As software developers, we tend to fall into two camps with our tooling options.
The die-hard fanatics pick something and wonder why someone would use something else. They’re usually moving across buffers at warp speed in Vim or Emacs.
Others like testing new tools and probably jumped from Textmate to Sublime to Atom to VS Code or Helix, and are now testing out LLM-focused editors like Zed and Cursor.
Regardless of your tooling, you probably have an option to use a LLM with it. Options include dedicated AI coding editors like Zed or Cursor and plugins for your favorite editors (even Vim!).
Each approach has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, making the choice a matter of personal preference, project requirements, and workflow efficiency.
Advantages of Dedicated AI Coding Editors
Dedicated AI coding editors, such as Zed or Cursor, are designed specifically with LLMs in mind. These tools leverage models to provide features that can significantly enhance productivity:
1. Enhanced AI Features
These editors offer tailored code suggestions, context-aware completions, and intelligent refactoring options.
For instance, they can predict the next line of code based on your current context, which is particularly useful for complex projects or when working with unfamiliar frameworks.
2. Seamless Integration with AI Tools
Many dedicated AI editors integrate natively with tools like GitHub Copilot, making it easier to incorporate AI-driven development into your workflow without additional setup.
3. Streamlined Development Experience
Designed from the ground up for coding, these editors often come with a clean interface and focused feature sets that minimize distractions, allowing developers to concentrate on writing code.
Disadvantages of Dedicated AI Coding Editors
While dedicated AI editors offer significant benefits, they also present some challenges:
1. Learning Curve
Transitioning to a new editor can be challenging, especially if you've grown accustomed to the shortcuts and features of your current tool.
Mastering a new interface and its specific functionalities can take time. (Zed solves this to a degree with its ability to mimic the keyboard shortcuts of other editors.)
2. Cost Considerations
Some AI editors may require paid subscriptions or offer limited free tiers. This could be a barrier for individual developers or small teams on a budget.
3. Customization Limitations
While these editors are powerful, they might not offer the same level of customization as older, more established editors like VS Code or Sublime Text. If you rely heavily on specific plugins or extensions, this could limit your ability to tailor the editor to your workflow.
Advantages of Using Plugins in Familiar Editors
Using plugins within familiar editors like VS Code or IntelliJ has its own set of benefits:
1. Familiarity and Comfort
Sticking with an editor you already know can save time and reduce stress. You won't have to learn a new interface, which allows you to dive straight into coding.
2. Extensive Customization Options
Established editors support a wide array of plugins and extensions, enabling you to customize your environment to perfectly suit your workflow. For example, you can add linters, debuggers, or version control integrations that enhance your development experience.
3. Strong Community Support
Popular editors have large, active communities. This means abundant resources, tutorials, and forums are available for troubleshooting issues and learning new tips and tricks.
Disadvantages of Using Plugins
Despite these advantages, using plugins in familiar editors also has drawbacks:
1. Performance Impact
Installing multiple plugins can slow down your editor, especially if you're working on a machine with limited resources. This can lead to delays and frustration during development.
2. Compatibility Issues
Plugin updates can sometimes conflict with existing setups or other extensions, potentially causing instability or unexpected behavior in your editor.
3. Less Integrated AI Features
While plugins like GitHub Copilot can add AI capabilities to traditional editors, the integration might not be as seamless or powerful as in dedicated AI editors. This could result in a less polished AI-driven development experience.
Conclusion
Choosing between a dedicated AI coding editor and using plugins in a familiar editor comes down to personal preference, project needs, and workflow priorities.
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your workflow, enhances your productivity, and makes coding an enjoyable and efficient experience.
If you value cutting-edge AI features and are willing to invest time in learning a new tool, dedicated AI editors like Zed or Cursor might be the way to go.
On the other hand, if you cherish familiarity, extensive customization options, and robust community support, sticking with plugins in your current editor could be more beneficial.