AI is changing the way you write, debug, and manage code. Today’s code editors include built-in AI tools that offer features like context-aware code suggestions, debugging help, and real-time collaboration.
These tools make coding faster, simpler, and more accurate.
In this article, we’ll look at five of the best AI-powered code editors available. Each one has something to offer, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer.
In Our List:
Here’s a quick look at the tools we’ve covered and what makes each one stand out:
| Tool | Main Features |
|---|---|
| VS Code | Highly popular, integrates seamlessly with GitHub Copilot for AI-powered coding assistance. |
| Cursor | Built on VS Code with out-of-the-box AI integration using GPT-4 and Claude models. |
| Windsurf | Agentic IDE with autonomous AI tools for managing files and running commands independently. |
| Zed | Lightweight, Rust-built editor with customizable AI integration and excellent performance. |
| JetBrains | Offers AI-powered features across its IDEs, including smart code suggestions and debugging tools. |
Let’s get started with the list.
VS Code
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is one of the most popular code editors and one that I use every day.
It integrates seamlessly with GitHub Copilot, providing an AI-powered coding assistant right inside the editor. This feature offers smart code suggestions, auto-completion, and problem-solving capabilities to help you code, debug, and improve your projects more efficiently.
However, VS Code does not come with GitHub Copilot by default. You need to install the GitHub Copilot extension from the marketplace to enable the AI assistant in your editor. While the extension itself is free, you’d need to subscribe to a plan, which starts at $10 USD per month, to actually use its features.
Once it’s enabled and fully set up, you can enjoy features like:
Code Auto-completion
Copilot suggests code as you type. It analyzes the file you’re working on and other related files to make intelligent suggestions. For example, when you start typing a method, it predicts the rest of the code in a way that matches your coding style.
Code Fixing and Improvements
Copilot can also help you improve your code and understand its context. It can refactor functions, suggest improvements like adding error handling, enhance readability, and even generate documentation for functions or classes. You can use the /fix command to get suggestions for resolving errors or warnings, helping you fix issues faster.
Chat Assistance
With the chat assistant, you can ask questions about programming concepts or syntax directly in the editor. You can also select code snippets to get plain-language explanations of what they do, which is especially helpful for learning or team discussions.
- Seamless integration with the GitHub ecosystem
- Powerful AI features like auto-completion and debugging assistance
- Customizable and user-friendly interface
- AI is not built-in; requires GitHub Copilot extension
- Subscription required to enable AI features, though a free trial is available
- The AI-powered suggestions and auto-completion can occasionally be intrusive
Cursor
Cursor is a code editor built on top of VS Code but designed with AI fully integrated out of the box.
It uses advanced models like GPT-4 from OpenAI and Claude from Anthropic. These models understand your code’s context and help you write, debug, and optimize code more efficiently.
Cursor offers a free plan for basic features, with premium plans starting at $20/month to access advanced AI features.
As it’s based on VS Code, Cursor retains features like multi-line edits, debugging, and Git integration, making it easy to transition if you’re switching from VS Code.
It also offers unique features, such as:
Cursor Tab
Tab is a Cursor feature for code auto-completion. It offers intelligent code suggestions that can complete entire functions based on the context of the code being written. This feature significantly speeds up coding tasks and reduces errors by anticipating what the developer intends to write.
Chat
You can interact with Cursor AI using plain English commands. For example, you can ask the AI to explain a section of code or request modifications simply by describing your needs as you would in natural conversation.
You can select several models to use, including GPT-4 and Claude, depending on your requirements.
- Offers a free tier
- AI features are built-in; no extensions required
- Seamless integration of advanced AI models like GPT-4 and Claude
- Retains familiar VS Code features
- Pro version is more expensive compared to GitHub Copilot
- AI auto-completion occasionally feels clunky and slower compared to GitHub Copilot
- Requires a very stable internet connection; otherwise, the editor can feel sluggish
Windsurf
The Windsurf Editor is an IDE developed by Codeium.
It is described as the world’s first agentic IDE, meaning it integrates AI that can not only assist but also operate independently. It can perform tasks like running commands and managing files autonomously without constant input.
Windsurf is also built on top of VS Code. It includes familiar features such as multi-line editing, IntelliSense, debugging, and Git integration. However, one of the standout features is its AI integration, particularly the feature known as Cascade.
Cascade
Cascade is a smart chat assistant and collaborator. It can remember your previous actions and provide real-time support. It is also capable of multi-file editing and has a deep understanding of your code.
For example, you can ask Cascade to write documentation for one of your files. It will intelligently scan related files and immediately edit them to add the necessary documentation. You can also request suggestions to refactor your code. Cascade can fix incorrect context types and automatically add documentation to key parts of your code—all in just one prompt.
This feature helps you handle complex projects efficiently while maintaining a seamless workflow.
- Powerful AI capabilities that can operate independently and edit multiple files simultaneously
- Free tier available and generous in features
- Supports seamless multi-file editing and real-time collaboration
- Deep integration of AI for efficient documentation and code refactoring
- Few noticeable cons, though some may find its advanced features overwhelming
- AI features might require a learning curve for new users
Zed
Zed is a fast, open-source code editor created by Nathan Sobo and his team, who previously worked on the Atom Editor at GitHub. Unlike many editors that are forks of VS Code, Zed is built from scratch using Rust, which delivers much better performance.
Zed aims to provide a simple, efficient, and enjoyable coding experience while keeping the editor lightweight and highly responsive.
Zed features a simple user interface with standard tools like a file explorer, editor pane, and minimap. Additionally, it includes The Assistant, which integrates with AI or LLM services.
Assistant Panel
Zed incorporates its AI capabilities through the Assistant panel and inline assistant.
The Assistant panel acts as a context-aware tool that connects you with AI models. It supports various AI services, including those from Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google Gemini, allowing you to leverage generative AI capabilities based on your needs. It maintains a history of queries and responses, which you can reference later.
The inline assistant functions similarly to GitHub Copilot, providing code completions based on the current context.
- Free, super-fast, and responsive editor
- Supports various AI model integrations, including Gemini and Ollama, which can run locally
- Lightweight and built with Rust for superior performance
- Modern interface with familiar coding tools
- AI integration is DIY, requiring manual setup for preferred AI services
- May lack advanced out-of-the-box features compared to other editors
JetBrains
JetBrains specializes in creating intelligent tools aimed at enhancing productivity for software developers and teams. Its product portfolio covers a wide range of IDEs and tools that support various programming languages, including PHP, Python, .NET, and Kotlin, the programming language officially supported by Google for Android development since 2017.
Features AI
JetBrains has recently integrated JetBrains AI, available in the latest versions of its IDEs, including PhpStorm, PyCharm, IntelliJ IDEA, Fleet, and others.
These AI features enhance productivity and workflow efficiency. They include smart auto-completion that is context-aware, debugging assistance that identifies potential issues and suggests fixes, and documentation support that automatically generates comments and documentation based on your code.
- AI features are not as advanced as GitHub Copilot or Cursor
- Free trial for JetBrains products lasts only 7 days
- Subscription-based pricing may be a barrier for individual developers
Wrapping Up
AI-powered code editors are becoming increasingly popular because they help developers write code faster, more efficiently, and with fewer errors. They also assist developers in learning new programming languages and improving their coding skills.
In this article, we discussed five of the best AI-powered code editors available today. Each editor offers unique features and capabilities, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
While I personally use VS Code with GitHub Copilot, I also find Cursor and Windsurf to be excellent alternatives. Zed and JetBrains are great options as well, especially if you’re looking for a more established or specialized tool.
The post 5 Best AI-Powered Code Editors appeared first on Hongkiat.