AI code editors

An AI code editor is an editor where the model is part of the product instead of an add-on. Chat can read any file in the project, completions predict the next edit as well as the next line, and an agent mode can plan a change, edit several files and run commands in the built-in terminal. Most of these editors started as forks of VS Code or as new editors written for speed, so they keep familiar shortcuts and extension support.

The case for switching editors is project-wide context. Asking for a refactor that touches a route, its tests and the client code works better when the tool can see all three. The case against is lock-in and change for the team: settings, extensions and habits have to move, and some company policies only approve specific tools.

When you trial one, use it on real work from your backlog for a week. Watch how it handles your build and test commands, how easy it is to review what the agent changed, and whether its suggestions follow the conventions already in your repository.

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4 AI coding tools in ai code editors

Cursor

by Anysphere

Code editor built from VS Code with AI chat, multi-file edits, tab completion and an agent that works across your project.

  • Free plan or free version

Zed

by Zed Industries

Fast open-source code editor with built-in AI chat, inline edits and an agent panel, plus real-time collaboration.

  • Free plan or free version
  • Open source

Visual Studio Code

by Microsoft

Microsoft's widely used free code editor, with AI chat, agent mode and inline suggestions through GitHub Copilot built in.

  • Free plan or free version
  • Works in VS Code

JetBrains AI Assistant

by JetBrains

AI chat, completion and code generation inside IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm and other JetBrains IDEs.

  • Works in JetBrains IDEs

Then read the privacy settings. Find out whether code is stored or used for training, whether there is a mode that keeps code out of logs, and which models your plan can use. A team rollout also needs an agreed rule on how agent edits get reviewed before they reach the main branch.

Cost is worth a look before anyone gets attached. Most AI editors have a free tier and paid plans that raise usage limits or add stronger models, and heavy agent use can run into those limits quickly. Ask how usage is counted, what happens when a developer hits a limit, and whether a team plan gives admins one bill and central settings.

Finally, keep an exit path. Because many of these editors read the same project files and settings formats as VS Code, moving back is usually easy, but custom rules, prompts and agent instructions may be stored in tool-specific files. Keep those in the repository so they survive a change of editor.

Questions about ai code editors

Do I need a new editor to use AI for coding?

No. Extensions such as GitHub Copilot, Continue and the JetBrains AI Assistant add chat and completion to editors you already use. A dedicated AI editor mainly helps when you want project-wide edits and agent features tightly built in.

Will my VS Code extensions work in an AI editor?

Editors built on VS Code, such as Cursor, usually run most VS Code extensions. Editors written from scratch, such as Zed, have their own extension systems, so check that the language support and tools you rely on are there.

Is it safe to let an editor agent run terminal commands?

It can be, with limits. Keep approval prompts on for anything that deletes files, touches databases or deploys, keep production credentials out of the environment, and review every change before it is committed.

How do these editors handle my code privately?

Each one has its own data policy and privacy settings. Look for a mode that stops code being stored or used for training, and check where requests are processed before you use the editor on client or proprietary code.

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