Mark Vickers

This tutorial is different in that I'm not showing you how to do anything. Rather, I'm laying out a topic that is beyond my expertise but that's important to most online businesses today. It's not just important because it's about software development but because, increasingly, a lot of non-developers are using AIs to write software. Some refer to it as "vibe coding."

Although I've dabbled in Python and R coding, I'm not qualified to weigh on the details here. This was written mostly by ChatGPT and edited by me with the help of its Canvas function (which is probably a tutorial for another day).

If you think any of this is wrong, just let me know. Honestly, the lines between these three categories of tools have gotten pretty blurry.

Introduction

With the rise of artificial intelligence, new tools have emerged to help people write, debug, and improve code. These tools come in three main categories: coding assistants, coding agents, and AI-powered code editors. While they serve similar purposes, they have key differences that make them suited for different use cases. This tutorial explains what they are, how they differ, and how you can use them effectively.
What Are Coding Assistants?

Coding assistants are AI-powered tools that help developers write, edit, and optimize code. They function as smart autocomplete systems, providing suggestions and explanations to improve efficiency. These tools are designed to assist human programmers rather than work independently.

Common Features of Coding Assistants:

• Autocompleting code as you type.
• Providing explanations for code snippets.
• Debugging and suggesting fixes for errors.
• Offering documentation and best practices.
• Helping with code refactoring and optimization.

Popular Coding Assistants:

1. GitHub Copilot – Developed by OpenAI and GitHub, this tool suggests whole lines or blocks of code based on context.
   
   • Website: https://github.cm/features/copilot
2. Tabnine – Uses AI to suggest relevant code completions and improve development speed.
   
   • Website: https://www.tabnine.cm
3. Codeium – A free AI-powered coding assistant that integrates with many IDEs.
   
   • Website: https://www.cdeium.com
4. AWS CodeWhisperer – Amazon’s AI-powered coding assistant with built-in security scanning.
   
   • Website: https://aws.amazn.com/codewhisperer

What Are Coding Agents?

Coding agents take AI assistance further by acting more autonomously. Unlike coding assistants, which provide suggestions, coding agents can analyze, generate, and execute code with minimal human input. They are more like AI-powered co-developers that automate coding tasks end-to-end.

Common Features of Coding Agents:

• Generating complete applications or scripts from a description.
• Debugging and fixing errors autonomously.
• Running tests and refining code based on results.
• Integrating with APIs and databases automatically.

Popular Coding Agents:

1. Devin AI – One of the most advanced coding agents, capable of handling full-stack development tasks independently.
   
   • Website: https://www.cgnition-labs.com
2. OpenAI Codex – The model behind GitHub Copilot, capable of generating complex programs from natural language prompts.
   
   • Website: https://penai.com/research/codex
3. AutoGPT – A fully autonomous AI agent that can write, debug, and improve code iteratively.
   
   • Website: https://github.cm/Torantulino/Auto-GPT
4. AgentGPT – Allows users to configure autonomous AI agents that complete coding tasks with minimal supervision.
   
   • Website: https://agentgpt.rewrkd.ai

What Are AI-Powered Code Editors?
AI-powered code editors are integrated development environments (IDEs) or text editors that incorporate AI-driven features beyond simple autocomplete. These editors can analyze context, improve code structure, suggest refactoring, and assist with debugging.
Common Features of AI-Powered Code Editors:

• AI-based code completion and refactoring.
• Intelligent debugging suggestions.
• Automated documentation generation.
• Integrated AI chatbots for real-time code assistance.
• Smart code search and explanation tools.

How AI-Powered Code Editors Differ from Coding Assistants:
FeatureAI-Powered Code EditorsCoding AssistantsIntegrationBuilt directly into an IDE or editor.Works as an add-on or plugin for editors.CapabilitiesProvides AI-driven debugging, structuring, and documentation.Focuses primarily on autocomplete and quick suggestions.User ExperienceFull-fledged development environment with AI features.Lightweight AI assistance without full integration.
Popular AI-Powered Code Editors:

1. Cursor – A code editor with AI assistance tailored for software engineers, offering deep code analysis and real-time improvements.
   
   • Website: https://cursr.sh
2. Microsoft Visual Studio IntelliCode – AI-powered enhancements for Visual Studio that offer smarter code suggestions and deeper insights.
   
   • Website: https://visualstudi.microsoft.com/services/intellicode/
3. JetBrains AI-Powered IDEs – JetBrains integrates AI features into IDEs like PyCharm, IntelliJ IDEA, and WebStorm for advanced coding assistance.
   
   • Website: https://www.jetbrains.cm/
4. Replit Ghostwriter – An AI-powered code editor in the cloud that helps with debugging and structuring code.
   
   • Website: https://replit.cm/site/ghostwriter

Key Differences Between Coding Assistants, Coding Agents, and AI-Powered Code Editors
Feature
Coding Assistants
Coding Agents
AI-Powered Code EditorsUser InputRequires user guidance for suggestions.Can work independently with minimal input.Built-in AI features within an IDE.Task ScopeHelps with small tasks like autocompletion and debugging.Can generate, test, and refine entire projects.Assists with code structure, debugging, and documentation.AutomationSupports human developers with suggestions.Automates entire coding processes.Enhances IDE features with AI capabilities.Best ForImproving productivity for developers.Automating development tasks and reducing human effort.Enhancing development environments with AI-driven tools. Conclusion

Coding assistants, coding agents, and AI-powered code editors all play vital roles in improving efficiency in software development. Assistants provide real-time suggestions, agents take on larger automation tasks, and AI-powered code editors enhance IDEs with AI-driven features. Choosing the right tool depends on your needs and workflow. You can start by experimenting with these tools to see how they can best fit into your coding process!

But, I recommend that if you want to fool around with "vibe coding," you start with Anthropic's Claude. It's probably the all-around best foundation model AI for coding.

And, it also happens to have a charming personality and witty sense of humor as well, if you just want to chat.