How to code with AI
From autocompleting a single line to delegating a full refactor — which assistant fits depends on how much you're willing to change your current workflow.
Coding with AI isn't just single-line autocomplete anymore: today's assistants understand a whole repository's context, run tasks end to end, and explain legacy code before you touch it. The difference between the options isn't really "which one's smarter" — it's where and how you want to work.
Pick where you want to live
Layer AI onto your current editor, switch to a new one, or work more through chat.
- Copilot: installs as a layer on top of VS Code, JetBrains or GitHub, no migration needed
- Cursor: a new editor built on VS Code, better understanding of multiple files at once
- Claude Code: handles complete tasks through chat or terminal, a different interaction model
Give it real context
Show it the full file or the stack trace, not just the failing line.
- An assistant that sees the whole repo (like Cursor) performs much better with real context
- Explain what the surrounding code does, not just what you want changed
“Here's the full UserController.js file and the error's stack trace. Explain why the POST /users endpoint is failing and write the fix.”Delegate the whole task
For big refactors, delegate everything at once and review the final diff.
- A refactor touching ten files, or tests for an entire module: ask for it complete
- All three perform better when they can work with the full task in mind
Before merging AI-generated code
Always review the full diff before applying it, especially for edge cases that weren't obvious in the context the assistant received: all three can produce code that compiles and passes a surface-level review but fails in a scenario that wasn't visible. And keep an eye on credit usage if you're on a usage-based plan — both Copilot and Cursor bill basic autocomplete unlimited, but agent tasks and premium models draw from a pool that runs out faster than expected if you delegate a lot of work.
Recommended tools
All three code well; the difference is whether you want to add AI to your current editor, switch to a new one, or work more through chat than an editor.
GitHub Copilot
AI CodingAI coding assistant built into the editor: autocomplete, chat and code agents.
Cursor
AI CodingCode editor with AI built in natively: autocomplete, chat over the repo, and refactors guided by natural language.
Claude
AI ChatAnthropic's AI assistant focused on conversation, writing, analysis and code, with an emphasis on safety and precision.
Frequently asked questions
Does an AI coding assistant replace a developer?
No. It speeds up specific tasks — autocomplete, explaining legacy code, drafting a first pass at a refactor — but the output still needs review. All three can introduce subtle bugs that compile fine but break an edge case they didn't have in context.
Which one should I use if I don't want to switch editors?
GitHub Copilot: it layers on top of VS Code, JetBrains or GitHub.com without requiring you to migrate anything. Cursor, on the other hand, is a full editor (built on VS Code, so extensions carry over), which means an actual tool switch.
What happens if I run out of AI credits mid-month?
Both Copilot and Cursor moved to usage-based credit models in 2026: basic autocomplete stays unlimited on paid plans, but agent tasks and premium models draw from a credit pool that can run out faster than expected if you delegate a lot of work. Worth tracking usage from day one instead of finding out at the end of the month.