How to Use AI Tools to Write and Debug Code in Under 2 Hours

As a solo founder, time is your most precious resource. You might be juggling multiple roles, and the last thing you need is to get bogged down in coding issues or writer's block. Fortunately, AI coding tools have come a long way and can help you write and debug code faster than ever. In this guide, I’ll show you how to leverage these tools effectively in under two hours.

Prerequisites: What You Need

Before diving in, make sure you have:

• A computer with internet access.
• An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) like Visual Studio Code or IntelliJ.
• A basic understanding of the programming language you’re using (Python, JavaScript, etc.).
• An account with at least one AI coding tool (we'll cover the best options below).

Step 1: Choose Your AI Coding Tool

Here are some of the top AI coding tools available in 2026, along with their pricing and features:

| Tool Name | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |------------------|----------------------------|---------------------------|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo | Writing code in IDEs | Limited to supported languages | We use this for code suggestions. | | Tabnine | Free tier + $12/mo pro | Autocompletion | Less effective with complex logic | Good for quick code snippets. | | Codeium | Free | Collaborative coding | Limited features in free version | Great for team environments. | | Replit | Free tier + $20/mo pro | Online coding and debugging| Performance issues with heavy apps | Useful for quick prototypes. | | ChatGPT | Free + $20/mo for Pro | General programming help | Not language-specific, context issues| Use it for brainstorming and debugging.| | Sourcery | $29/mo, no free tier | Python code improvements | Focused only on Python | We don’t use it due to cost. | | Codex | $0-100/mo based on usage | API integrations | Complex setup | We’ve dabbled but prefer simpler tools.| | DeepCode | $15/mo | Code reviews | Limited language support | Great for quality assurance checks. | | Ponic | $10/mo | Real-time collaboration | Can be buggy in larger teams | We like its collaboration features. | | AI Dungeon | Free | Game development | Niche use case | Fun for side projects, not serious coding.| | CodeGPT | $5/mo | General code assistance | Basic features | We don’t use this; not robust enough.|

Step 2: Set Up Your Environment

Once you've selected your tool, it's time to set up your IDE. For instance, if you're using GitHub Copilot, install it as an extension in Visual Studio Code.

1. Open your IDE.
2. Navigate to the extensions marketplace.
3. Search for and install your chosen AI tool.
4. Follow the setup instructions to link your AI account.

Expected Output: Your IDE will now have AI-assisted coding capabilities.

Step 3: Writing Code Efficiently

Now, let’s write some code. For this example, I’ll use GitHub Copilot:

1. Start a new project or open an existing one.
2. Begin typing a function or class. For example, typing def calculate_sum will prompt Copilot to suggest the rest of the function.
3. Accept suggestions by pressing the “Tab” key.

Expected Output: A complete function with minimal typing.

Step 4: Debugging Code

Debugging can be tedious, but AI tools can help streamline this process:

1. Run your code to identify errors.
2. If you encounter an error, copy the error message.
3. Ask your AI tool (like ChatGPT) for help: “What does this error mean?” or “How do I fix this error?”

Expected Output: A clearer understanding of your error and potential solutions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Tool not working: Ensure your IDE is updated and the tool is properly installed.
• Inaccurate suggestions: AI tools learn from context; provide clear comments or function names for better results.
• Performance lag: This can happen with online tools; try switching to a local IDE if possible.

What’s Next: Maximizing Your AI Toolkit

After you've completed your coding session, consider these next steps:

• Explore additional features of your chosen tools.
• Experiment with different AI tools to see which fits your workflow best.
• Join communities or forums to share experiences and learn about new tools.

Conclusion: Start Here

If you're looking to save time and improve your coding efficiency, start with GitHub Copilot for its seamless integration with IDEs, or Tabnine if you need a free option for autocompletion. For debugging, ChatGPT can offer invaluable insights.

By leveraging these tools, you can significantly reduce the time spent on writing and debugging code, allowing you to focus on what really matters—building your product.