I Evaluated Microsoft Copilot’s AI Coding Abilities in 2025 and It’s Impressively Enhanced
Microsoft Copilot’s Evolution: A Year in Review
The development of artificial intelligence has sparked considerable interest, particularly in its ability to assist programmers. Microsoft’s Copilot has been a focal point of this discussion. Initially, when it launched, there was significant hype regarding its functionalities. However, its early performance left much to be desired. An assessment conducted in April 2024 showed that Copilot struggled with standardized tests, failing to deliver on several coding challenges.
Copilot’s Early Struggles
In its debut tests, Copilot’s responses were disappointing. A noted test involved creating a WordPress plugin, where it failed to display randomized content, producing no output. While it did manage to store values, it did not retrieve or display them effectively. This performance led to skepticism about its capabilities among users.
A Turnaround Performance
Fast forward to April 2025, and Copilot seemed to have taken significant strides in improving its functionality. During the latest tests, it showed remarkable growth, demonstrating that it was better prepared to tackle programming tasks. When asked to write a WordPress plugin again, Copilot successfully produced working code. Although it did leave a random blank line at the end, its overall function was fulfilled.
Key Tests of Copilot’s Coding Abilities
Here are some of the critical challenges Copilot faced and how it fared in the latest assessment:
1. Writing a WordPress Plugin
- 2024 Performance: Did not generate the needed display code, resulting in no output.
- 2025 Outcome: Successfully created the plugin that returned randomized lines, showcasing improvement.
2. Rewriting a String Function
This test assessed how effectively Copilot could handle currency conversions.
- 2024 Performance: Flagged some errors but allowed potentially faulty values to pass through, risking future failures.
- 2025 Outcome: This time, it correctly identified numbers with more than two decimal places and invalid formats (e.g., leading zeros) and returned falsified values for them.
3. Debugging an Annoying Bug
Debugging requires critical thinking and an understanding of programming logic.
- 2024 Performance: Suggested checking spellings and merely repeated the problem statement, offering little practical help.
- 2025 Outcome: This time, Copilot quickly identified the solution, successfully resolving the issue with clear, actionable steps.
4. Writing a Script
In this test, Copilot was tasked with scripting within macOS using AppleScript and Keyboard Maestro.
- 2024 Performance: Failed to incorporate Keyboard Maestro and misunderstood element targeting in AppleScript.
- 2025 Outcome: It accurately utilized Keyboard Maestro and AppleScript to address the problem presented, demonstrating a significant comprehension leap.
Results Summary
In general, Copilot’s transformation over the past year is noteworthy. Its previous inadequacies have transformed into capabilities that reflect the ongoing advancements in AI technologies. Now, when developers test Copilot, they are experiencing a more reliable tool that can indeed assist with a variety of coding tasks.
Overall, from an initial phase of underperformance, Copilot has evolved into a tool that can deliver on its promises. Users are now left to ponder whether they feel comfortable integrating AI tools like Copilot into their workflows or whether they are still cautious about their capabilities. The experience highlights the transformative potential of AI, especially as it continues to adapt and improve based on feedback and usage.
