Glossary
AI coding assistant
Definition
An AI coding assistant is a tool that uses language models to suggest, write, explain or review code inside an editor, terminal or code review workflow.
Why it matters when you’re buying
These tools can speed up routine work, but quality, security and licensing questions remain. Ask where code is sent, whether it is kept or used for training, how suggestions are filtered and how usage is measured and priced.
How it relates to other terms
Assistants are built on large language models, and many now include agent modes that make changes across a codebase on their own.
Where to go next
- Developer Tools: news, companies and community questions
- How to evaluate Developer Tools vendors: criteria, questions to ask and red flags
- Generative AI: the latest stories and threads on this topic
Written by Techarda editors · Updated . Think a definition is wrong or missing something? Email engage@techarda.com. All terms.