1. VS Code + Copilot Pro

• Intro: This is a combination officially launched by Microsoft. It integrates the GitHub Copilot Pro plugin into the free and widely-used VS Code editor. It provides real-time code suggestions while coding and supports solving programming problems via a chat window.

• Price: Copilot Pro is $10/month. Eligible users can try student verification to get free access, which provides nearly unlimited usage after verification.

• Features: Natively integrated with VS Code for a smooth experience, suitable for users already accustomed to the VS Code ecosystem.

• Tutorial: Installation Tutorial (Bilibili)

2. Cursor

• Intro: Cursor is an AI-first code editor, often referred to as an “AI-native” IDE. It is a deeply modified version of VS Code, designed to allow the AI to better understand the entire codebase for more complex code editing and refactoring.

• Price: The standard version is $20/month. You can also try student verification to get free access.

• Features: Higher integration of AI features with the editor, capable of handling complex cross-file instructions, suitable for users who want AI to be more deeply involved in the development process.

• Tutorial: Installation Tutorial (Bilibili)

3. Trae

• Intro: An AI programming tool developed by ByteDance, currently offering a generous amount of free usage.

• Price: A generous amount of free usage is available.

• Features: As a product from a domestic company, its interface and features may be better suited to the habits of some local users.

4. Gemini CLI

• Intro: An AI programming agent launched by Google that lacks a graphical user interface and interacts via the command line. It can directly access and modify local files.

• Price: Currently free.

• Features: Good performance and strong execution capability as it can directly operate on local files. Suitable for developers who heavily rely on the terminal.

5. Claude Code

• Intro: Developed by the AI company Anthropic, known for its powerful code generation and logical understanding capabilities. It also has no graphical interface and is primarily used via API calls.

• Price: No free tier available.

• Features: Exceptional in handling complex programming logic and generating high-quality code, but has a higher barrier to entry and cost.

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