Vibe GuideCan you find the project and file controls?
Find the project, chat, preview and errors. A graphical task interface is generally easier to start with than a terminal; this assesses interaction effort, not capability.
When choosing an AI tool, compare ease, free allowance, subscription costs and capability here, then return to open the chosen tool.
Does this method fit your project, and how can you check?
- When would you use this method?
- Before starting, or when the current tool cannot perform the task.
- How should you choose for your situation?
- Compare file edits, preview startup, error handling and version saving using the same small task; record usage before subscribing.
- What is easy to misunderstand?
- Free installation is not free usage. Check subscriptions, model/API costs and hosting separately; catalog prices are dated references.
- How can you check that this works for your project?
- Make one real edit and open the result with the current account; record actual allowance, costs and unsupported capabilities.
Try with this project: fill material and prepare the task
Edit the template with actual material, confirm, then copy into the current project conversation. Mark unknowns as undecided and replace examples as needed.
Confirmed · personalized content ready to copy
What project will you build, and what main task will it help users do: [fill in]
What computer OS and usable accounts do you have: [fill in]
How much can you spend each month in total: [fill in or undecided]
Candidate tools and official plan URLs: [fill in]
Compare tools only. Compare onboarding, free allowance, subscription/extra costs and capability; verify sources and dates, and never equate unknown with free.
Explain your conclusions using these points: One tool to try with reasons, mismatch conditions and the same small trial with passing criteria for each candidate. The user decides after trying; do not purchase.Choose a tool
Choose a comfortable workflow, then a tool that can grow with the project.
Choose the AI tool used to build here. Product technologies come in a later stage. See the stack guide →
Already chosen? Open Git initialization and complete project-rule prompts →
Compare four things, then try one task
What does the free allowance cover, and what happens when it runs out?
Distinguish free installation from usable allowance, reset timing and what happens when exhausted. Unknown limits are not unlimited.
What do the subscription and extra usage cost?
Compare monthly, annual, renewal and overage costs. Model usage and hosting may cost extra. Try before buying.
Can it edit files, run the project and check the result?
Compare saving a file, editing one detail, previewing, fixing an error, exporting and reopening. Visible results beat broad rankings.
First exclude incompatible OS, region or export options. Catalog prices are dated references; verify current official pages and account details before purchase.
Four entry points to the same work
An IDE is also desktop software. “Desktop tasks” here means a task-first conversational interface. One brand may offer several entry points.
Desktop tasks
Prefer task conversations and results
Open folder → delegate → reviewGood starting point; still review files and runtime results.
IDE · an editor with AI
See files, edit precisely, maintain over time
Select files → ask AI → compare changesLearn the file, conversation and terminal panels.
CLI · assistant in a terminal
Comfortable with commands and automation
Enter folder → describe → run checksUseful for scripts and remote work; can be learned later.
Browser builder
Try a web idea with minimal local setup
Describe → preview → share a trialCheck export, hosting costs and platform limits.
Shortlist for the current project
These are workflow recommendations, not a capability ranking. Try an existing subscription first and finish a small task before upgrading.
No preference yet? Try desktop tasks or an IDE.
For a first local project, compare Codex, Claude Code, Qoder, TRAE and Kimi Code. Successfully open a project and change one label before expanding the toolset.
Open the tool catalog and subscriptions
Common tools and subscriptions
2026-09-23Common global and China tools; editions of the same brand are not counted twice. Prices retain their region, currency and billing cycle. Introductory offers are not renewal prices. Check official pricing, tax, availability and account entitlements before buying.
26 / 26
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Codex
Desktop tasks · CLI · IDE extension · cloudBuild a local project through conversation and review the changes.
Free $0; Plus $20/mo; Pro from $100/mo (USD)
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Delegate scoped tasks or inspect files in an editor.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Download the appropriate desktop build; local and cloud tasks use different files and environments.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Install the desktop app, sign in and open the project folder, or install the official editor extension.
- What might using this tool cost?
- ChatGPT plans have usage limits. API-key billing is separate from subscription usage.
Claude / Claude Code
Desktop Code tab · CLI · VS Code / JetBrains · webDiscuss requirements and execute changes in a local project.
Pro $20/mo; Max from $100/mo (USD)
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Graphical and terminal surfaces share the Claude Code workflow.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Distinguish ordinary chat from the Code workspace; verify CLAUDE.md / AGENTS.md loading for the installed version.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Open the desktop Code tab and select a local project; use CLI when comfortable with terminals.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Free chat does not imply free Claude Code. Pro is $200/year; API and extra usage are separate.
Cursor
Desktop IDE · Cursor CLISee files, AI conversation and changes together while learning maintenance.
Hobby free; Pro $20; Pro+ $60; Ultra $200/mo (USD)
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Completion, selecting code and reviewing changes live in one editor.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- A desktop IDE; the project still needs its own runtime setup.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Download Cursor, open the project folder and make one small change with Agent.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Plans include model usage; on-demand overages cost extra. Annual and monthly rates differ.
Qoder
Qoder IDE · CLI · JetBrains plugin · QoderWork desktop tasksStart with Chinese guidance, see project files and maintain an existing codebase.
CN Pro CNY59 / Pro+ CNY169 / Ultra CNY559 per month; global USD20 / 60 / 200 per month
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Combine IDE, CLI and documentation workflows; start coding in the IDE.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- China and global editions use separate account systems; office tasks do not replace software verification.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Choose CN or global, install its IDE and sign in with the matching account before opening a folder.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Free trials have time and credit limits; credits are not a fixed number of conversations.
TRAE
TraeCode IDE / SOLO · TraeWork desktop tasks; CLI (China enterprise flagship plan)Use a Chinese interface to move from requirements to a preview.
CN one-month: Pro CNY99 / Pro+ CNY239 / Ultra CNY699; recurring: CNY89 / 219 / 629
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- TraeCode combines editing, task conversation and preview.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- SOLO is a mode; TraeWork is another product. CN CLI 2.0 requires the enterprise flagship plan; the global enterprise page still says coming soon. Individuals should start with IDE.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Choose the CN or global site, install TraeCode, open the project and choose IDE or SOLO mode.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Lite CNY49/month is Work-only, not a coding plan. Global list rates: Pro USD10, Pro+ USD30, Ultra USD100/month; confirm offers and renewal at checkout.
Kimi / Kimi Code
Kimi Code Desktop · CLI · VS Code extensionAlready use Kimi and want to carry Chinese requirements into a local project.
Andante CNY49 / Moderato CNY99 / Allegretto CNY199 / Allegro CNY699 per recurring month
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Official Code clients read projects, edit files and execute checks.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Kimi chat and Kimi Code differ; generated results still need runtime verification.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Choose Desktop (macOS / Windows) or the VS Code extension in Code docs, sign in and open a project.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Membership shares an allowance; Code also has five-hour and weekly limits. Coding is not unlimited.
GitHub Copilot
Copilot desktop app · IDE extensions · CLI · GitHubAlready use VS Code, GitHub or a team repository.
Free $0; Pro $10 / Pro+ $39 / Max $100 per month (USD)
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Connect an existing editor with code review and repository collaboration.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- GitHub Copilot differs from Microsoft 365 Copilot; subscriptions are not interchangeable.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Enable official Copilot in VS Code, sign into GitHub and open the project.
- What might using this tool cost?
- AI Credits vary by feature and model; inspect budget settings for extra usage.
Gemini CLI
CLI · IDE integration; ordinary chat apps are not counted as coding desktop appsComfortable using a terminal; start with free usage, then scripts and automation.
Free $0; Google AI Pro US reference USD19.99/mo; see regional Ultra pricing
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- A free Google-account route supports command-line workflows.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Requires understanding folders, command output and permissions; free usage is limited.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Follow the official quickstart, launch in the project folder and sign in with Google.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Subscription, free account and API-key billing differ; check authentication and region.
Lovable
Browser building workspace; compared here as a web workflowPrototype a website or web app with less local setup.
Free; Pro from USD25/mo; Business from USD50/mo
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Describe requirements, view the page and iterate in a browser.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Native mobile/desktop installers are not its primary route; check code and data portability.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Create a web project and one page; check export and version history before expanding.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Price varies by credit tier; building, hosting and in-app AI can consume the balance.
Replit
Browser cloud development workspace; compared here as a web workflowGenerate, run and deploy a small app in a browser.
Starter $0; Core USD20/mo; Pro USD100/mo (monthly list rates)
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Cloud development reduces local dependency setup for early trials.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Track runtime cost alongside agent usage; verify import for existing local projects.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Create a project, build one previewable flow and check billing and export.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Annual equivalents and promotions are not monthly renewal prices; tasks and runtime can incur usage costs.
Devin / Windsurf
Devin Desktop editor · CLI · CloudKeep an editor workflow and delegate scoped cloud tasks.
Free $0; Pro $20; Max $200/mo (USD)
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Local editing, completion and cloud tasks share a product family.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Windsurf now redirects to Devin; old names, prices and links may be stale.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Install the editor and make a small local edit; verify repository and runtime before cloud work.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Paid allowances refresh daily and weekly; extra usage is purchased at API pricing.
Kiro
Kiro IDE · CLI · webPrefer requirements, design and tasks before implementation.
Free; Pro $20; Pro+ $40; Pro Max $100; Power $200/mo
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Spec-driven work organizes large requests into reviewable tasks.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Specs still need review; surfaces share credits and web requires a paid plan.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Install the IDE, sign in and review one small feature specification before execution.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Credit use varies by task and model; paid plans offer add-on credits.
Cline
VS Code extension · CLIAlready have an editor and can manage API costs and approvals.
Individual software free; model inference billed by usage
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Open source with provider choice, without replacing the editor.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Free software does not mean free inference; complex work can cost more.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Install the official extension, choose a provider and budget, then approve one small edit.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Use Cline provider or own API keys; enterprise features are separately priced.
OpenCode
Desktop app · CLI · IDE extensionWant model choice and are willing to configure providers and login.
Software free; optional Go $10/mo; Zen pay-as-you-go
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Open source with multiple providers and local models.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Subscription, quotas and data handling vary by provider.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Download desktop or install CLI, connect one provider, open the project and test one edit.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Existing subscriptions require a documented compatible login; API costs are separate.
Aider
Terminal-first, works alongside an editorComfortable with terminal and Git and want explicit file scope.
Open-source tool free; model API charged by provider
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Git integration records changes, with explicit file selection and undo.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Not the easiest first tool for terminal newcomers; configure models and keys.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Follow installation docs, start in the project folder and add only files needed for the task.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Local models need hardware resources; free software does not imply free operation.
Qwen Code
CLI · VS Code extension (Beta)Comfortable with terminal and Alibaba Cloud or compatible model services.
Client free; Coding Plan or model API charged separately
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Open-source client with configurable model providers.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- The old free OAuth tier ended on 2026-04-15; verify old tutorials.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Follow current auth docs, choose a provider with /auth and verify with /doctor.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Region, dedicated endpoint and API key must match; old free quotas no longer apply.
CodeBuddy
IDE · IDE plugins · CLIPrefer Chinese onboarding, Tencent tooling and local code.
CN monthly CNY99/199/999; recurring CNY70/140/700; global Pro USD10/mo
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Editor and CLI options support a gradual move from visual work to terminals.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- CodeBuddy and WorkBuddy serve different purposes; CN and global pricing differ.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Install the appropriate regional IDE, sign in, open the folder and test reading and a small edit.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Free trials have credit limits; promotional credits are temporary. Global annual: $96.
Bolt
Browser building workspaceBuild an interactive website or small app with less local setup.
Free; Pro from $25/mo; Teams from $30/user/mo
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Browser generation, preview and hosting simplify early flow tests.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- More project files typically consume more tokens; verify complex backends and migration.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Create a browser project and one interactive page, then check export and billing.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Free usage has daily/monthly caps; hosting and databases have plan limits.
v0
Browser UI and app building workspacePrioritize UI and start from references, components and web pages.
Free; Plus currently displayed at $30/user/mo; Business $100/user/mo
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Visual editing, GitHub sync and Vercel deployment are integrated.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- A preview does not prove permissions, data or payment flows work.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Create one page, explain reference elements and review before connecting a repository.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Plus shows a promotional strike-through price; confirm renewal. Credits and deployment costs differ.
Zed
Desktop code editor · external agent connectionsHave coding basics and value editing speed, collaboration and model choice.
Personal $0; Pro $10/mo; Business $30/user/mo
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Use own keys or external agents while keeping an editor workflow.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- An editor does not automatically solve dependencies or deployment.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Install, open the project, connect an agent or provider and review one edit.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Pro includes $5 of tokens; overage is API list price +10%, with a spending cap.
Augment Code
IDE extensions · CLI · Cosmos cloudWork with an existing larger codebase and cross-file/team workflows.
Standard $20/mo; Business $100/mo (up to 50 seats each)
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Organizes repository context, task execution and review.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Not the shortest path to a first page; use current pricing rather than old posts.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Configure an existing repository and start with a well-defined bug or small task.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Includes matching shared usage; LLM usage adds a 40% service fee, compute is separate.
智谱 ZCode
Desktop agent workspace · macOS / Windows / LinuxDescribe tasks in Chinese and inspect files, Git history and previews in one workspace.
Client free; CN GLM Coding Plan list rates: Lite CNY118 / Pro CNY538 / Max CNY1,078 per month
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Built-in files, terminal, Git and browser preview support conversational local development.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Compared as a desktop task interface; an embedded terminal is not a standalone CLI. Configure model access in ZCode separately from terminal settings.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Download for the OS, connect a BigModel or Z.ai account with model access, open a project and verify one small edit in preview.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Model access costs extra. Confirm promotional and renewal prices on BigModel; API balance and Coding Plan use separate billing routes.
Amp
macOS app · CLI · web and cloud OrbsUnderstand Git and acceptance checks and want local/cloud work.
Hobby free entry; Individual/Megawatt from $20/mo
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Connects local CLI and cloud execution with projects and instruction files.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Pricing evolves quickly; official pages differ, so verify checkout before purchase.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Choose desktop or CLI from official docs and verify edits and recovery on a small project.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Cloud machine time and model usage are separate; own keys/subscriptions do not remove runtime costs.
Kilo Code
VS Code / JetBrains extensions · CLI · CloudHave an editor and want an open-source agent with model choice.
Individual platform free; optional Kilo Pass from $19/mo; Teams $15/user/mo
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- One tool provides coding, planning and debugging modes with local model support.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Model flexibility adds setup; platform, inference and cloud compute are separate costs.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Install the official extension, choose free or low-budget mode and approve one scoped edit.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Models are usage-based; credit purchases have a 5% processing fee; cloud time costs extra.
Google Antigravity
Antigravity 2.0 desktop · IDE / extensions · CLIUse task conversations while retaining access to an editor.
Free $0; AI Pro about USD20/mo; AI Ultra USD100 / 200 per month (official announcement reference)
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Choose task, editor or terminal entry points to suit the workflow.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- Distinct from Gemini CLI; verify individual versus enterprise routes, region and quotas.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Choose desktop or IDE from the official site, sign in with Google, open a project and verify a small edit.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Plans have quotas; confirm extra AI credits and regional checkout prices.
Base44
Browser app-building workspacePrototype an internal tool, customer portal or website.
Free; annual equivalents: Starter USD16 / Builder 40 / Pro 80 / Elite 160 per month
Strengths, limits and getting started
- What can this tool help you do?
- Describe and preview in a browser with built-in data and authentication.
- What limits should you know before using it?
- GitHub integration depends on plan; verify code, data and service portability before independent maintenance.
- Where should you start on your first use?
- Use free access for one page and one save action, check permissions and usage, then verify the plan for GitHub integration.
- What might using this tool cost?
- Paid figures are billed annually, not monthly prices. Message and integration credits differ; external services bill separately.
Why are some tools from older guides absent?
This review covers 26 distinct tools and related former brands, not every tool worldwide. Devin / Windsurf share one entry. Discontinued or unmaintained tools are excluded from starter candidates.
- Roo Code — Officially discontinued and archived; not recommended for a new project. Official notice ↗
- Continue — The official repository is no longer actively maintained; final version 2.0.0. Official notice ↗
- Firebase Studio — Official documentation says new workspace creation is disabled. Official notice ↗
- 通义灵码 / Lingma — Migrated to Qoder CN; included in the Qoder entry. Official notice ↗
How others choose—and what they report
Eight decision points drawn from independent tests, original user discussions and research. Experiences reflect particular tasks and versions, not current specifications. Open each topic for evidence and limits.
Choose by a completed task, not a leaderboard
EXTERNAL OBSERVATION · PARAPHRASED
Ars tested four agents on the same Minesweeper task; completeness, appearance and speed did not point to the same winner.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONTry two candidates on the same small task: create a page, edit one area, resolve an error and reopen it. Record usable results, elapsed time and actual cost.
When is this review relevant?A single task with 2025 models and subjective scoring; not a universal 2026 ranking.
A readable interface is part of the choice
EXTERNAL OBSERVATION · PARAPHRASED
A TRAE community author credits a more readable interface with sustained use, while also describing a lengthy debugging process.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONWith limited experience, first check whether projects, previews, errors and changes are easy to find. A CLI should not win merely because it looks professional.
When is this review relevant?One person's account in a points-linked story campaign; not evidence that all beginners can reproduce it.
Subscription price is not total project cost
EXTERNAL OBSERVATION · PARAPHRASED
A Cursor newcomer confused modes, models and quotas. Qoder users praised features while questioning credit consumption; Cline users reported both higher and lower costs in one discussion.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONCheck included usage, overages and reset periods. Audit one small task before choosing a monthly subscription; do not compare credit counts across products.
When is this review relevant?Versions, models and usage differ; individual bills cannot predict everyone's cost.
Verify login before expanding the setup
EXTERNAL OBSERVATION · PARAPHRASED
A Kimi CLI discussion records authorization failures after login; replies discuss version fixes and environment-variable conflicts, with no single cause established.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONUse the official login flow and send one harmless request. Report version, OS, exact error and login method; never paste keys or start with a reinstall.
When is this review relevant?A historical issue, not proof of current widespread failure; fixes from different replies are not universally applicable.
Stop repeated paid retries when progress stalls
EXTERNAL OBSERVATION · PARAPHRASED
Bolt users supplied blank-preview logs; a reply advised stopping repeated prompts and sending evidence to support. A separate import report shows AI can invent nonexistent interface buttons.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONAfter two unchanged attempts, save the current state, collect the first error, reproduction steps and versions, then request diagnosis before edits. Verify UI instructions against current docs and the actual screen.
When is this review relevant?Two attempts is this site's practical stopping rule, not an experimental threshold. A downgrade suggested in the thread produced a security warning and is not a general fix.
Start without a large plugin setup
EXTERNAL OBSERVATION · PARAPHRASED
A Claude Code user requested easier plugin-scope changes, describing confusion between project, local and user configuration.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONComplete one project with a short instruction file first. Before adding a plugin, record its purpose, installation scope, credential source and removal method.
When is this review relevant?One feature request does not establish overall usability or prove the current version lacks a fix.
Generation needs verification and recovery
EXTERNAL OBSERVATION · PARAPHRASED
Simon Willison recommends starting an existing-project session by running its tests so the agent learns how verification works.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONA trial should include reading instructions, running the project, inspecting changes and recovering one small edit. Manually exercise the main flow instead of relying on the agent's completion message.
When is this review relevant?An experienced author's practice, not a guarantee for every project; identify changes to preserve before recovery.
Feeling faster differs from finishing faster
EXTERNAL OBSERVATION · PARAPHRASED
METR's study of experienced developers on familiar repositories found early-2025 tools did not deliver the expected speedup.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONMeasure from requirement to verified outcome, including setup, rework and validation. Preserve exportable code, instructions and run notes for future changes.
When is this review relevant?Do not generalize to beginners, all tasks or current models; the site's recommendation is an inference from the evidence.
Check total cost before subscribing
1Tool subscriptionFixed assistant access cost
2Extra AI usageOverages or separate API billing
3Product running costDomain, hosting, database
Use free or existing access for the same small task and record usage and revisions. Occasional use usually calls for an entry tier. Upgrade only when repeated limits obstruct valuable work. Credits are not comparable across tools.
Pick one tool and start practicing
- Confirm OS and regional availability
- Install or create a web project and sign in
- Make one small change; check preview and usage
- Prepare Git and project rules, then requirements
Keep files, Git history, requirements, run commands and test records for future migration. CLI can be learned later; it is not a mandatory milestone.