How to Write Code with AI: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Developers

As a new developer, diving into the world of coding can feel like stepping into a vast ocean without a life raft. You might be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information and languages to learn. But what if I told you that AI coding tools can help you navigate this ocean more easily? In 2026, leveraging AI for coding isn't just a fad; it's becoming a necessity for anyone looking to code efficiently. In this guide, I'll walk you through how to effectively use AI tools to enhance your coding skills.

Prerequisites for Using AI Coding Tools

Before jumping in, make sure you have the following:

• Basic understanding of programming concepts (variables, loops, functions)
• A computer with internet access
• An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) like VSCode or a code editor of your choice
• A willingness to experiment and learn

Step 1: Choose the Right AI Coding Tool

The first step is to select an AI coding tool that fits your needs. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:

| Tool Name | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |--------------------|----------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo, free for students | Pair programming | Limited to GitHub environments | We use it for quick code suggestions. | | Tabnine | $12/mo, free tier available| Autocompletion | May not support all languages | We find it helpful for JavaScript. | | Codeium | Free | Collaborative coding | Still in beta, might have bugs | We don't rely on it yet. | | Replit AI | Free tier, $20/mo Pro | Learning and prototyping | Limited features in free version | Great for beginners. | | Kite | Free, Pro $19.99/mo | Python coding | Only supports Python and JavaScript | We like it for Python projects. | | Sourcery | $15/mo | Refactoring | Limited to Python | We don't use it because we prefer manual refactoring. | | OpenAI Codex | Pay per usage | Advanced code generation | Costs can add up quickly | We use it for complex queries. | | Amazon CodeWhisperer| $19/mo, free tier | AWS integration | Best for AWS services | We don’t use it unless on AWS. | | AIPRM | Free | SEO content generation | Not focused on coding | We don’t use it for coding. | | Codeium | Free | Collaborative coding | Still in beta, might have bugs | We don't rely on it yet. | | DeepCode | Free | Code review | Limited to Java, JavaScript, Python | We use it for code reviews. |

What We Actually Use

For our projects, we primarily use GitHub Copilot for pair programming and Kite for Python coding. They complement each other well and help us stay productive.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Environment

Once you've chosen a tool, set it up in your IDE:

1. Install the extension: Most AI tools come as extensions. For instance, install GitHub Copilot from the Visual Studio Marketplace.
2. Sign in: Create an account if necessary and link it to your IDE.
3. Configure settings: Adjust the preferences according to your coding style.

Expected output: You should see AI suggestions as you type code.

Step 3: Start Coding with AI Assistance

Let’s walk through a simple coding task using an AI tool. For this example, we’ll use GitHub Copilot to create a basic function in JavaScript.

1. Open your IDE and create a new JavaScript file.
2. Start typing a comment indicating what you want to do. For example: // Create a function to calculate the sum of two numbers.
3. Wait for GitHub Copilot to suggest code. It should automatically generate the function for you.
4. Review the suggestion, modify it if necessary, and run your code.

Expected Output

You should see a working function that calculates the sum of two numbers.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• No suggestions appearing: Ensure that your AI tool is properly installed and activated in your IDE.
• Irrelevant suggestions: Try to be more specific in your comments or prompts.
• Errors in generated code: Always review and test generated code before using it in production.

What's Next?

Once you’re comfortable with basic tasks, explore more complex features of the AI tools, such as:

• Using them for debugging.
• Implementing them in collaborative projects.
• Experimenting with different programming languages supported by the tool.

Conclusion: Start Here

If you're a new developer looking to enhance your coding skills, start by choosing one of the AI coding tools mentioned above. GitHub Copilot is a solid choice for most, while Kite is great for Python. Setting up is straightforward, and the learning curve is manageable.

Start experimenting with these tools today, and you'll find that your coding skills improve significantly with AI assistance.