Tools that help you code

Used the right way, AI tools make you learn faster — ask them to explain an error or quiz you, not to do your work.

Here are the ones worth knowing. For coding specifically, I’d start with Claude; it tends to give the clearest explanations and the most reliable code.

Claude

Recommended for coding

Clear explanations and reliable code. Great for understanding an error, learning a concept step by step, or reviewing what you wrote. Start here.

ChatGPT

The best-known one, good all-rounder. Handy for quick questions and explanations while you learn.

Gemini

Google’s assistant, with a generous free tier. Useful as a second opinion when another tool gets something wrong.

Cursor & GitHub Copilot

Later, not yet

AI built into your code editor that autocompletes as you type. Powerful, but wait until the basics are solid — leaning on these too early stops you from learning.

The rule, again: understand it first, then use these to go faster. They’re brilliant assistants and terrible substitutes for actually knowing your craft.