How AI in Programming is Transforming the Way We Code

There’s something magical about the moment when you finally solve a programming problem you’ve been stuck on for hours. But let’s be honest—sometimes you just want to pull your hair out when staring at the same broken code for 30+ minutes. What if you could use that time more productively?

That’s where AI in programming comes in, acting as your friendly coding companion ready to help you through those frustrating moments. By using advanced algorithms to analyze code, Artificial Inteligence can automatically detect problematic areas and suggest fixes.

With recent advancements in AI technology, there are now numerous tools ready to support your coding journey. I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the 11 best AI programming tools that are proving to be indispensable allies for daily coding tasks.

The Top 11 AI Programming Tools You Should Know About

Ready to revolutionize how you generate, review, and debug code? Here’s my essential list of AI tools that can transform your coding workflow:

1. Tess AI

Tess AI, developed by Pareto, represents a significant innovation in artificial intelligence. It incorporates advanced technologies like natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to understand and execute your coding instructions.

What makes Tess stand out is its integration of multiple advanced AI models including GPT-4, Grok, Gemini, Llama, Claude, Cohere, and others, all combined with Pareto’s proprietary algorithms.

For code generation, Tess AI employs machine learning and NLP to understand instructions and generate code snippets or complete programs in various languages, including Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, and SQL.

The platform offers quick and precise responses, suggests improvements, fixes errors, and can integrate with APIs to expand its capabilities. All this makes developers’ work easier and improves programming efficiency.

Pricing:

• Beginner Plan: $9.8/month (annual plan) – Includes free AI Generative training course and 18,000 credits per year
• Individual Plan: $19.8/month (annual plan) – Allows agent creation and includes 36,000 credits per year

2. Codiga

Codiga is an AI assistant that focuses more on code analysis and review rather than creating code from scratch. While it can generate code segments, its primary purpose isn’t writing complete code lines.

Instead, Codiga’s strength lies in optimizing and improving existing code, making it cleaner and more efficient. Its dashboard reports all important metrics about code quality, showing the overall number of code violations, duplicated functions, and complexity issues.

Best Features:

• Code review: Codiga provides comprehensive code reviews that can reduce the number of violations and vulnerabilities
• Customization: You can create custom rules for code review in less than five minutes and share them with your team
• Security focus: The platform inspects software for all common threats and automatically fixes security vulnerabilities in your IDE

Limitations:

• Limited IDE integrations: Codiga only integrates with VS Code, JetBrains, Visual Studio, GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket
• PHP limitations: Although Codiga supports 15 different languages, some users complain that it doesn’t work as well with PHP

Pricing:

• Basic: Free
• Pro: $14/month

3. Tabnine

Tabnine is a standout tool for AI code completion. Leveraging advanced deep learning algorithms, it enhances the development experience by offering intelligent completion for various languages such as Java, Python, and C++.

Widely adopted by industry leaders like Facebook and Google, Tabnine accelerates coding by predicting and suggesting relevant code lines, boosting productivity. It can anticipate and automatically suggest your next line of code based on the syntax you’re using.

Best Features:

• Predictive coding: Tabnine’s best feature is its ability to suggest your next line of code while you type through its predictive machine learning feature
• Flexible hosting: You can run Tabnine on a laptop, on a firewall-protected server, or in the cloud, so this tool adapts to your company’s security protocols
• Multiple programming languages: The tool supports both main and niche programming languages, including JavaScript, Python, TypeScript, Rust, Go, and Bash

Limitations:

• Limited features in UI frameworks: Some users complain that if you’re working with JavaScript UI frameworks, the suggestions are less accurate and often incorrect
• Uses a lot of storage: This program uses a lot of RAM and sometimes requires more than 1 GB of memory to run

Pricing:

• Beginner: Free
• Pro: $12/month
• Enterprise: $39/month

4. ChatGPT

ChatGPT is probably the most well-known AI tool. It’s designed to answer user questions, challenge incorrect ideas, and reject inappropriate requests. Working with ChatGPT feels like exchanging ideas with a smarter colleague.

Since its main goal is to answer your questions, you can apply it to a large number of use cases, including writing code and even debugging and planning your product development process.

The AI technology has been updated to the GPT-4 model, which processes more complex instructions, understands advanced syntaxes, and has a token limit of up to 25,000 words. Additionally, GPT-4 is safer than its predecessor.

Best Features:

• Flexibility: You can use this AI chatbot for functions beyond coding. As a simple question-and-answer tool, it can streamline workflows across all functions of your organization
• Follow-up questions: Some AI code generators fail at the first hurdle by not understanding the full context of your question. As ChatGPT asks follow-up questions, it can help you identify the information you need to provide for an accurate answer
• Code review: ChatGPT is particularly skilled at identifying errors in your code and helping you fix them

Limitations:

• Limited context: Some users complain that in longer conversations, this chatbot tends to lose track. It may forget information you provided at the beginning of the conversation and fail to provide consistent answers
• Generic responses: Some also say this program tends to provide the same standard responses repeatedly, even when the context is different

Pricing:

• ChatGPT 3.5: Free
• ChatGPT 4 Pro: $20 per user, billed monthly

5. GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot was developed in partnership with OpenAI and functions as a virtual programmer that helps developers write better code at an accelerated pace.

It does this by suggesting entire lines or blocks of code while the developer types. The tool is trained on public code repositories and is therefore capable of understanding a multitude of programming languages and coding styles.

GitHub Copilot doesn’t just reproduce trained code but also adapts to each developer’s unique style. Its suggestions become more personalized and accurate over time, making it an essential partner in programming.

Best Features:

• Predictive code generation: Going beyond simple autocomplete, GitHub suggests entire lines or blocks of code, significantly streamlining the coding process
• Multilingual capability: This tool is trained on numerous public code repositories, allowing it to understand and assist with a vast range of programming languages
• Continuous learning: The AI learns from coding styles and habits, providing personalized suggestions that improve over time

Limitations:

• Slow integration and performance: Some users complain that teaching your process to Copilot is time-consuming and requires a lot of training data. After installation and running, its real-time AI features create code at a slower pace than other AI tools
• Limited debugging assistance: GitHub provides some assistance with debugging, but doesn’t provide in-depth support

Pricing:

• Individual: $10/month
• Business: $19/month

6. Gemini (formerly Bard)

Gemini is a Google AI tool that has been standing out in helping programmers create and maintain code. Efficiency and speed are two of the main strengths of the tool, allowing developers to automate repetitive tasks.

One of the most valuable aspects of Gemini is its ability to assist in code debugging. The AI can efficiently identify and correct errors, reducing the time spent on testing and fixes.

Additionally, Gemini supports multiple programming languages, making it a versatile option for developers working with different technologies.

Best Features:

• Snippet creation: Gemini can generate small code snippets for various programming languages, saving time and effort in writing repetitive code
• Algorithm assistance: When describing a specific algorithm or problem, Gemini can suggest solutions in code, helping to visualize the logic behind the implementation
• Code adaptation: Gemini can adapt existing codes for new features or requirements, facilitating maintenance and evolution of projects

Limitations:

• Contextual understanding: Gemini may have difficulties understanding the complete context of a programming problem, especially when it involves complex nuances of program logic or interactions with other systems
• Debugging limitations: Although Gemini can help identify some errors in code, it is not a complete debugger. Manual debugging and the use of dedicated debugging tools are still essential
• Context limit: The context limit for a chat can be a problem

Pricing:

• Free

7. OpenAI Codex

OpenAI Codex comes from the same company that created ChatGPT, OpenAI, and its system uses large language models (LLMs) of deep learning, a process that involves teaching AI to perform tasks by feeding it with an enormous amount of data.

The Codex system was trained with the natural language processing resources of its GPT-3 platform and with billions of lines of code. Thanks to this in-depth training process, Codex can translate written instructions into high-quality code in real time.

However, it’s worth noting that this AI-based coding assistant is more efficient at generating code snippets, rather than complete codes.

OpenAI Codex was also used as the foundation for GitHub Copilot, highlighting its ability to assist programmers with suggestions and creation of code parts.

Best Features:

• Quick setup: As OpenAI spent a lot of time training its coding system, most software developers can start immediately without having to feed Codex with their own training datasets
• AI code completion tool: As you work, Codex emerges as an intelligent code completion tool, suggesting code snippets to automatically complete common code tasks
• Natural language request: You can write a request asking Codex to solve a coding problem and it will respond with code suggestions

Limitations:

• Few supported languages: Codex works best with Python. Although it also supports JavaScript, Go, Perl, PHP, Ruby, Swift, TypeScript, and Shell, code suggestions may be less accurate in these languages
• No code review: OpenAI Codex is primarily a generative AI. It wasn’t designed to suggest improvements to code you’ve already written

Pricing:

• Temporarily free

8. Kodus

Kodus is a platform that transforms the code review process with automation and artificial intelligence, ensuring quality and safety from the first steps of development.

Designed for teams that value efficiency and consistency, Kodus accelerates Pull Request reviews and helps avoid problems before they reach production.

Integrated directly with GitHub and GitLab, Kodus analyzes and interprets code context to offer clear feedback aligned with your team’s style guide and practices.

Main Features:

• Automatic Pull Request summary: Save time with automatic summaries that explain what’s being changed in each PR, making discussions more objective
• Best practices validation: Kodus analyzes code based on your style guide rules and ensures it aligns with your team’s practices
• Security vulnerability correction: It not only detects but also suggests or applies automatic fixes for security flaws in the code
• Bug prevention: Identify problems even before they go to production, saving time and avoiding future headaches

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Ideal for small teams who want to explore basic features
• Pro Plan: Starting at $10/month, including advanced customizations and complete integrations

9. CodeWP

CodeWP is a cloud-based and AI-based WordPress code generator. The tool is designed to simplify the coding process for WordPress developers at all skill levels.

This platform is capable of generating valid codes for numerous tasks, such as creating post types, developing plugins, extending the core function of products, among others.

CodeWP works simply: the user describes the desired code and the tool generates efficient and secure code, which can be edited as needed. Trained on a vast dataset of WordPress code, CodeWP ensures high accuracy, saving time, improving productivity, and reducing costs.

Best Features:

• AI-driven WordPress code generation
• Supports a variety of tasks, including custom post-type creation and plugin development
• Pre-made and verified code snippets for various use cases
• Write code for WordPress core or other important plugins like WooCommerce, ACF, and page builders

Pricing:

• Free plan available
• Pro: Starting from $18/month

10. Amazon CodeWhisperer

CodeWhisperer, developed by Amazon, is a tool that leverages AI to provide real-time code suggestions. Additionally, it facilitates reviews by identifying matches in open source codes.

This tool also stands out for its ability to check for security vulnerabilities and suggest immediate fixes. A strong point is the focus on code security, following best practices, including OWASP guidelines.

It’s a valuable resource for developers who want to be more efficient, accurate, and secure in their coding efforts.

Best Features:

• Multilingual capability: Real-time code recommendations in various programming languages
• Compatibility with multiple IDEs: Amazon CodeWhisperer provides AI-powered code suggestions for multiple programming languages
• Integrated security checks: You can check Java, JavaScript, and Python projects for hard-to-find vulnerabilities, such as those in the Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP) top 10
• Continuous learning: Improving code accuracy and security through machine learning-based suggestions

Limitations:

• Limitations in complex codes: May not be able to handle complex or new coding tasks that require more creativity or domain knowledge
• Potential security risks: May pose privacy or security risks if code suggestions leak developers’ sensitive or confidential information or their projects

Pricing:

• Individual: Free
• Professional: $19/month

11. Replit Ghostwriter

Replit is an online coding platform that offers an interactive space for users to code, collaborate, and learn collectively. It’s known for its browser-based IDE that allows co-coding on documents and native hosting.

One of its best-known features is Ghostwriter, an AI-powered code assistant designed to streamline the coding process. Ghostwriter, trained on millions of lines of code, provides contextually relevant code suggestions, making it a valuable tool for programmers of any level.

From code autocomplete to debugging, Ghostwriter can help speed up coding, improve code quality, and assist in learning new programming languages.

Best Features:

• Supports 16 programming languages: Replit Ghostwriter supports JavaScript, Python, Bash, C, C#, C++, CSS, Go, Java, HTML, PHP, Perl, R, Ruby, Rust, and SQL
• Fast response time: The average response time of the Ghostwriter chatbot is 500 ms, so your developers don’t get frustrated with slow speeds
• Voice to code: In addition to typing messages in the chatbot, you can also use voice messages to start projects while on the go

Limitations:

• May not work well in all languages: Although it supports 16 languages, this program is most effective in Python and JavaScript
• Works only within the Replit IDE: Ghostwriter is a feature of Replit’s integrated development environment and cannot be used with any other IDE. So if you already use Visual Studio Code, XCode, JetBrains, or another platform, Ghostwriter won’t work for you

Pricing:

• Beginners: Free
• Individual: $10/month
• Teams: $33 per user/month

How AI is Being Used in Programming Today

AI in programming can assist you, as a developer, in different aspects of the software development lifecycle, from initial code writing to continuous maintenance and optimization. Take a look!

Intelligent Refactoring

Intelligent refactoring is a technique that uses artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze and restructure software source code without changing its external behavior.

This approach aims to improve code readability, maintainability, and efficiency by identifying duplicate code patterns, removing dead code, and automatically applying design patterns.

Code Quality Analysis

Code quality analysis with AI involves using algorithms to evaluate source code quality based on metrics such as complexity, readability, cohesion, and coupling.

This analysis can identify potential problems and areas for improvement in the code, helping developers write more robust and better quality software.

Bug Prediction

Bug prediction algorithms use machine learning techniques to identify patterns in source code that may be related to bugs or defects.

These models can analyze bug histories, code reviews, and other data sources to predict areas of code that may be prone to bugs in the future, allowing developers to focus their testing and correction efforts on these critical areas.

Automated Code Review

Automated code review uses AI to automatically analyze source code for errors, coding standard violations, and improvement opportunities.

This approach allows for faster and more efficient code review, increasing software quality and reducing time spent on manual review processes.

AI-Powered Debugging

AI debugging uses intelligent algorithms to identify and fix bugs in source code automatically.

These systems can analyze software behavior at runtime, identify error patterns, and suggest corrections or adjustments to the code to solve the problems found.

Automatic Code Review

Automatic code review employs AI algorithms to analyze and comment on source code automatically, offering improvement suggestions, identifying potential problems, and promoting good programming practices.

This approach helps developers receive quick and objective feedback on their code, facilitating the collaboration and learning process.

Coding Assistant

Coding assistants are AI-based tools that help developers during the code writing process, offering suggestions for automatic completion, error correction, refactoring, and documentation.

These tools increase developer productivity, reducing time spent on repetitive and tedious tasks.

Code Plagiarism Detection

Code plagiarism detection systems use AI algorithms to compare a program’s source code with an existing code database, identifying similar or identical code snippets.

This approach helps protect intellectual property and code integrity, preventing unauthorized copying and misuse of existing solutions.

Code Conversion

Code conversion with AI involves automatic translation of source code between different programming languages.

This approach allows developers to migrate their projects to new platforms or technologies more easily, saving time and effort in the manual code conversion process.

Test Automation

Test automation with AI uses intelligent algorithms to generate test cases, run automated tests, and analyze results, identifying failures quickly and efficiently.

This approach increases test coverage and software reliability, allowing developers to deliver high-quality products more agilely.

Automatic Coding

Automatic coding with AI involves automatic generation of source code from high-level specifications or requirements.

This approach allows developers to quickly create functional prototypes, reducing the time needed to implement new features or complex systems.

Script Coding

Script coding with AI uses intelligent algorithms to generate automated scripts that perform specific tasks, such as data manipulation, process automation, or interaction with external systems.

These scripts can be useful for simplifying routine tasks and increasing operational efficiency in various areas, such as software development, data analysis, and system administration.

Predictive Code Generation

Predictive code generation uses machine learning algorithms to predict and suggest code snippets based on patterns observed in source code repositories.

This approach helps developers write more efficient and semantic code, reducing time spent searching for solutions and increasing productivity during software development.

Code Summarization

Code summarization with AI uses natural language processing algorithms to extract the main concepts and functionalities from a set of source code, generating concise and informative summaries.

This approach facilitates code understanding and maintenance, especially in large and complex projects, where documentation may be scarce or outdated.

Code Optimization

Code optimization with AI involves applying automated techniques to improve source code performance, efficiency, and scalability.

This approach can range from identifying and removing performance bottlenecks to restructuring code to better leverage the underlying hardware resources, resulting in faster and more efficient systems.

How AI is Transforming Programming

AI tools for programming can make life easier for you and your entire team. No more wasting time trying to fix broken code snippets for many hours with many attempts. Now, you can use AI to your advantage!

At their best, AI code generators can act as (artificially) intelligent colleagues, helping to debate, solve problems, and explore ideas that drive your development process forward.

Key Takeaways

• AI programming tools can significantly reduce debugging time
• Different tools specialize in different aspects: code completion, review, security, etc.
• Free options exist for most AI programming needs
• The best tool depends on your specific programming language and workflow
• AI can help with everything from writing code to detecting bugs and security vulnerabilities
• These tools work as companions to human programmers, not replacements