I've tested free vs. paid AI coding tools - here's which one I'd actually use

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Free AI chatbots handle small projects surprisingly well.
• Pro coding agents deliver serious productivity boosts for pro coders.
• Spend based on what you need to get the job done.

The use of AI in coding has exploded in the past few years. What was an amazing curiosity in April 2023 is now impacting every programmer on the planet.

As the IEEE (a professional organization for engineers) reports, headcount for young, early-career programmers has plummeted over the past two years. But more senior developers are utilizing AI to make themselves more productive.

Then there are the AI tools themselves. They range from free AI tools that cost nothing, all the way up to nearly $1,000 per month for a range of professional AI tools. These tools use a considerable amount of ...