Prompt Engineering for Software Development (Microsoft Copilot) Training

Prompt Engineering for Software Development (Microsoft Copilot)

An advanced, practice-driven course for developers already using AI coding tools. The focus is working faster and safer with Microsoft Copilot by mastering prompt patterns, context strategies, and integration with real repositories, tests, and CI.

What will you learn?

You will refine how you scope engineering tasks, design prompts, and steer Microsoft Copilot to produce reliable code changes. You will connect prompts to your repos and workflows, apply guardrails with tests and policies, and adopt lightweight evaluation so quality improves over time.

After this training you will be confident in:

Framing engineering tasks for Copilot and selecting effective prompting strategies
Using repository context, symbols, configs, and documentation to ground outputs
Driving code edits, explanations, and diffs across multi-file projects
Tightening feedback loops with tests and acceptance criteria
Integrating Copilot use into Git, code review, and CI
Managing privacy, security, and IP considerations with clear auditability

Requirements:

Strong command of Git and code review practices
Familiarity with a CI system and package managers in at least one language
Access to a non-sensitive repository suitable for training
Microsoft Copilot enabled in your IDE or GitHub account as applicable

Course Outline*:

*We know each team has their own needs and specifications. That is why we can modify the training outline per need.

Module 1: Copilot in the software development lifecycle

When Copilot accelerates planning, coding, testing, and review
Limits of AI assistance and when to hand back to humans
Task decomposition, constraints, and acceptance criteria as prompt inputs
Reading model outputs critically and deciding when to iterate or restart

Module 2: High quality prompts for real codebases

Patterns for feature additions, bug fixes, migrations, and docs
Requesting focused diffs, patch style outputs, and commit messages
Style, lint, and formatting rules expressed as constraints
Capturing invariants and non functional requirements inside prompts

Module 3: Preparing and managing context

Selecting the right files, symbols, logs, and configs without overload
Summarizing large areas of code and linking design docs or API references
Grounding with issue descriptions, changelogs, and READMEs
Keeping prompts concise while preserving critical constraints

Module 4: Tests as guardrails and debugging with Copilot

Writing or tightening unit and integration tests before edits
Using failing tests and stack traces to steer the next iteration
Producing reviewer friendly explanations and change notes
Simple strategies to prevent regressions across modules and services

Module 5: Copilot integrated with Git and CI

Branching approaches that complement AI assisted changes
Pull request descriptions, risk callouts, and review checklists
Connecting prompts to automated tests and quality gates
Tracking prompt inputs and outputs for traceability

Module 6: Prompt templates and team reuse

Reusable scaffolds for common workflows in your stack
Embedding coding standards, security checks, and performance expectations
Organizing a prompt library and keeping it versioned
Sharing patterns across teams without leaking sensitive context

Module 7: Security, privacy, and IP for AI assisted code

Redacting secrets and minimizing sensitive data sharing
License awareness and provenance for generated code
Decision logs, audit trails, and stakeholder visibility
Aligning usage with internal policies and client commitments

Module 8: Evaluation and continuous improvement

Lightweight metrics such as pass rates, rework, and cycle time
A and B style prompt comparisons and small experiments
Building a team playbook for safe rollout and maintenance
Roadmap for scaling Copilot usage while keeping humans in control

‍

Hands-on learning with expert instructors at your location for organizations.

Level:

Intermediate

Duration:

Hours (days:

)

Training customized to your needs

Immersive hands-on experience in a dedicated setting

*Price can range depending on number of participants, change of outline, location etc.

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Master new skills guided by experienced instructors from anywhere.

Level:

Intermediate

Duration:

Hours (days:

)

Training customized to your needs

Reduced training costs

*Price can range depending on number of participants, change of outline, location etc.

Get Quote

You can participate in a Public Course with people from other organisations.

/per trainee

Thanks for the numbers, they could be going to your emails. But they're going to mine... Thanks ;D

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Level:

Intermediate

Duration:

Hours (days:

)

Fits ideally for individuals and small groups

Networking opportunities with fellow participants.

*Price can range depending on number of participants, change of outline, location etc.

Get Quote

Prompt Engineering for Software Development (Microsoft Copilot)

What will you learn?

Requirements:

Course Outline*:

Module 1: Copilot in the software development lifecycle

Module 2: High quality prompts for real codebases

Module 3: Preparing and managing context

Module 4: Tests as guardrails and debugging with Copilot

Module 5: Copilot integrated with Git and CI

Module 6: Prompt templates and team reuse

Module 7: Security, privacy, and IP for AI assisted code

Module 8: Evaluation and continuous improvement

Get Quote for:

Prompt Engineering for Software Development (Microsoft Copilot)

Start your training experience here!