Free VS Code Alternatives to GitHub Copilot: Explore Google Duet AI
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Chapter 1: Introduction to AI Coding Assistants
In the world of software development, AI tools like GitHub Copilot have gained significant traction due to their ability to streamline the coding process. GitHub Copilot is a widely-used code suggestion tool, but it comes with a subscription fee of at least $10 per month. Let’s delve into its features before exploring free alternatives like Google Duet AI.
Here’s a summary of GitHub Copilot's key features:
- Smart code recommendations
- Contextually aware suggestions
- Code generation capabilities
- Support for various programming languages
- Learning from open-source projects
- Ongoing enhancements
While GitHub Copilot is effective in producing code snippets that boost productivity, its cost can be a barrier for some developers.
Section 1.1: Understanding GitHub Copilot X
GitHub Copilot X represents GitHub's future vision, offering advanced features that are still in preview. This next iteration includes chat and terminal interfaces, enhanced support for pull requests, and early integration of OpenAI's GPT-4.
Subsection 1.1.1: GitHub Copilot Chat
GitHub Copilot Chat is an innovative interface allowing users to ask coding questions directly within their IDE. This tool can assist with various tasks, including:
- Providing code suggestions
- Describing code functionality in natural language
- Generating unit tests
- Proposing bug fixes
Section 1.2: Introducing Google Duet AI
Google's Duet AI, which launched in early 2023, serves as a free counterpart to GitHub Copilot. Instead of utilizing GPT 3.5 or 4, Duet AI leverages Google's PALM2 model, similar to what powers Google Bard. Originally designed for Google Workspace, Duet AI has extended its capabilities to various Google Cloud products, including BigQuery Console and Colab Enterprise.
Chapter 2: Setting Up Duet AI in VS Code
To experience Duet AI in VS Code, follow these steps:
- Google Cloud Configuration: Ensure you have a Google Cloud Project with billing enabled. Apply for the Duet AI Preview and enable the Cloud AI Companion API in Cloud Shell.
- VS Code Setup: Install the Google Cloud Code Extension and enable Duet AI by navigating to Settings > Extensions > Cloud Code, searching for "duet," and activating it. Log in to Cloud Code for a successful setup.
- Maximize Your Coding Experience: Engage with Duet AI through interactive features such as code explanations, auto-completion, and unit testing by right-clicking within your code files.
The first video titled "Free AI in VS Code (Better Than GitHub Copilot)" provides insights into utilizing AI tools in your coding workflow, showcasing how Duet AI can enhance your programming experience.
Ending Thoughts
While GitHub Copilot X is a formidable tool that many developers appreciate for its efficiency, Duet AI in VS Code presents a compelling alternative without the associated costs. Explore its features, and discover how it can transform your coding journey.
About the Author
Greetings! I'm Julian, a data enthusiast who enjoys creating innovative solutions. As a Google Product Expert in various domains, including Firebase and Google Cloud, I'm excited to share valuable insights and developments in the tech world. Join me to learn how to build data systems using Google products without incurring expenses.
The second video titled "The BEST GitHub Copilot ALTERNATIVE... (it's FREE forever)" elaborates on the advantages of using free AI tools, specifically highlighting the capabilities of Duet AI.