Choosing a Code AI Tool

Feb 14, 2025

Tool	Environment	Autonomy	Cost Model	Context Strategy	Key Edge
Cline	VS Code extension	High (multi-step edits/tests/fixes)	Free tool, pay token usage	Analyzes repo, includes only relevant sections	Powerful autopilot in a familiar VS Code interface
Roo Code	VS Code extension (fork of Cline)	High (same core + “Ask/Code/Architect”)	Free tool, pay token usage	Similar selective approach, “memory” summaries	Mode-based UI for tailored tasks
Copilot (Agent)	Multiple IDEs (VS Code, JetBrains, etc.)	High (creates files, runs code/tests)	~$10/mo subscription, all models	Auto-indexes repo, minimal user context mgmt	Easiest cross-IDE setup, no API-key hassle
Cursor	Standalone IDE (VS Code fork)	Moderate (user confirms diffs)	$20/mo, usage included	Maintains index; must add files if needed	Slick UI, diff-centric, “no separate token fees”
Windsurf	Standalone IDE (Codeium’s VS Code fork)	Moderate (auto-applies, user tests)	~$15/mo subscription + credits	Auto-grabs relevant code, live updates	Polished, fast iteration with “Cascade” agent
Aider	CLI (editor-agnostic)	Low by default (manual file selection)	Free tool, pay token usage	Diff-based, compresses repo map on demand	Maximum control, terminal-friendly, scriptable

Stay in VS Code? Pick Cline or Roo (free, pay-as-you-go).
Need many IDEs? Copilot (flat subscription, widely supported).
Want a separate AI editor? Cursor or Windsurf (monthly plans, no token juggling).
Prefer total control? Aider in the CLI (no surprise edits, easy to automate).
Large refactors → Tools with higher autonomy (Cline/Roo/Copilot). Small targeted edits → Tools that show diffs clearly (Cursor, Aider).

More thorough (30min) read here.

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