, so you don't have to learn a whole new system.
For developers dealing with repetitive strain injuries, arthritis, or anyone who just wants to code faster, this could be the solution you've been waiting for. Instead of constantly switching between thinking and typing, you can focus on solving problems while your voice does the heavy lifting.
Key Features
Voice-Based Code Writing and Editing: Write and edit code just by talking. Skip the typing and tell your computer what code you want – it’s like having a coding assistant that listens and types for you.
Code Navigation: Jump around your code files with simple voice commands like “go to line 34.” No more scrolling or searching – just say where you want to go and you’re there.
IDE Control: Run programs, open files, and control Visual Studio Code without touching your keyboard. Tell your computer to “run the program” or “open the test file” and watch it happen.
Code Summarization and Explanation: Get quick explanations of what your code does just by asking. Perfect when you’re reviewing someone else’s work or coming back to old projects you’ve forgotten about.
Our Take
Hey, GitHub! catches your attention right away with its voice-controlled approach to coding. Think of it as having a coding assistant who listens to what you say and types it out for you. For busy business owners who work with developers or have some coding knowledge themselves, this could change how your team works.
The biggest win here is accessibility. If you’ve got team members who struggle with typing or prefer talking through their ideas, this tool opens doors. You can tell it to write code, jump to different parts of your project, or explain what a piece of code does. All without touching your keyboard.
But let’s be real about the downsides. Voice recognition isn’t perfect. Sometimes it might mishear you, especially with technical terms or variable names. Your team will need time to get used to talking to their computer instead of typing. And in open offices? Well, you might need to think about noise levels.
The integration with GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio Code is smooth, which means if your team already uses these tools, adding Hey, GitHub! won’t disrupt your workflow. That’s a big plus for businesses that can’t afford downtime for tool switching.
Is it worth trying? If your team values innovation and accessibility, or if you have developers who could benefit from hands-free coding, it’s worth a test run. Just don’t expect it to replace traditional coding overnight. Like any new tool, it works best when you find the right balance between voice commands and traditional methods.
Pricing
GitHub Next does not have any pricing information available on this page.
This appears to be a research and innovation lab within GitHub that showcases experimental projects and prototypes for the future of software development.
The projects shown range from research prototypes to completed experiments, but no commercial pricing or subscription plans are mentioned.
These appear to be exploratory initiatives rather than commercially available products, though some projects like GitHub Copilot have transitioned to become full GitHub products with their own separate pricing structures.
Final Thoughts
Voice coding isn’t just a cool tech demo anymore – it’s a real tool that could change how you or your team builds software. If you’ve been curious about whether talking to your computer could actually make coding easier, now’s the time to find out. Take a few minutes to think about your current workflow. Are there moments when being able to code hands-free would help? Maybe during those long debugging sessions when your wrists start hurting, or when you’re trying to explain code logic out loud anyway?
The best part is you don’t have to commit to a complete switch. Start small by using voice commands for navigation or quick edits, then gradually expand as you get comfortable. Your future self might thank you for learning this skill now, especially as voice technology keeps getting better.
Ready to give voice coding a shot? Click the button below to try Hey, GitHub! and see if talking to your code is as game-changing as it sounds.
FAQs
