As software developers, we're constantly on the lookout for tools that can boost our productivity and streamline our coding workflows. One such tool that has gained popularity recently is GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered coding assistant. However, for those who prefer open-source alternatives or are looking to save costs, there are indeed viable options available.

I recently found myself in a similar situation. After researching GitHub Copilot, I discovered that it comes with a price tag. Rather than jumping onto the trial bandwagon only to face recurring costs, I decided to explore free alternatives. And I'm excited to share my findings with you today.

Enter Codeium AI, a free and powerful alternative to GitHub Copilot. While it may not have the exact same name, Codeium offers remarkably similar functionality at no cost. Let's dive into its impressive features:

• Curated code suggestions tailored to your project • Personalized coding assistance that adapts to your style • Intelligent code understanding and contextual suggestions • Seamless integration with major code editors

Codeium supports a wide range of popular code editors, including VS Code, PHPStorm, IntelliJ IDEA, Microsoft Visual Studio, PyCharm, Vim, Emacs, Android Studio, and Goland. This extensive compatibility ensures that you can easily integrate it into your existing workflow.

To get started with Codeium:

Visit the Codeium website
Click on "Get the extension"
Choose your preferred code editor
Install the extension via the quick install button
Log in to access the full functionality
Let's examine some practical examples of Codeium in action:

Code Completion: As soon as I began writing a C++ file, Codeium started offering intelligent suggestions. By pressing Tab, it automatically completed the code snippet.
Function Auto-completion: When I typed a partial function name, Codeium not only completed the name but also correctly identified the expected parameter types. Upon pressing Tab and Space, it provided a comprehensive function definition.
Complete Code Generation: Using comments, I could instruct Codeium to generate complete code snippets. This feature proved particularly useful for implementing complex functions or classes.
Codeium also offers an interesting feature for exploring alternative suggestions. By pressing Alt + [, you can view multiple variations of the proposed code, allowing you to select the most suitable option for your needs.

In conclusion, Codeium AI provides a compelling free alternative to GitHub Copilot, offering comparable functionality without the associated costs. As someone who has personally benefited from using Codeium, I highly recommend giving it a try. Whether you're looking to save money or prefer open-source solutions, Codeium is certainly worth exploring.

If you're currently using GitHub Copilot, I'd love to hear about your experiences. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Or you can try the JetBrains IDEs and get the free assistant.
Originally published on: August 24, 2023