AI Coding Tools

swstack.org 3 min read

Now that you understand what AI coding is and how it works, let’s look at the best tools you can start using today — all of them free to begin with.

Here are three of the most popular and beginner-friendly AI coding tools:

1. Cursor

Cursor is like VS Code but with AI built deeply into it. You open a file, highlight code or just type a request like “add dark mode” or “make this button bigger”, and it rewrites or adds the code instantly. It feels like having an AI pair programmer sitting right next to you.

2. GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot lives inside your code editor. As you type, it suggests entire lines or whole functions in real time. You can say “create a login form with email and password fields” and it auto-fills the code. Many people find it almost creepy how well it understands what you’re trying to build.

3. Claude by Anthropic

Claude is a powerful chat-based tool. You don’t need a full code editor to start. Simply describe what you want in the chat window — for example, “build me a simple to-do list app with add and delete buttons” — and it gives you clean, ready-to-use code. It’s especially great for beginners because there’s almost no setup required.

Which One Should You Pick First?

If you enjoy working inside a full-featured editor, start with Cursor. If you prefer a simple chat interface with zero setup, begin with Claude. GitHub Copilot is excellent once you’re comfortable using a traditional code editor.

All three tools are free to start using. You can try them all and see which one feels most comfortable.

Your First Real Project

Pick one tool and try this exact request:

“Create a simple to-do list webpage using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Users should be able to add new items and delete them.”

Copy the generated code, save it as todo.html, and open it in your browser. Test it out. Then ask the AI to make one improvement — for example, “add a dark mode toggle that remembers the user’s choice”.

This small exercise is how most people begin their journey. One simple project at a time, you’ll quickly learn how to guide the AI effectively and turn ideas into working applications.

The real skill you’re developing isn’t memorizing syntax. It’s learning how to clearly explain what you want and turn AI suggestions into finished, useful projects.