Developing With AI: How to Write Better Code, Faster

AI is transforming how developers code, debug, and optimize projects in 2025. Tools like Cursor, Windsurf, and Claude Code provide real-time coding assistance and autonomous capabilities, while platforms like Snyk and Qodo focus on security and code review. By automating repetitive tasks and enhancing code quality, AI allows developers to focus on solving complex problems, speeding up workflows and improving overall productivity.

Key takeaways:

• AI tools save time by automating tasks like code generation, debugging, and code reviews.
• Improved productivity helps teams meet tight deadlines without extra resources.
• Popular tools include Cursor and Windsurf for AI-native IDEs, Claude Code for terminal-based coding, and Hoverify for browser-based debugging.

To integrate AI effectively, start with one tool, review its outputs carefully, and balance automation with manual coding. Always test AI-generated code to ensure it meets project requirements. AI is a powerful assistant, but human oversight remains essential.

Top AI Tools for Web Development in 2025

AI tools have evolved significantly, moving from simple code completion to full autonomous development capabilities. From generating and completing code to debugging, reviewing, and optimizing performance, these tools streamline various stages of the development process. They also integrate smoothly with existing workflows, making them valuable additions for developers. Below, we explore the standout AI tools across different categories.

AI-Native IDEs and Code Editors

• Cursor
  A VS Code fork that pioneered AI-first development, Cursor offers intelligent code assistance with its Composer feature for multi-file editing and Agent Mode for autonomous tasks. It excels at understanding your entire codebase and provides granular control over AI suggestions.

• Windsurf
  Originally created by Codeium and recently acquired by OpenAI for $3 billion, Windsurf features the Cascade agent that automatically analyzes your codebase and handles multi-step tasks. Its intuitive UI and automatic context detection make it particularly beginner-friendly.

• Claude Code
  Anthropic’s terminal-based AI assistant that works directly in your development environment. It can understand entire codebases, execute commands, make commits, and create pull requests without leaving your workflow. Available with Claude Pro/Max subscriptions or through API.

AI Code Assistants and Completion Tools

• GitHub Copilot
  Still one of the most popular AI assistants, Copilot now includes PR Agent features for code reviews and supports advanced models. Integrates seamlessly with VS Code, JetBrains, and other popular IDEs.

• Pieces for Developers
  An AI-powered productivity tool with Long-Term Memory (LTM) that captures context across your entire workflow. It manages code snippets, provides contextualized assistance, and can run models locally for enhanced privacy. Offers a generous free tier.

• Codeium
  Provides efficient code completions across 70+ languages with a strong free plan. Supports both cloud and on-premises deployment options, making it suitable for teams with different security requirements.

• Amazon Q Developer
  Amazon’s AI coding assistant, optimized for AWS development. Offers context-aware suggestions and integrates deeply with AWS services and tools.

AI Code Review and Security Tools

• Qodo (formerly Codium)
  Comprehensive AI assistant spanning the entire SDLC, from code generation to intelligent PR reviews. Features Qodo Gen for coding and Qodo Merge for automated code reviews with SOC 2-level enterprise safeguards.

• Snyk Code with DeepCode AI
  Uses machine learning to identify bugs and vulnerabilities in real-time. DeepCode AI supports 19+ languages with 25M+ data flow cases, providing 80%-accurate security autofixes.

• CodeAnt AI
  Unified platform for code reviews, quality, and security. Provides line-by-line PR feedback with auto-generated summaries and chat-style discussions.

• Aikido Security
  Purpose-built for modern DevOps with 90%+ false positive filtering. Offers business-logic awareness via LLMs and seamless CI/CD integration.

Rapid Prototyping and “Vibe Coding” Tools

• Lovable
  Focuses exclusively on React applications with Supabase backends, perfecting one specific workflow for rapid MVP development. Generated code consistently follows best practices.

• Bolt (by StackBlitz)
  Multi-framework support with an embedded IDE experience. Excellent for rapid prototyping with immediate functional code output.

• Replit
  Browser-based development environment with AI assistance for quick prototyping and learning.

Comparison Table

Here’s a quick overview of the main AI development tools, highlighting their primary focus, strengths, and key considerations.

Tool	Primary Focus	Key Strengths	Considerations	Pricing
Cursor	AI-first IDE	Multi-file editing, granular control, Agent Mode	Steeper learning curve	$20/month Pro
Windsurf	Beginner-friendly AI IDE	Automatic context, intuitive UI, Cascade agent	Recently acquired, pricing changes possible	$15/month Pro
Claude Code	Terminal-based assistant	Deep codebase understanding, autonomous tasks	Requires Claude subscription	$20-200/month
GitHub Copilot	Code completion & review	Wide IDE support, PR Agent features	Requires steady internet	$10-20/month
Pieces	Context management	Long-term memory, local processing, privacy-focused	Developer-focused only	Free tier available
Qodo	Full SDLC coverage	Code generation to PR reviews, enterprise-ready	Learning curve for advanced features	Free tier, $30/user Teams
Snyk Code	Security analysis	Real-time vulnerability detection, autofixes	Security-focused primarily	Free tier, $25+/month

Each tool brings unique strengths to the table. Many developers find that combining multiple tools based on their project needs and team workflows yields the best results. These AI-powered tools are paving the way for smarter, more efficient development processes, as we’ll explore further in the next section.

Adding AI to Your Development Workflow

Incorporating AI tools into your development process requires a thoughtful and steady approach. Start small - experiment with one or two tools, see how they align with your specific needs, and gain confidence before integrating them into your entire workflow.

Setting Up AI Tools in Popular IDEs

For developers in the United States, Visual Studio Code remains a favorite and excellent starting point for AI integration. Both Cursor and Windsurf are VS Code forks, making the transition seamless. Simply download either IDE, log in with your account, and start coding with AI assistance immediately.

If you’re using JetBrains IDEs, both Windsurf and many AI assistants offer plugins. Head to the Plugins section, search for your preferred tool, and install it. Windsurf’s cross-IDE support is particularly notable, allowing you to use the same AI capabilities across different development environments.

For terminal enthusiasts, Claude Code offers a powerful command-line experience. Install it via the command line, authenticate with your Claude account, and you’ll have AI assistance directly in your terminal - perfect for server management, automation scripts, and rapid prototyping without leaving your preferred environment.

Managing AI-Generated Code

Think of AI-generated code as a collaborative suggestion rather than a final solution. When an AI tool offers a function or code block, take a moment to understand its purpose. This not only helps you learn new coding patterns but also ensures the code aligns with your project’s architecture and standards.

Use clear commit messages to distinguish AI-generated code from manually written sections. Tools like Windsurf automatically write changes to disk before you approve them, allowing you to see results in real-time and make informed decisions about accepting suggestions.

Establishing team guidelines for AI usage can further streamline workflows. For instance, some teams might require peer reviews for all AI-generated code before merging. Others may designate specific tasks - like writing boilerplate code or generating test cases - as ideal for AI, while reserving complex business logic for manual coding.

Testing remains critical. Modern AI tools like Qodo can automatically generate unit tests, but you should still write comprehensive tests to validate AI-suggested code before deployment. Tools are excellent at generating syntactically correct code but may miss nuances specific to your project.

Balancing Automation and Manual Control

The best developers use AI tools strategically - letting them handle repetitive tasks while focusing their own efforts on complex problem-solving and system design. AI can take care of generating boilerplate code, drafting test structures, or even suggesting variable names, but the final decisions on business logic and architecture should remain in human hands.

To avoid overreliance on AI, dedicate time to manual coding. Regular practice keeps your problem-solving skills sharp and helps you spot when AI-generated suggestions might not be the best fit for your project. Tools like Cursor’s Agent Mode and Windsurf’s Cascade can handle multi-step tasks autonomously, but always review their work carefully.

Team collaboration benefits from transparency about AI usage. When submitting pull requests, note which parts were AI-assisted. Modern code review tools like Qodo Merge and CodeAnt AI can automatically identify AI-generated sections and provide appropriate review suggestions.

Monitor how AI tools impact productivity. Track metrics like bug rates, time spent on tasks, and code quality scores. Many teams report 25-30% productivity gains when using AI tools effectively, with some developers saving 20+ hours per week on routine tasks.

The goal isn’t to replace human judgment with automation but to create a workflow where AI and human insight complement each other, delivering better results together.

Improving Development with Hoverify

AI tools are fantastic for generating code, but web developers still need efficient ways to inspect and fine-tune that code directly in the browser. That’s where Hoverify steps in. This browser extension offers a suite of tools that integrate real-time debugging and optimization into your development workflow, making it an excellent companion to AI-powered tools.

Key Features of Hoverify

Hoverify is packed with tools that simplify working with AI-generated code. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Inspector Tool: Forget switching back and forth between your IDE and browser developer tools. With Hoverify, you can hover over any element to inspect it instantly and even edit styles on the spot. This is especially helpful for tweaking AI-generated CSS, allowing you to spot inconsistencies and make visual adjustments without leaving the browser.
• Color Eyedropper: Perfect for refining AI-generated color schemes, this tool lets you extract colors from any page element - including images and iframes - and provides precise color values. It’s a game-changer for matching designs seamlessly.
• Responsive Viewer: Testing AI-created responsive designs has never been easier. Hoverify lets you view layouts across multiple device profiles at once, with synchronized scrolling and clicking. You can even create custom device profiles to simulate how designs perform on various screens, helping you catch layout issues early.
• Assets Extraction: Managing AI-generated content is more efficient with this feature. It collects all media assets from a page into a single, organized view, allowing you to filter by type or size and download them as a zip file. This is especially useful when AI tools reference external assets that need local optimization.
• Site Stack Analysis: Get insights into the technologies behind any website, from hosting providers to WordPress themes and plugins. This tool helps developers make informed decisions about which frameworks and tools to use in their projects.
• SEO Tools: Hoverify analyzes meta tags, headers, and semantic HTML to ensure your AI-generated markup aligns with search engine best practices.

How Hoverify and AI Tools Work Together

Hoverify’s features complement AI tools beautifully, creating a streamlined development process. For example:

• Use Cursor or Windsurf to generate CSS, then refine it with Hoverify’s Inspector. If the AI-suggested padding feels off, you can adjust it visually in the browser and copy the updated CSS back into your codebase.
• Debug responsive designs more effectively. While AI tools might generate media queries for standard breakpoints, Hoverify’s Responsive Viewer lets you test these designs across multiple devices simultaneously. You might find that a layout works on an iPhone but needs tweaking for an iPad, insights that help you refine your AI prompts.
• The Custom Code Injection feature allows you to test AI-generated JavaScript snippets directly on live websites. Inject HTML, CSS, or JavaScript to prototype and validate changes before integrating them into your project.
• Hoverify’s screenshot capabilities are another bonus. Capture individual components or entire pages to document your work or compare multiple AI-generated design variations side by side to determine which one fits your needs best.

U.S.-Specific Use Cases

Hoverify is particularly useful for U.S. developers across industries like e-commerce, finance, marketing, and SaaS, where brand consistency and responsive design are crucial:

• E-commerce: Developers use AI to create responsive grids and rely on Hoverify’s Responsive Viewer to ensure product images look great on all devices.
• Finance: Financial services teams combine AI-generated forms with Hoverify’s inspection tools to check markup quality and ensure clear, well-structured layouts.
• Marketing: Agencies pair AI-generated content with Hoverify’s SEO tools to optimize landing pages. For example, after AI generates meta descriptions and headings, Hoverify ensures they meet search engine standards.
• SaaS: Teams building pricing pages use AI to generate comparison tables and Hoverify’s Color Eyedropper to maintain brand consistency. For instance, a developer might extract the exact hex value of a company’s primary color and verify that all AI-generated components match it.
• Agencies: When redesigning client websites, agencies find the asset extraction feature invaluable. Instead of manually hunting for logos, images, and other assets, they can extract everything at once and use these elements to create cohesive new layouts.

Hoverify doesn’t just make development easier - it bridges the gap between AI-generated output and polished, professional results, saving time while ensuring quality.

Best Practices for Using AI Responsibly

When integrating AI tools into your workflow, it’s crucial to approach them as assistants, not as replacements for careful judgment. Always verify the output and apply sound practices to maximize their effectiveness.

Reviewing and Testing AI-Generated Code

Even with AI in the mix, thorough code review remains non-negotiable. Modern AI code review tools like Qodo Merge and Aikido Security can help automate this process, but human oversight is still essential.

• Review every line of code: Check for vulnerabilities like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), or weak input validation. Tools like Snyk’s DeepCode AI can automatically identify these issues with 80%+ accuracy.
• Test for edge cases: If AI creates a form validation function, don’t stop at testing valid inputs. Try malformed data, overly long strings, special characters, and empty fields. Tools like Qodo can automatically generate comprehensive test suites.
• Measure performance: AI-generated code may prioritize readability over efficiency. Use profiling tools and AI-powered optimization suggestions from tools like CodeScene to identify performance bottlenecks.

To streamline the review process, use AI code review tools that integrate with your CI/CD pipeline. These tools can automatically flag AI-generated blocks in pull requests, helping reviewers focus on sections that need extra scrutiny.

Using AI for Documentation and Optimization

AI tools excel at tasks that are often overlooked, like creating documentation and optimizing code. Modern tools have evolved beyond simple suggestions to provide comprehensive assistance:

• Automate documentation: Tools like Claude Code and Cursor can analyze your codebase to generate comments, README files, and API documentation. They’re particularly useful for breaking down complex functions into plain English.
• Enhance test coverage: Qodo and similar tools can suggest test cases that cover a wide range of scenarios, including edge cases you might miss. They can generate entire test suites based on your code structure.
• Optimize performance: AI assistants can analyze existing code for inefficiencies. They can recommend faster algorithms, highlight redundant operations, and suggest modern techniques like async/await in JavaScript.
• Standardize code: Use AI to refactor code to align with your team’s style guide, replace deprecated APIs, or modernize outdated patterns. Tools like Cursor’s Agent Mode can handle these refactors across multiple files simultaneously.

Staying Updated with New AI Tools

The AI landscape in 2025 evolves rapidly, with major updates and new tools emerging monthly. Staying informed is key to maintaining a competitive edge:

• Follow key developments: Major shifts like OpenAI’s acquisition of Windsurf or the release of Claude Opus 4.1 can significantly impact your tool choices. Subscribe to newsletters from Anthropic, OpenAI, and other AI labs.
• Join developer communities: Platforms like Reddit’s r/ChatGPTCoding, Discord servers, and specialized forums share real-world experiences and tips that go beyond official documentation.
• Track model improvements: New models like Claude Opus 4.1 and GPT-4o bring significant capability improvements. Understanding these advances helps you choose the right model for each task.
• Experiment with new approaches: Try different tools for different tasks. You might use Cursor for complex refactoring, Claude Code for terminal automation, and Pieces for managing your code snippets and context.
• Evaluate total costs: Consider not just subscription fees but also API costs, learning curves, and integration challenges. Many developers use multiple tools - for example, combining Cursor’s $20/month plan with Pieces’ free tier for comprehensive coverage.

Conclusion: Reaching New Levels of Productivity

AI has fundamentally transformed software development in 2025. With tools like Cursor and Windsurf revolutionizing the IDE experience, Claude Code bringing AI directly to the terminal, and specialized tools like Qodo and Snyk ensuring code quality and security, developers have unprecedented capabilities at their fingertips.

Recent studies show that developers using AI tools report 25-30% productivity increases, with some saving over 20 hours per week on routine tasks. The shift from simple code completion to autonomous development agents represents a paradigm change in how we build software.

Tools like Hoverify complement AI-driven workflows by ensuring that AI-generated code functions seamlessly across devices and scenarios. While AI handles code generation and optimization, Hoverify steps in to refine and validate, creating a harmonious ecosystem for faster, high-quality web development.

The key to success lies not in choosing a single tool but in building an effective AI-augmented workflow. Many developers combine multiple tools: Cursor or Windsurf for primary development, Claude Code for automation, Qodo for reviews, and Pieces for context management. This multi-tool approach, combined with human expertise and careful review, creates a development process that’s both efficient and reliable.

As AI capabilities continue to advance - with models like Claude Opus 4.1 pushing the boundaries of what’s possible - developers who embrace and refine their use of these technologies today will be at the forefront of tomorrow’s innovations. The challenge isn’t whether to adopt AI, but how to do so effectively while maintaining rigorous quality standards.

FAQs

How can AI tools like Cursor and Windsurf help me write better code faster?

AI-powered IDEs like Cursor and Windsurf represent a new generation of development tools that go beyond simple code completion. These tools understand your entire codebase, can make multi-file edits, and even handle complex refactoring tasks autonomously. Cursor’s Agent Mode can explore repositories, read documentation, and run terminal commands, while Windsurf’s Cascade feature automatically detects context and guides you through multi-step workflows.

By handling routine tasks like generating boilerplate code, writing tests, and debugging, these tools free up your mental bandwidth for creative problem-solving and architecture decisions. Developers report 25-30% productivity gains, with complex tasks that previously took days now completed in hours.

How can I ensure the quality and security of code generated by AI tools?

To ensure your AI-generated code is both secure and reliable, implement a multi-layered approach. Start with AI-powered security tools like Snyk’s DeepCode AI or Aikido Security, which can identify vulnerabilities with 80-90% accuracy. These tools catch issues like SQL injection, XSS attacks, and insecure authentication patterns.

Beyond automated scanning, establish a human review process using AI code review tools like Qodo Merge or CodeAnt AI. These tools provide line-by-line feedback and can identify both security issues and logical flaws. Always test AI-generated code thoroughly - tools like Qodo can automatically generate comprehensive test suites to validate functionality. Finally, establish clear team guidelines for AI usage and maintain documentation of AI-assisted code for transparency and accountability.

How does Hoverify enhance AI-powered web development, and what makes it stand out?

Hoverify brings a fresh approach to AI-powered web development with its feature-packed browser extension. It simplifies essential tasks like inspecting elements, live-editing styles, and extracting assets, all in one place. By combining these tools, it helps developers save time and avoid juggling multiple extensions, creating a smoother workflow.

What sets Hoverify apart is its streamlined interface, which pulls together key development tools into a single, cohesive platform. With support for AI-assisted workflows, it allows developers to make quick in-browser edits, test changes, and debug efficiently - making it an indispensable tool for validating and refining AI-generated code in real-time. The ability to test responsive designs across multiple devices simultaneously and extract all page assets with one click makes it particularly valuable for modern web development needs.