Best AI Coding Tools of 2024: Which Tool is Right for You?
AI is transforming the way we write code, allowing developers to become 10 times more efficient.
A recent study revealed that 92% of U.S.-based developers in large companies use AI coding tools, and 70% see significant improvements[1]. These tools are becoming indispensable for programmers worldwide.
With this in mind, let's dive into the top AI coding assistants today: Anthropic, ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and Gemini. We'll compare their features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you decide which is best for your coding needs.
ChatGPT
Most AI coding tools offer similar features: suggesting code, completing code, finding errors, and explaining code. However, their quality varies.
A recent study tested OpenAI's ChatGPT on coding tasks. ChatGPT can produce functional code, but its success depends on the task's difficulty, language, and other factors.
For example, ChatGPT excelled at solving coding problems before 2021, often achieving success rates as high as 89% for easy problems. However, its performance declined for newer problems, particularly those introduced after 2021[2]. ChatGPT sometimes needed help understanding the question, even for relatively simple tasks. ChatGPT is continuously updated and learns from its inputs, so this problem will likely lessen over time.
The study also found that success rates varied between programming languages. While the tool generally performed well across languages like C, C++, Java, JavaScript, and Python, its success rates varied slightly between them.
Where ChatGPT does excel is in explaining code. It can break down complex code into simpler terms, making it easier for developers to understand and modify. This is particularly helpful for those new to a programming language or working on legacy code.
Gemini
Gemini and ChatGPT are closely matched. They're both large language models, and they've been trained on similar data sets. As a result, you often get very similar or almost identical outputs from them.
For example, we asked ChatGPT and Gemini to "Write a Python function to check if a string is a palindrome." Their outputs were the same, even using the same example sting: "A man, a plan, a canal, Panama!"
Where Gemini might edge out ChatGPT is in speed. Gemini Advanced is quicker, even with complex problems, likely due to Google's experience in scaling cloud hardware.
One thing to be aware of with these tools is that they can lead you astray if you need to know what you're looking for. For example, sometimes the code they output will be functional but not quite meet your requirements, use unnecessary steps, or even add a redundant data frame. Usually, both Gemini and ChatGPT are generally quick to correct these mistakes if you spot them, but not everyone, particularly inexperienced developers, will spot them. The flip side is that because these are language models, you can ask them questions about the generated code to clarify any confusing aspects or to understand why certain decisions were made.
Github Copilot
Github Copilot, or just Copilot for short, is a popular AI tool for software development, and with good reason. It can provide real-time code suggestions directly within your integrated development environment (IDE), which can significantly streamline the coding process.
One of Copilot's primary strengths is its ability to offer contextually relevant code snippets and suggestions. Analyzing your existing code can provide tailored recommendations, saving time and effort. It goes beyond traditional code completion tools, offering more granular and context-aware assistance.
For example, Copilot integrates with popular IDEs like Visual Studio, VS Code, and Neovim. By analyzing the broad context of your code within these tools, Copilot provides more accurate and relevant suggestions than tools that require you to paste snippets into separate interfaces.
Crucially, Copilot learns from your coding patterns, becoming increasingly tailored to your specific style and preferences. This continuous improvement ensures that its suggestions become more accurate and helpful.
However, it's important to note that Copilot is not infallible. Sometimes, the generated code might be partially accurate or optimal, so you should review it before putting it into your project. However, this is good advice for all models.
Another factor to consider is the subscription-based model. Unlike some other AI tools that offer free versions, Copilot requires a monthly fee. While the cost may be justified for frequent users and large projects, it could be a barrier for individuals or small teams with limited budgets.
Anthropic
Anthropic may be lesser known than the other three on this list, but you should pay attention to it. The company claims its latest model, Claude 3 Opus, outperforms ChatGPT and Gemini in coding benchmarks and has the data to back this up[3]. Of course, it's worth testing here because not all coding tasks are created equal. Some people find Antrhopic outperforms its counterparts in more complex tasks, including reasoning, math, and advanced coding. Conversely, it may need to be more adept at explaining more straightforward coding problems.
Anthropic is also more focused on safety and accuracy than ChatGPT and Gemini, so you're much more likely to get a response saying it doesn't understand, is unsure of the answer, or wants more clarification. However, that's not to say it never "hallucinates" (make things up) like the other models - they all do occasionally.
And perhaps more importantly, it's trained on more recent data and cites more accurate information than ChatGPT[4]. This means you're less likely to get the problem we discussed in the first section, with ChatGPT being better at solving pre-2021 problems.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best AI coding tool for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, and trying them out is essential to see which works best for you. Remember, these tools are designed to assist you, not replace your coding skills. So, embrace them, experiment with them, and let them help you become a more efficient and effective developer.
[1] https://github.blog/news-insights/research/survey-reveals-ais-impact-on-the-developer-experience/#:~:text=Developers%20are%20already%20using%20AI%20coding%20tools%20at%20work,benefits%20to%20using%20these%20tools.
[2] https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/study-shows-chatgpt-fails-to-solve-newer-coding-problems-cannot-replace-human-programmers-just-yet-2563799-2024-07-08#
