MLA 022 Code AI: Cursor, Cline, Roo, Aider, Copilot, Windsurf

Machine Learning Guide

Vibe coding is using large language models within IDEs or plugins to generate, edit, and review code, and has recently become a prominent and evolving technique in software and machine learning engineering. The episode outlines a comparison of current code AI tools - such as Cursor, Copilot, Windsurf, Cline, Roo Code, and Aider - explaining their architectures, capabilities, agentic features, pricing, and practical recommendations for integrating them into development workflows.

Links

• Notes and resources at ocdevel.com/mlg/mla-22
• Try a walking desk stay healthy & sharp while you learn & code

Definition and Context of Vibe Coding

• Vibe coding refers to using large language models (LLMs) to generate or edit code directly within IDEs or through plugins.
• Developers interface with AI models in their coding environment by entering requests or commands in chat-like dialogues, enabling streamlined workflows for feature additions, debugging, and other tasks.

Industry Reception and Concerns

• Industry skepticism about vibe coding centers on three issues: concerns that excessive reliance on AI can degrade code quality, skepticism over aggressive marketing reminiscent of early cryptocurrency promotions, and anxieties about job security among experienced developers.
• Maintaining human oversight and reviewing AI-generated changes is emphasized, with both senior engineers and newcomers encouraged to engage critically with outputs rather than use them blindly.

Turnkey Web App Generators vs. Developer-Focused Tools

• Some AI-powered platforms function as turnkey website and app generators (for example, Lovable, Rept, and Bolt), which reduce development to prompting but limit customizability and resemble content management systems.
• The focus of this episode is on developer-oriented tools that operate within professional environments, distinguishing them from these all-in-one generators.

Evolution of Code AI Tools and IDE Integration

• Most contemporary AI code assistants either fork Visual Studio Code (Cursor, Windsurf), or offer plugins/extensions for it, capitalizing on the popularity and adaptability of VS Code.
• Tools such as Copilot, Cline, Roo Code, and Aider present varied approaches ranging from command-line interfaces to customizable, open-source integrations.

Functional Capabilities: Inline Edits and Agentic Features

• Early iterations of AI coding tools mainly provided inline code suggestions or autocompletions within active files.
• Modern tools now offer “agentic” features, such as analyzing file dependencies, editing across multiple files, installing packages, executing commands, interacting with web browsers, and performing broader codebase actions.

Detailed Overview of Leading Tools

• Cursor is a popular standalone fork of VS Code, focused on integrating new models with stability and offering a flat-fee pricing model.
• Windsurf offers similar agentic and inline features with tiered pricing and a “just works” usability orientation.
• Copilot, integrated with VS Code and GitHub Code Spaces, provides agentic coding with periodic performance fluctuations and tiered pricing.
• Cline is open-source and model-agnostic, pioneering features like “bring your own model” (BYOM) and operating on a per-request billing structure.
• Roo Code, derived from Cline, prioritizes rapid feature development and customization, serving users interested in experimental capabilities.
• Aider is command-line only, focusing on token efficiency and precise, targeted code modifications, making it useful for surgical edits or as a fallback tool.

Community and Resource Ecosystem

• Resources such as leaderboards enable developers to monitor progress and compare tool effectiveness.
• Aiding community support and updates, the Reddit community discusses use cases, troubleshooting, and rapid feature rollouts.
• Demonstrations such as the video of speed-demon illustrate tool capabilities in practical scenarios.

Models, Pricing, and Cost Management

• Subscription tools like Cursor, Copilot, and Windsurf have flat or tiered pricing, with extra fees for exceeding standard quotas.
• Open-source solutions require API keys for model providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini), incurring per-request charges dependent on usage.
• OpenRouter is recommended for consolidating credits and accessing multiple AI models, streamlining administration and reducing fragmented expenses.

Model Advancements and Recommendations

• The landscape of model performance changes rapidly, with leaders shifting from Claude 3.5, to DeepSeek, Claude 3.7, and currently to Gemini 2.5 Pro Experimental, which is temporarily free and offers extended capabilities.
• Developers should periodically review available models, utilizing OpenRouter to select up-to-date and efficient options.

Practical Usage Strategies

• For routine development, begin with Cursor and explore alternatives like Copilot and Windsurf for additional features.
• Advanced users can install Cline or Roo Code as plugins within preferred IDEs, and maintain Aider for precise code changes or fallback needs.
• Balancing subscription-based and open-source tools can increase cost-efficiency; thoughtful review of AI-generated edits remains essential before codebase integration.

Conclusion

• Vibe coding, defined as using LLMs for software and machine learning development, is transforming professional workflows with new tooling and shifting best practices.
• Developers are encouraged to experiment with a range of tools, monitor ongoing advancements, and integrate AI responsibly into their coding routines.