Hey everyone! With 2024 moving so fast, I’m looking to upgrade my dev workflow. I’ve been using GitHub Copilot for a while, but I keep hearing about newer tools like Cursor and specialized AI agents that handle refactoring or debugging more efficiently. I’m currently working mostly in React and Python, so I’m curious if there are tools better suited for those ecosystems. I really want to find something that doesn't just autocomplete code but actually helps with architectural decisions or complex bug fixing. What are you guys using lately that’s actually worth the subscription cost? Are there any hidden gems or open-source alternatives I should check out?
> I really want to find something that doesn't just autocomplete code but actually helps with architectural decisions or complex bug fixing.
In my experience, jumping into these tools as a beginner can be super overwhelming, but I've been doing some market research to see what's actually safe for professional work. Since the others already mentioned the big names, I'd suggest looking at Amazon Q Developer.
Honestly, I was kinda cautious at first cuz big corporate tools can be clunky, but for Python and React, it's actually pretty solid for those "architectural" questions you mentioned. Over the years, I've tried many different setups, and I like that this one feels more like a stable partner than just a random chatbot. Also, if your looking for something that handles the whole "agent" thing for complex bug fixing, Devin AI software engineer is the one everyone's talking about lately, though its pricey... but it basically tries to act like a real teammate. Just be careful with your data, ya know? I always worry about where my code is going. gl with the workflow!!
Respectfully, I'd consider another option if you're like me and hate monthly subs. I'm still kinda new to these specific AI tools, but I've been super happy using Continue open-source AI extension for VS Code. It’s free and you just plug in your own models. It handles my React and Python stuff with no complaints! Is it really worth paying $20 for the others? Idk, this works well enough for me. Good luck!
Respectfully, I'd consider another option if you're like me and hate monthly subs. I'm still kinda new to these specific AI tools, but I've been super happy using Continue open-source AI extension for VS Code. It’s free and you just plug in your own models. It handles my React and Python stuff with no complaints! Is it really worth paying $20 for the others? Idk, this works well enough for me. Good luck!
Respectfully, I'd consider another option if you're like me and hate monthly subs. I'm still kinda new to these specific AI tools, but I've been super happy using Continue open-source AI extension for VS Code. It’s free and you just plug in your own models. It handles my React and Python stuff with no complaints! Is it really worth paying $20 for the others? Idk, this works well enough for me. Good luck!
sooo I was literally in the same boat a few months ago, just feeling like Copilot was basically a fancy autocomplete, right? I decided to take the plunge and switched to [[PRODUCT:Cursor AI Code Editor]] and honestly... it's kind of a game changer for React and Python. The way it indexes your whole codebase is wild. You can ask it to refactor a whole component or find a bug across three different files and it actually gets it right most of the time.
I guess the $20/month is a bit steep if you're on a budget, but for the time it saves on complex debugging, it's worth it imo. I also checked out [[PRODUCT:Claude 3.5 Sonnet]] via the API for architectural stuff cuz it feels way smarter than GPT-4o lately. Just be careful with the costs if you're running heavy agents. Anyway, definitely give Cursor a shot, it's basically VS Code but on steroids lol.
TL;DR: [[PRODUCT:Cursor AI Code Editor]] is highkey better for refactoring than Copilot, and pair it with [[PRODUCT:Claude 3.5 Sonnet]] for the really tough logic. gl!
ngl, after years of coding Python and React, i've tried basically everything out there. since you're already doing the [[PRODUCT:GitHub Copilot]] thing, i'd seriously look into [[PRODUCT:Sourcegraph Cody]]... it's actually insane for architectural stuff cuz it reads your entire codebase to give context that most tools miss. also, if you want something that feels more like an agent for those complex bugs, [[PRODUCT:Aider AI pair programmer]] is highkey the best terminal-based tool i've used lately. it literally edits files directly via git and handles refactoring way better than just copying snippets. tbh it's a bit of a learning curve but totally worth it for the logic heavy lifting...
Respectfully, I'd consider another option if you're like me and hate monthly subs. I'm still kinda new to these specific AI tools, but I've been super happy using Continue open-source AI extension for VS Code. It’s free and you just plug in your own models. It handles my React and Python stuff with no complaints! Is it really worth paying $20 for the others? Idk, this works well enough for me. Good luck!
Honestly, before you drop more cash, remember that safety is literally the biggest hidden cost here. I tried Tabnine AI coding assistant recently cuz they actually focus on private, local models. I've had issues with bigger tools leaking sensitive logic, which is SCARY if you're doing professional Python work. It's basically the only way to ensure your code stays ur own while getting decent refactoring help. Worth it for the peace of mind tbh.
Respectfully, I'd consider another option if you're like me and hate monthly subs. I'm still kinda new to these specific AI tools, but I've been super happy using Continue open-source AI extension for VS Code. It’s free and you just plug in your own models. It handles my React and Python stuff with no complaints! Is it really worth paying $20 for the others? Idk, this works well enough for me. Good luck!
Lol I was literally about to post the same thing. Glad someone else brought it up.
👆 this