Top 3 AI Coding Assistants for Programmers in 2024

If you're a programmer—or you're on your way to becoming one—you've probably hit more than a few roadblocks. From rewriting the same basic functions to spending hours debugging tiny errors, coding life isn't always a smooth ride. Imagine how great it'd be to have an AI assistant that does all those annoying tasks for you. Well, you're in luck.

In this post, we’re looking at three powerful AI coding assistants that can boost your productivity. Whether you need code autocomplete, bug fixes, or just a quick code translation from Java to Python, these tools have you covered. Let’s dive into the best AI assistants for programmers in 2024.

CodeGeex

CodeGeex is an incredibly useful tool for developers of all levels. It integrates smoothly with VS Code and packs in a wide range of features that will save you a lot of time and effort when writing code.

Setting Up CodeGeex in VS Code

Here’s how you can set up CodeGeex in your VS Code editor:

1. Open VS Code: You need to have VS Code installed. Once that’s open, you’re ready.
2. Install the CodeGeex Extension: Head to the extensions tab in the sidebar and search for "CodeGeex." Click install.
3. Login and Set Language: After installation, log in using your Google account. The default language may not be English, but you can easily switch it in the extension settings.

Key Features of CodeGeex

Let’s take a look at some of its fantastic features:

1. Code Autocomplete

CodeGeex suggests entire lines of code as you type, saving you from constantly retyping common commands. It’s more than just basic suggestions—it can actually predict complex code structures based on what you’re writing. All you have to do is press Tab to accept the suggestions.

2. Code Explanation & Documentation

Ever looked at someone else’s code and wondered what’s going on? With just a few clicks, CodeGeex will generate a detailed explanation of any section of code. Plus, it can automatically add comments, making sure your code is readable for the long term. No more back-and-forth Googling!

3. Code Debugging

Who hasn’t spent hours trying to fix a bug that turns out to be a missing semicolon? CodeGeex can debug your code in seconds. Select the problematic section, ask CodeGeex to "fix bug," and the assistant will identify and fix issues on the spot.

4. Chatbot Assistance

Need help fast? CodeGeex includes a chatbot where you can ask it to generate entire code blocks, answer questions, or solve complex problems. Just type in your prompt, and it’s like having a super-intelligent co-worker right beside you.

5. Code Translation

Need to switch your code from Python to C++? CodeGeex can translate code between multiple programming languages with ease. It even handles data format conversions, such as JSON to CSV.

Why CodeGeex?

Best of all, CodeGeex is free and accessible to everyone. The accuracy and broad feature set (available at no cost) make it a must-have tool. If you’re someone who frequently shifts between languages or needs error-free code fast, CodeGeex is a fantastic option.

GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot is a collaborative project between GitHub and OpenAI, powered by OpenAI’s Codex model. Copilot is polished, feature-rich, and integrates seamlessly with popular development environments, making it one of the top AI coding assistants available.

Setting Up GitHub Copilot in VS Code

Setting up Copilot is a breeze:

1. Install the Extension: Just like CodeGeex, you can find GitHub Copilot in the VS Code extensions library.
2. Sign In: Log in with your GitHub account, and you’re ready to go.

Features of GitHub Copilot

Here’s what makes Copilot stand out:

1. Code Autocomplete

Copilot provides intelligent code suggestions as you type—even offering entire functions or blocks of logic. Just hit Tab to accept, and you’re on your way. Whether you’re coding a Fibonacci sequence or building complex algorithms, the autocomplete is extremely accurate.

2. Code Explanation

Like CodeGeex, Copilot can explain any piece of code to you. Simply select the code and choose "Explain this." It gives nuanced, detailed descriptions that are easy to understand.

3. Debugging

Troubleshooting errors is simple. Select the error-prone code, tell Copilot to "Fix this," and it works out the bugs for you. This feature in Copilot can save you from pulling your hair out over small mistakes.

4. Copilot’s Chat Integration

Ask technical questions? Generate new code? Just use Copilot's chat interface. It’s fast, reliable, and saves you from having to consult third-party tools.

5. Unique Feature: Workspace Awareness

One standout feature of Copilot is its understanding of your entire project workspace. You can ask Copilot about any part of your project, not just the current file you’re working in. This holistic view helps you manage larger projects seamlessly.

Pricing

Copilot comes with a subscription plan, though educators and students can get it for free. If you’re working on collaborative programming projects or juggling multiple files, Copilot’s workspace awareness makes it worth considering even if it’s paid.

Codeium

If GitHub Copilot’s subscription prices aren’t appealing, Codeium is the next best thing—and it’s completely free for individual users.

Setting Up Codeium in VS Code

The setup is as straightforward as the others:

1. Search for Codeium in the VS Code extensions tab.
2. Install and Login using your Google account.

Features of Codeium

Codeium is a fantastic free alternative to paid AI tools like Copilot.

1. Code Autocomplete

Like the others, Codeium offers real-time code suggestions as you type. You can accept them with a quick press of Tab, keeping your workflow fast and smooth.

2. Code Explanation

Codeium can generate detailed explanations for selected code. Just select your code, right-click, and hit "Explain." It's simple, quick, and ideal when you need clarity on what a particular function does.

3. Debugging

Bugs never appear at a convenient time. With Codeium, you can quickly locate and fix bugs by simply instructing it to check for errors in your code.

4. Chat Assistance

While the chat interface is much like the other tools, what makes Codeium unique is its ability to search through your entire codebase. You can also ask questions about specific functions, which speeds up problem-solving.

5. Code Translation

Easily convert code from one programming language to another, exactly like CodeGeex and Copilot. For multi-language developers, this is a lifesaver.

Why Codeium?

Codeium offers over 70 programming languages and supports 21 different IDEs, making it one of the most versatile tools available. For individual users, Codeium is 100% free, making it a great alternative to paid AI services.

Conclusion

If coding feels like work, these three AI coding assistants can definitely lighten the load. CodeGeex is a solid free choice with a wide variety of features. GitHub Copilot offers unparalleled workspace awareness for a fee but is free for educators and students. And finally, Codeium delivers many of the same features found in Copilot but without the cost.

Which AI assistant will become your go-to tool? Whether you're debugging, translating, or generating code from scratch, these assistants are designed to let you focus on what matters—building great software.

If you're eager to try them out, let us know which one worked best for you in the comments! And don’t forget to check out GravityWrite if you’re also in need of AI-powered content creation that goes hand-in-hand with your development work. Happy coding!

---