Making Every Token Count: Optimizing GitHub Copilot for Performance and Cost

In the new era of usage-based AI billing, token efficiency has shifted from a minor optimization to a critical skill for developers and organizations. As GitHub Copilot scales across enterprise environments, understanding the mechanics of context windows, model selection, and agent quality is essential for maintaining developer productivity without inflating operational costs. This session provides a deep dive into the "token economy" of Copilot, moving beyond the misconception that more context always equals better outputs.
Attendees will explore the mechanics of token consumption: from cached input tokens to the compounding error problem in multistep agent flows - and learn actionable strategies to optimize workflows. We will examine practical techniques including how to implement deterministic guardrails, refine agent instructions, leverage custom agents and skills, and use pre-filtering strategies to drastically reduce unnecessary token expenditure.

Presented at DevOpsDays Graz 2026

From Code to App Store: Build and Deploy Mobile Apps with GitHub Actions

Building and deploying mobile apps does not have to be complicated! In this session, _From Code to App Store: Build and Deploy Mobile Apps with GitHub Actions_, we will create an automated workflow that takes your app from code to live on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

We will take care of:

- Setting up a workflow using GitHub Actions to build and deploy an app.
- Safely manage secrets and environments to secure an app during deployment and access app stores and testing tracks.
- Branching strategies and protection to keep your team’s work organized and your releases smooth.
- Implement a simple system for handling app build version numbers that can be used across platforms. These numbers are related to the git history and, therefore, your feature state.

By the end, you have the tools and tips to streamline your app delivery process, making deployments faster, organized, and stress-free!

An Octotale: How GitHub Copilot brought life to an Octolamp

Join me on a whirlwind journey as we create an Octolamp, connecting GitHub to real-life events in just two weeks. With limited knowledge of Azure Functions, IoT Hub, and rusty C++ skills, the challenge seemed daunting. Yet, witness how Copilot bridged these gaps, speeding up development despite unfamiliar territory. Learn how Copilot helps turn ideas into prototypes quickly, even when facing language and tech barriers. Discover key lessons as we explore how Copilot empowers creators, enabling swift progress from concept to execution in the ever-changing world of innovation.

Create Your Own GitHub Copilot Extension

Let's discover the exciting new world of GitHub Copilot Extensions. Learn how these extensions enhance developer productivity by directly integrating custom tools and services within GitHub Copilot Chat. We are creating a custom GitHub Copilot Extension to answer our questions on GitHub.com and in Visual Studio Code and learn what it takes and how it works. Join the dynamic mix of presentation and hands-on practice to level up your coding workflows with your AI-driven assistance.