Ten great AI tools to improve software development productivity in 2024
2023.12.31
By 2023, AI will have been widely adopted across multiple industries. By 2024, the software development industry can benefit significantly from artificial intelligence. AI can be leveraged throughout the SDLC to improve overall software delivery efficiency. this means:
- Efficient code writing: AI automates code generation, speeding up development cycles and minimizing human errors.
- Automated testing: Streamlined testing processes ensure robust, error-free software with reduced manual intervention.
- Enhanced code optimization: AI analyzes code patterns and recommends optimizations to improve performance and resource utilization.
- Predictive maintenance: Proactively identify and resolve potential system failures before they impact end users.
- **Natural Language Processing (NLP)**: Simplifying communication, NLP facilitates intuitive interactions between developers and systems.
Therefore, this article explores the 10 best AI tools that software developers can adopt to significantly increase their development productivity.
1. GitHub Copilot
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https://github.com/features/copilot
GitHub Copilot[1] is an artificial intelligence-based code completion tool developed by GitHub. It helps developers write code faster and reduce errors by providing context-aware suggestions as they type.
characteristic
- Powerful code autocompletion: Get suggestions for complete lines, functions, or even entire files based on existing code and context.
- Natural Language Understanding: Describe what you want to achieve in plain English and Copilot will translate it into working code.
- Multi-language support: Supports multiple programming languages, such as Python, JavaScript, Java, etc.
price
GitHub Copilot starts at $10 per month after a 30-day trial, with annual and enterprise plan options.
Who is it suitable for?
Improves the productivity of programmers of all levels, especially those who work with multiple languages or seek creative freedom.
2. Mintlify
Mintlify[2] is an AI-powered documentation writer that enables developers to generate code documentation quickly and accurately. It analyzes code, understands its purpose, and creates a description of the code in the form of a docstring. The tool is available in popular editors such as Visual Studio Code and IntelliJ, as well as a web version.
characteristic
- Automated code documentation: Use AI to generate documentation from code, saving a lot of time.
- Beautiful design: Mintlify’s documentation is modern, responsive, and easy to navigate.
- MDX support: Use Markdown to write documents and add interactive elements such as code snippets and diagrams.
price
Mintlify offers tiered pricing from free (personal project) to customized enterprise plans, with paid options starting at $120 per month.
Who is it suitable for?
Developers who aim to optimize document workflows, teams who pursue visual and user-friendly documentation, and individuals who strive to enhance the user experience by improving document quality.
3. Tabnine
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Tabnine[3] is an AI assistant for software developers that provides AI-driven code completion and suggestions to increase productivity and accelerate coding workflows. It uses advanced machine learning models trained on licensed open source code to provide intelligent code recommendations across a variety of programming languages and major integrated development environments (IDEs).
characteristic
- Context-aware: Tabnine analyzes your code and projects to understand your intent, from variables to entire functions to come up with relevant completions.
- Full line magic: Stop typing line by line, Tabnine will prompt you to type complete lines, or even complete functions, saving you time and energy.
- Natural Language Master: Having trouble expressing code concepts? Use natural language to describe what you want, and Tabnine translates it into working code.
price
Tabnine offers a free starter plan, a $12 per user per month Pro plan, and a custom-priced Enterprise plan.
Who is it suitable for?
Tabnine is a must-have tool for programmers, designed to increase productivity, minimize errors, explore new coding possibilities, and promote a faster learning experience, making it an indispensable tool for both experienced developers and beginners alike .
4. Stepsize
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Stepsize AI[4] is an artificial intelligence-powered software team assistant that automatically generates and publishes critical updates on project progress, risks, and opportunities. It acts like a constantly learning teammate, keeping everyone informed and focused, saving time and improving communication within the team.
characteristic
- Debt Detection: Automatically identify technical debt issues hidden in your code base, from code smells to outdated dependencies.
- Integration Master: Works well with existing tools and seamlessly connects to popular issue trackers, IDEs, and version control systems.
- Team collaboration: Facilitate communication and coordination around technical debt, helping everyone understand its impact and work together to address it.
price
Stepsize offers a single pricing plan of $29 per month per Jira board or Linear team.
Who is it suitable for?
Who is Stepsize AI suitable for? Software teams who want to use artificial intelligence to improve communication, consistency, and project progress.
5. Scribe
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Scribe[5] is a magic wand for developers who hate messy, undocumented code. It is an AI tool that can automatically generate documentation when writing code, generating explanations, summaries and even diagrams.
characteristic
- Automatically generate detailed documentation: No more cumbersome documentation! Scribe captures your screen actions and keystrokes, converting them into step-by-step guides with screenshots, text, and annotations.
- Improve efficiency: Spend less time writing code, Scribe can save you hours of documentation work and streamline your workflow.
- Seamless integration: Works with existing tools and integrates with screen recorders and design platforms for a smooth experience.
price
Scribe offers a free plan for individual users, as well as professional and enterprise plans for teams. The Professional plan is the most popular option and costs $23 per month.
Who is it suitable for?
Who is Scribe suitable for? Developers who value clean, efficient code and hate maintaining outdated comments.
6. Sourcegraph Cody
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https://about.sourcegraph.com/cody
Sourcegraph Cody[6] is an artificial intelligence coding assistant with a free open core platform. Cody is responsible for more than just writing, fixing, and maintaining code. It uses powerful code graphs to gather context and get a complete view of your codebase.
characteristic
- Contextual Code Search: Find relevant examples and documentation across millions of code repositories, like a super powerful code search engine.
- Code Interpreter: Get a clear explanation of your existing code to understand its purpose and functionality.
- Code Generator: Generate boilerplate, unit tests, or even complete functionality based on your needs.
- Code improvement: identify code defects and make optimization suggestions to make the code simpler and more efficient.
price
Cody offers a free plan with rate limits and a professional plan. Cody Pro is free through February 2024, offering unlimited usage and greater codebase context for deeper insights. After that, Pro will be priced at $9 per month, and an Enterprise plan will be available soon for advanced needs.
Who is it suitable for?
Sourcegraph Cody is ideal for developers working in large code bases. It leverages AI and Sourcegraph code intelligence to answer questions, provide autocomplete, and suggest improvements based on the context of your specific codebase.
7. Grit
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Grit[7] is a cutting-edge artificial intelligence tool designed to simplify the process of resolving technical debt in code. Grit combines static analysis and machine learning techniques to automatically generate pull requests, clean up and convert your code to the latest framework.
characteristic
- AI-driven test generation: Automatically create comprehensive test cases based on application functionality and user behavior, eliminating manual scripting.
- Self-healing tests: Tests adapt to UI changes without manual intervention, saving time and reducing frustration.
- Continuous feedback: Get real-time feedback on code quality and potential regressions every time your code changes.
- Data-driven testing: Create realistic and relevant test scenarios using real user data.
price
Grit offers a free beta version for up to 20 developers. Additionally, it offers enterprise plans for teams, please visit the Grit website for more pricing information.
Who is it suitable for?
Grit.io is best suited for teams dealing with technical debt and managing legacy systems, automating code migration and refactoring for faster, smoother upgrades.
8. Amazon CodeWhisperer
https://aws.amazon.com/codewhisperer/
Amazon CodeWhisperer[8] is your AI coding partner! It lives in your integrated development environment and recommends code snippets, complete functions and even translations to you as you write code. Imagine CodeWhisperer magically filling in the code as you write comments! It understands your context, adapts to your style, and even checks for security vulnerabilities.
characteristic
- Security Sentinel: Built-in vulnerability prevention scans your code as you write it and recommends fixes to prevent potential security issues.
- Multilingual Master: Say goodbye to language barriers! CodeWhisperer supports over 15 programming languages, making it easy for you to code in your favorite language.
- IDE Integration: Seamlessly integrates with popular IDEs such as VS Code, JetBrains, and IntelliJ IDEA to integrate directly into your coding workflow.
price
Amazon CodeWhisperer offers free Personal and Professional plans for $19 per user per month.
Who is it suitable for?
Developers looking for AI-driven code advice, translation, and security scanning, either individually or as a team.
9. CodeWP
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CodeWP[9] is an AI coding partner built specifically for the WordPress world. It's like a super plug-in in your tool kit! It can generate code for custom post types, plugins, ACF fields, or even entire themes based on your natural language description or existing project context.
characteristic
- Patterns for popular plugins: Train AI on specific plugins like ACF, Elementor, and Oxygen Builder to get more targeted code suggestions.
- Multi-language support: Work in the language you prefer — CodeWP supports English, Spanish, French, and German.
- AI customization: Fine-tune the behavior of the AI to match your coding style and project needs.
- Live code preview: View generated code before committing.
price
The cheapest paid plan is $18/month, but there are also free and agency plans. CodeWP offers a variety of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, so you can choose the plan that works best for you.
Who is it suitable for?
CodeWP is best suited for WordPress creators, who can make custom code snippets, plugins, and entire features through AI assistants even without deep coding knowledge.
10. Bugasura
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Bugasura[10] is a simple collaborative bug tracking platform designed for rapidly growing SaaS teams. It helps developers, QA testers, and product managers report, track, and close bugs faster by streamlining their workflow and providing a variety of useful features. Think of it as a dedicated teammate who keeps your bug fixes organized and efficient.
characteristic
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface: Makes the platform easy for everyone on your team to use.
- Efficient Bug Reporting: Easily capture and prioritize bugs with relevant details and attachments.
- Collaborative workflow: Assign bugs, track progress, and discuss solutions through comments and mentions.
- Analysis and reporting: Gain insights into your error trends and identify areas for improvement.
price
Bugasura's Pro plan is $5 per user per month, please visit the Bugasura website for more pricing information.
Who is it suitable for?
Bugasura is best suited for fast-growing SaaS teams looking for an AI-powered issue tracker to streamline workflows, find bugs faster, and deliver high-quality software.
in conclusion
Artificial intelligence tools play an important role in software development, providing faster, more accurate, and more efficient solutions. They have the potential to revolutionize software development, streamline processes, and ultimately deliver higher quality software products to the market.
This article discusses tools that can enhance your software development experience and increase productivity. While the aforementioned AI tools have demonstrated impressive capabilities, it’s worth noting that their effectiveness is directly related to their integration into the software development workflow.