AI help while you code

Which AI coding assistant is right for you?

Compare code completion, editor chat and assistants that can edit several files based on your experience and the kind of project you want to build.

Start with the practical steps Choose suitable hardware

In plain language

Choose for the job, not the longest feature list

Fast code completion is useful while typing. An editor chat is better when you want a file explained or need to discuss an error. If you want a complete feature changed across several files, choose an edit or agent mode that can read the project, propose changes and run its checks.

What you can build

What kind of help do you want?

These common situations usually point to the right type of assistant.

Write faster

Code completion suggests the next lines without interrupting your work.

Understand code

An editor chat explains a file, proposes a solution and answers follow-up questions.

Create a feature

An edit or agent mode changes the relevant files and presents the result for you to try.

How to start

How to compare assistants fairly

Give every candidate the same small task from a real project.

Pick one small goal
Pick a small job where you already know what a correct result looks like.
Describe what you want
State the programming language, desired behavior and relevant files in simple sentences.
Build one useful feature
Ask for one contained change and then request a plain explanation of what changed.
Try the result yourself
Run the app, try the result and compare both the time saved and how well you understood the solution.

Before you share it

What matters when choosing

The right assistant saves time without hiding what happens inside your project.

It supports your programming language and preferred editor.
You can see exactly which files will change before accepting them.
Its data handling suits the sensitivity of your project.
Price, usage limits and local-model support are clearly explained.

Continue

Related practical guides

Create an app with AI

Build an app with AI: from idea to first user

Shape a small useful application, create the first working version with an AI assistant and improve it with real feedback instead of guesses.

Private AI on your computer

Code with local AI and keep your project on your computer

Use a coding assistant without a cloud model, understand the few pieces involved and choose a model size that runs smoothly on your own machine.

Use Ollama in your editor

Set up Ollama as your local coding assistant

Install a local coding model, connect it to your editor and confirm the setup with one small programming task.

Official documentation and further reading

Technical references are linked to the original project or manufacturer documentation.