03 AI Code Assistants Every Programmer Should Know About Today
The Top 3 AI Code Assistants That Every Programmer Needs to Know About
Ever felt like you’re stuck in an endless cycle of re-writing the same basic code, spending hours debugging, or constantly flipping between your code editor and a chatbot for answers? What if I told you there’s a better way? Imagine having an assistant that can complete your code as you type, fix errors for you in seconds, answer your queries, and even translate your code into different programming languages!
In this article, we dive into three groundbreaking AI assistants designed specifically for programmers. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, these tools can save you countless hours and elevate your coding experience. From Code GX, which integrates seamlessly with VS Code, to GitHub Copilot, powered by OpenAI, and the free yet powerful Codium, each offers unique features that enhance productivity and streamline workflows.
We’ll explore how to set them up, their standout features like code autocompletion, in-editor explanations, powerful debugging tools, and much more. Plus, I’ll share some additional tools and tips to make your coding journey even smoother. Buckle up, and let’s turn your programming nightmares into a dream!
First on our list is Code GX; let’s dive into how you can set it up and start using its amazing features right away.
Setting Up Code GX in Visual Studio Code
Step-by-step Installation
To get started with Code GX in Visual Studio Code (VS Code), follow these steps:
- Open VS Code: Navigate to your desktop and open the VS Code application.
- Install the Extension: Click on the Extensions icon and search for “Code GX.” Select the extension and click “Install.”
- Login and Setup: Click “Login,” then “Allow.” After this, sign up using your Google account. Since the tool might be in another language by default, change the language preference to English in the extension settings.
Main Features of Code GX
Code Autocomplete
The Code Autocomplete feature suggests lines of code as you type, making the coding process faster and more efficient.
- Start typing code like calculating a factorial, and suggestions will begin to appear.
- To accept a suggestion, simply press Tab.
- You can also type a comment describing what you want the code to do, and the tool will generate the code accordingly.
Code Explanation and Documentation
This feature provides detailed explanations and comments for your code, which is particularly useful for beginners and students.
- Select a portion of your code, right-click, and choose “Explain Code” from the Code GX menu.
- To add comments, select the code, right-click, and choose “Generate Comment.”
Code Debug
Debugging is made easy with Code GX’s automatic bug detection and fixing capabilities.
- Select the code with a bug, right-click, and choose “Ask Code GX,” then type /fix bug to debug it.
Chatbot Assistance
The chatbot feature allows you to ask questions and get coding help directly within the editor.
- Click the chatbot icon, type your question or request, and the tool will generate the required code.
Code Translation
Translate code from one programming language to another with ease.
- Select the code you want to translate, right-click, then choose the desired target language.
Exploring GitHub Copilot
Setting Up GitHub Copilot
GitHub Copilot, powered by OpenAI, can be a game-changer for developers.
- Open VS Code and go to Extensions.
- Search for “GitHub Copilot” and install it.
- Sign in and authorize the application.
Main Features
Code Autocomplete
Similar to Code GX, start typing a function, such as Fibonacci, and see how GitHub Copilot suggests completions.
- Press Tab to accept the suggestions.
Code Explanation
Get a detailed explanation of any selected code by right-clicking and choosing “Explain this” from the Copilot menu.
Code Debug
To debug code, right-click the problematic code and select “Fix this.” The tool will generate a debugged version for you.
Chatbot
GitHub Copilot’s chatbot works in a similar manner to Code GX’s, allowing for seamless code generation and problem-solving.
Code Translation
Translate code by selecting it, pressing CR, and specifying the target language.
Workspace-wide Assistance
GitHub Copilot has a unique feature that allows it to navigate through your entire code base, providing solutions that consider all related files and functions in your project.
Diving into Codium
Setting Up Codium
Codium is a free AI assistant that supports multiple programming languages and editors.
- In VS Code, go to Extensions and search for “Codium.”
- Install the extension and log in using your Google account.
Main Features
Code Autocomplete
Just like with Code GX and Copilot, start typing, and press Tab to accept suggestions.
Code Explanation
Select the code, right-click, and choose “Explain” to get a detailed explanation.
Code Debug
Select the code, right-click, choose the debug option, and type check for bug and fix it to debug the code.
Chatbot
Codium’s chatbot includes an additional feature that allows you to view all functions in your code, making it easier to ask precise questions.
Code Translation
Select the code to be translated, right-click, choose the translate option, and specify the target language.
This body section provides a clear, structured layout with headings, subheadings, and bullet points to enhance readability. Each feature is detailed to ensure that readers understand how to use the AI assistants effectively.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored, AI assistants like Code GX, GitHub Copilot, and Codium are revolutionizing the programming landscape, making it easier and more efficient to tackle coding challenges. These tools can autocomplete your code, debug issues, and even explain complex code segments, greatly enhancing productivity and reducing frustration.
But now, it’s your turn! Which AI assistant do you think is the best fit for your coding needs? Have you tried any of these tools, or do you have a favorite not listed here? Let us know in the comments below!
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with your friends and colleagues who might benefit from these amazing tools. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more tutorials, tips, and updates on the latest tech trends.
Also, if you’re interested in diving deeper, feel free to explore more programming articles and discussions on Medium. Remember, the journey to becoming a better programmer involves continuous learning and sharing knowledge.
To quote Steve Jobs: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Make coding enjoyable and less tedious by embracing these AI assistants. Happy coding!
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