For developers

AI stack for developers

A practical set of AI tools for software developers, in the order you use them during a normal week. Start by talking a problem through, write code with an assistant in the editor, hand larger changes to an agent, then automate the chores around releases.

The workflow, step by step

5 steps, in the order you use them.

  1. Step 1: Think through the problem

    Talking the design through first catches bad ideas before they become code.

    ChatGPT

    Free + PaidEditor's pick

    The general-purpose assistant that started the wave.

    Visit

    Free alternative

    Claude
    Free + Paid

    Long-context assistant strong on writing and code.

  2. Step 2: Write code in your editor

    Inline completions and chat keep you in flow instead of switching to a browser.

    Cursor

    Free + Paid

    The AI-first code editor developers switched to.

    Visit

    Free alternative

    GitHub Copilot
    Free + Paid

    The original AI pair programmer, now an agent.

  3. Step 3: Hand bigger changes to an agent

    Multi-file refactors and test fixes are faster when an agent can read the repo and run commands.

    Free alternative

    Continue
    Open source

    Open-source assistant you point at any model.

  4. Step 4: Prototype the interface

    A generated UI gives you something to react to in minutes rather than hours.

    Free alternative

    Bolt.new
    Free + Paid

    Prompt a full-stack web app and run it in the browser.

  5. Step 5: Automate the release chores

    Notifications, changelogs and hand-offs are perfect jobs for a workflow tool.

    n8n

    Free + Paid

    Source-available automation you can self-host.

    Visit

    Free alternative

    Zapier AI
    Free + Paid

    Connects 8,000+ apps, now with AI agents.

Free path vs pro path

An estimate from the lowest monthly price each tool lists. Plans, seats and usage limits vary.

Free path

$0/mo

Every step on a free plan or free alternative where one exists.

Pro path

from $100/mo

Every step on the main tool's entry paid plan.

Prices change often; check each tool's official site before you buy.

AI stack for developers: common questions

What is the best free AI stack for developers?

A free chatbot for design questions, the free tier of GitHub Copilot or Cursor in the editor, the open-source Continue extension with a model of your choice, and self-hosted n8n for automation will cover most of a week without paying.

Do I need both an AI editor and a coding agent?

Not always. Editors like Cursor already include agent modes. A separate agent such as Claude Code helps most when you want it to run commands, tests and longer multi-step tasks while you review.

Is it safe to use AI coding tools on company code?

Check your employer's policy first. Most vendors offer business plans with no training on your code and admin controls; read each tool's data-use terms before connecting a private repository.

More stacks

No tool in this stack paid to be here. All stacks · All AI bundles