I’m thrilled to sit down with Anand Naidu, our resident development expert, whose proficiency in both frontend and backend coding offers a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of programming. With a deep understanding of various coding languages, Anand has been exploring the transformative potential of AI-assisted tools in software development. In this interview, we dive into his experiences with a budget-friendly AI coding tool, uncovering the incredible productivity boosts it offers, the frustrating limitations that come with a low-cost plan, the tough decisions around upgrading to premium tiers, and his thoughts on AI as a powerful ally for coders. Let’s explore how these tools are reshaping the way developers work and what they mean for the future of coding.
How did you first come across this $20 AI coding tool, and what sparked your interest in giving it a try?
I stumbled upon this tool while researching affordable ways to boost my coding efficiency. At just $20 a month, it seemed like a low-risk experiment, especially since I’d heard buzz about its integration with popular IDEs like VS Code. I was curious to see if it could really deliver on the promise of speeding up my workflow, particularly for tasks I find tedious, like styling with CSS. The price point made it an easy decision to test out, compared to other pricier options on the market.
What was your initial impression of using the tool within VS Code, and how did it change your daily coding routine?
Integrating it with VS Code felt like a game-changer right away. The seamless chatbot interface within the IDE meant I could get suggestions and code snippets without switching contexts, which saved me a ton of mental energy. It shifted my routine from grinding through repetitive tasks to focusing more on problem-solving and refining logic. For instance, tweaking a welcome page’s design became less of a chore since I could offload the basic HTML and CSS work to the AI and just guide it with specific instructions.
Can you share a specific project where this tool made a significant difference in your productivity?
Absolutely. One standout was debugging a mailing list signup form that had been buggy for ages. I’d poked at it manually a few times with no luck, but with the tool, I nailed down the issue in about 10 minutes by iterating through JavaScript fixes with its help. Without it, that would’ve easily eaten up hours of trial and error. The speed at which I could test and adjust was unreal—it felt like having a super-efficient pair programmer by my side.
You’ve mentioned a massive productivity boost, something like 16x faster. How did you measure that, and what did it feel like to achieve so much in so little time?
I calculated that boost by comparing the time I’d normally spend on projects to what I accomplished with the tool. For example, tasks like building a sub-tabs UI engine, which would’ve taken me a week solo, were done in under four hours. Seeing 24 days’ worth of work compressed into just 12 hours over two days was mind-blowing. It felt exhilarating, almost addictive, to power through projects at that speed—though it also made me wary of becoming too reliant on something with strings attached.
One downside you encountered was hitting hard usage limits on the $20 plan. Can you describe what happened when you were cut off mid-project?
It was incredibly frustrating. I was deep into a complex debugging session one evening when, out of nowhere, I got a message saying I’d hit my limit and had to wait 33 minutes. No warning, no heads-up—just a complete halt. My code was left in a weird, indeterminate state, and I couldn’t even check what changes had been made before it stopped. It happened again later with longer bans, up to a week, which totally derailed my momentum. It felt like being kicked out of a race right before the finish line.
How did those unpredictable shutdowns impact your trust in the tool, especially on the cheaper plan?
The lack of transparency really shook my confidence. Not knowing when I’d hit a limit or how long I’d be locked out made planning projects a gamble. I started second-guessing whether I could depend on it for anything time-sensitive. It’s tough to commit to a tool that can leave you high and dry without notice, especially when you’re in a flow state. That unpredictability pushed me to consider whether the low cost was worth the constant interruptions.
After experiencing these limits, you upgraded to a $200/month plan. What tipped the scales for you to make that investment?
I hit a breaking point when I was cut off for nearly a week while working on a user activity monitor add-on. I was so close to finishing, and the momentum was too good to lose. Plus, after tasting the productivity gains, going back to coding fully by hand felt like slogging through mud. Shelling out $200 for the Pro plan was a tough call, especially since most of my coding is for personal or open-source projects, but I wanted to see if the higher tier would give me the uninterrupted access I craved.
As someone who isn’t coding professionally full-time, how do you weigh the cost of premium plans against the benefits they offer?
It’s a tricky balance. For me, $20 or even $40 a month feels justifiable as a hobbyist—it’s like buying a nice tool for a workshop. But $200, let alone $800, starts to sting when I’m not generating direct income from my projects. The benefits are undeniable; building a site intelligence add-on in eight hours instead of eight weeks is incredible. Still, I have to ask myself if the time saved is worth dipping into my budget that deeply. It often feels like a luxury I can’t fully rationalize.
You’ve described AI coding tools as power tools rather than magic solutions. Can you unpack that analogy for us?
Sure. I see these tools as akin to a power saw in a woodshop. They can cut through tasks way faster than a hand saw—think of generating code or debugging at lightning speed. But just like a power saw, they require skill to operate. You need to know how to guide them, when to step in, and how to fix their mistakes, because they do mess up often. They’re not a replacement for a coder’s expertise; they’re a force multiplier that amplifies your abilities if you know how to wield them.
Looking ahead, what’s your forecast for the role of AI tools in the coding world over the next few years?
I think AI tools will become even more integrated into the coding process, almost like a standard part of a developer’s toolkit. As they get smarter and more affordable, I expect usage limits and costs to stabilize, making them accessible to hobbyists and students, not just corporate coders. But I also foresee a growing divide—those who can afford premium plans will pull ahead with massive productivity gains, while others might struggle to keep up. The challenge will be ensuring these tools empower rather than exclude, and I’m curious to see how the industry tackles that balance.
