Best Free GitHub Copilot Alternatives for VS Code

GitHub Copilot has revolutionized the way developers write code, offering AI-powered suggestions to speed up development.

But what if you want a free alternative?

Thankfully, there are several excellent options that bring similar capabilities without any cost.

Whether you’re a student, a hobbyist, or just someone keen on saving money, these free GitHub Copilot alternatives will enhance your coding experience.

Why Look for a Free Alternative?

While GitHub Copilot is powerful, it comes with a price tag.

For many, paying for an AI-powered coding tool isn’t feasible. Here are some reasons why developers seek alternatives:

• Cost-saving: Free tools allow you to boost productivity without spending a dime.
• Open-source options: Some alternatives provide editable and customizable AI models.
• Different AI models: Some alternatives use AI models that might perform better in certain scenarios.

Now, let’s explore the best free options available for VS Code users.

Top Free GitHub Copilot Alternatives for VS Code

1. Codeium

Codeium is one of the best free AI-powered code completion tools available today. It integrates seamlessly into VS Code and supports multiple programming languages. Best of all, it’s completely free for individual use.

• Features: Provides autocomplete suggestions, detects coding patterns, and offers intelligent snippets.
• Best For: Developers looking for a free and reliable AI assistant to enhance their coding workflow.

2. Tabnine

Tabnine offers AI-generated code suggestions similar to GitHub Copilot.

It supports various coding languages and integrates directly with VS Code.

• Features: Efficient auto-completion, multi-language support, and local processing options.
• Pros: Works offline and integrates with different IDEs beyond VS Code.

3. Amazon CodeWhisperer

Amazon CodeWhisperer is a free AI-powered coding assistant from AWS. It provides auto-suggestions based on code context and helps developers write better code efficiently.

• Features: Intelligent code suggestions, AWS service integration, and support for multiple programming languages.
• Best For: Developers working with AWS or looking for enterprise-grade AI assistance.

4. Polaris by Cursor

Polaris AI suggests relevant code snippets and improves efficiency while coding.

It integrates effortlessly into VS Code and offers a clean UI.

• Features: Intelligent autocompletion, multi-language support, and simple installation.
• Perfect For: Coders looking for a lightweight AI assistant.

How to Install and Use These Tools

Getting started with one of these free AI coding assistants is easy. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Install VS Code: If you don’t have it already, download and install VS Code.
2. Search Extensions: Open VS Code, go to the Extensions Marketplace, and search for the desired coding assistant (e.g., Codeium, Tabnine).
3. Install and Configure: Click “Install” and follow the setup instructions.
4. Start Coding: Begin coding and see how AI-powered suggestions improve your workflow.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for free GitHub Copilot alternatives, several impressive tools are available.

Whether you prefer Codeium for its simplicity, Tabnine for its local processing, or Amazon CodeWhisperer for AWS integration, there’s an option for every developer.

Before choosing, consider your specific development needs and test a few tools to see which works best for you. Happy coding!

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