The AI Coding Stack

AI has changed how I write code. These are the tools I use every day.

1. OpenCode

OpenCode is an open-source AI coding assistant that runs in your terminal. It reads your entire codebase and generates context-aware suggestions.

What I like about it:

  • Understands context from your entire codebase
  • Fast code generation and refactoring
  • Free tier available
  • Open-source and transparent

2. GitHub Copilot

Still solid for inline code completion in VS Code. The tab-complete suggestions save hours of typing. I use it mainly for boilerplate and repetitive patterns.

3. Claude Code

Best for complex reasoning tasks. I reach for it when I need to debug tricky issues, do code review, or think through architecture decisions. It reasons better than the other tools when the problem is ambiguous.

4. Cursor

AI-native IDE that combines VS Code with built-in AI features. The inline editing with Cmd+K is smooth and fast. Good if you want everything in one editor.

What I Recommend

For most developers starting with AI coding tools:

  1. Start with OpenCode because it’s free and powerful
  2. Add Copilot for inline completions in your editor
  3. Try Claude Code when you hit complex debugging or architecture problems

The best tool depends on your workflow. Try each one and keep what works.