Choosing AI coding tools
Connect your editor or terminal workflow with the right models, tools, APIs and benchmark evidence.
Decide where AI should help
Completion, code explanations, repository edits and command execution need different model capabilities and tool permissions. Try a small task of your own before choosing a subscription or a bring-your-own-key setup.
Start in your editor
Understand the editor’s workflow and included usage, then check available models and any extra charges.
- CursorChoose coding features by model and usage allowance, and check what the subscription includes.
A subscription may not cover every model request. Check the current plan and usage rules.
Use an API you already have
Start with a tool that accepts your own API configuration. Choose the tool, model and access provider separately.
- ClineRun coding tasks in an IDE, terminal or desktop app, with model providers configured as documented.
- AiderEdit code with AI in your terminal. Check the official configuration guide for exact model IDs.
Check the tool and API service separately for costs, permissions and data policies.
Work through the checklist
- 01
Define the task & permissions
Choose a small, reversible repository task. Set clear limits on file access, changes and command execution.
Browse Coding tools → - 02
Check the model & context
Check code understanding, tool use and context requirements, and record the exact model version.
Browse models → - 03
Check costs & access
Find out whether the tool subscription includes model usage. If you supply your own API, check its model pricing and access terms separately.
Compare API information → - 04
Test with your own task
Use benchmarks to understand the relevant scope, then measure task completion, manual corrections and actual costs.
Browse benchmarks →
These guides offer a selection checklist and example listings, not a tested recommendation order. Promotions are labeled separately.