The programming landscape is rapidly evolving, and AI software is increasingly utilized to assist in writing code and performing other tasks. Some programmers assert it’s only a matter of time before artificial intelligence completely replaces human programmers due to the ongoing improved accuracy in AI-generated code. Conversely, others believe, and rightly so, that these tools can assist but cannot be relied upon to replace human programmers entirely. Nevertheless, these tools can assist in generating thousands of lines of code, reducing the workload and enhancing developers’ work quality.
What is an AI Code Writing Tool?
AI code is produced by artificial intelligence. An AI code writing tool can generate lines of code on demand or convert code from one programming language to another. Additionally, these tools can execute on-demand tasks such as adding a section of code to complete a segment or searching vast amounts of code for specific segments. Most tools in this field can understand simple commands in a defined coding language and execute them for the programmer. AI programming tools do not entirely write or develop software; however, they do offer significant assistance to developers, boosting productivity and efficiency while still relying on human skill.
Why Use AI Tools for Writing Code and Programming?
The primary benefits of using AI tools in coding and programming include substantial time savings in code generation and the ability to produce code snippets without the need to write them manually. These tools facilitate the automatic completion of standard lines of code. Although AI code-writing tools are not sophisticated enough to independently develop complex code segments, they still assist developers and programmers who precisely indicate how their applications should function. AI tools can help them write segments, but they must have the expertise to write the code themselves.
Automated Tools for Writing Code and Assisting Programmers and Developers
1. GitHub Copilot
GitHub Copilot is an extension of GPT-3 with added programming-specific features. It offers valuable insights into coder usage patterns and possesses more advanced code generation capabilities than GPT-3, mainly due to its extensive database and publicly available code snippets. The tool transforms a user’s English text into code to boost productivity for seasoned programmers and help beginner developers with coding tasks.
Key Features of GitHub Copilot:
- Text-to-Code Conversion: The user can describe the desired action, and the tool converts the comment into a line of code.
- Automatic Code Completion for Repetitions: The tool rapidly generates templates and recurring code patterns.
- Testing: Testing is fundamental to any programming or development project, and the tool can review and test written or imported code.
- Alternative Suggestions: The tool offers multiple alternatives for specific code lines so the user can select the best option.
2. ChatGPT
ChatGPT, also developed by OpenAI alongside Codex, is particularly esteemed due to its user-friendly interface. ChatGPT can enhance its perception and sound very human-like, and its vast array of responses enables it to generate and correct lines of code. However, the primary drawbacks of ChatGPT in code creation are that it may produce buggy code, it can be difficult to edit or refine, and the code might introduce security vulnerabilities. Due to these shortcomings, ChatGPT is commonly used to generate a limited number of lines, help beginners understand how code is constructed, and teach them the basics.
3. Tabnine
Tabnine is an AI-powered code-completion tool with a unique learning algorithm that provides intelligent and intuitive code-completion capabilities. The tool supports a variety of programming languages, such as Java, Python, C++, and more. Since it is based on an open-source model, several leading tech companies, such as Facebook and Google, utilize it. Tabnine helps developers and programmers significantly speed up their coding, reducing the time required to create code and addressing coding challenges.
Key Features of Tabnine:
- Comprises Multiple AI Models: Tabnine comprises several machine learning models, which enhances its efficiency as a coding tool that aids developers.
- Complete Code Privacy: The tool ensures that the user’s code, whether created in collaboration or submitted for review or enhancement, is never shared or stored.
- Enhanced Code Quality: Tabnine helps minimize errors in code snippets, resulting in more organized and efficient code.
- Supports Various Programming Languages: The tool supports widely used programming languages and less common ones like TypeScript and Rust.
4. CodeWP
CodeWP is an AI-powered tool for generating code for WordPress sites. It primarily supports PHP and JS code for WooCommerce and WordPress builders (like Elementor and Gutenberg). The tool helps users write short lines of code and accomplish tasks typically taking several hours. Its primary capability is to enhance existing code snippets and optimize the code for WordPress sites. CodeWP caters primarily to users with limited tech knowledge.
Summary and Recommendation
This article reviews AI tools for writing code and programming that assist developers and programmers in creating high-quality code and assessing their own snippets. These tools are also valuable for beginners who want to learn and understand how code is created and its functions. It is important to remember that the tools presented in this article do not replace programmers or developers but serve as aids. I recommend the GitHub Copilot tool, which is a comprehensive code-writing tool that supports a wide range of programming languages and offers additional features beyond creating code snippets.
About Me
Or Fialkov, 36 years old, married to Inbal and father of Itamar, Aviv and Melech, the the family’s dog. CEO and owner of Fialkov Digital – a company specializing in the diverse channels of internet advertising.
In 2014 the Global Facebook for Business published a first case study for a Fialkov Digital campaign and since then 6 case studies were published for Fialkov Digital clients.
Writes profesional articles, consults and guides large companies in advertising in the digital medi. Partner in the largest digital group in Israel “Digital Advertisers Professionals”.
