In this video, we compared four different AI models’ coding abilities. However, this video was created during the dawn of the AI boom—a time in which not too many models existed just yet. 

Nowadays, not only does Github Copilot exist on pretty much every software engineer’s laptop, but the entire coding community debates which alternative might become its next replacement.

Below, we’ve listed four of the best alternatives to Github Copilot currently on the market. What do you think?

1. Codeium

Best Features:

• Completely free for individual developers with unlimited usage
• Enterprises can host it on their own infrastructure
• Offers experimental features like a chat mode that can leverage GPT-4
• Responsiveness and code suggestion quality on par with GitHub Copilot

Codeium sets itself apart by offering a priceless resource for individual developers: unlimited usage at no cost. This is a significant advantage for freelancers, hobbyists, and students who need robust coding assistance without the financial burden. The freedom to access high-quality code suggestions without hitting a usage cap ensures that developers can focus on building and learning without worrying about subscription fees.

For larger organizations, Codeium provides a crucial feature: the ability to host the AI on their own infrastructure. This offers enhanced security and control over sensitive codebases, making it an attractive option for enterprises concerned about data privacy and compliance. Hosting internally also allows for better integration with existing systems and workflows, further streamlining the development process.

Innovation is at the heart of Codeium, evidenced by its experimental features such as a chat mode that utilizes GPT-4. This chat mode can facilitate more interactive and dynamic coding assistance, allowing developers to ask questions and receive contextual responses in real-time. Such features push the boundaries of what AI copilots can offer, making Codeium not just a tool but a collaborative partner in coding.

In terms of performance, Codeium holds its own against GitHub Copilot. Its responsiveness and the quality of its code suggestions are competitive, ensuring that developers receive timely and relevant assistance. This reliability reinforces Codeium's position as a strong alternative in the AI coding copilot landscape.

2. Claude by Anthropic

Best Features List:

• Designed to be more ethical and unbiased compared to other language models
• Performs very well on coding tasks, a strong contender to GPT-4
• Offers a free trial and paid plans for advanced usage

Claude distinguishes itself through its ethical foundation. Developed by Anthropic, the model is designed to minimize biases and promote fair outcomes in coding tasks. This ethical focus is increasingly important in a world where AI's influence is growing, ensuring that the technology supports equitable and inclusive development practices.

Despite its ethical focus, Claude does not compromise on performance. It excels in coding tasks, standing as a formidable competitor to GPT-4. This dual emphasis on ethics and capability makes Claude a compelling choice for developers who value both performance and principled AI usage.

To accommodate different user needs, Claude offers a flexible pricing model. A free trial allows developers to explore its capabilities without initial investment, while paid plans provide advanced features for those requiring more robust support. This tiered approach ensures accessibility while catering to professional demands.

3. Mistral 8x7B by Mistral AI

Best Features List:

• One of the largest open-source language models with 46.7B parameters
• Supports multiple languages like English, French, Spanish, German
• Performs exceptionally well on benchmarks, second only to GPT-4 in some tests
• Free to use on platforms like Perplexity

Mistral 8x7B stands out due to its sheer scale. With 46.7 billion parameters, it is one of the most extensive open-source language models available. This vast capacity enables it to understand and generate code with remarkable accuracy and depth, making it a powerful tool for developers.

Language diversity is another key strength of Mistral 8x7B. Its support for multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and German, broadens its usability globally. This multilingual capability is particularly beneficial for international teams and developers working on projects that require code comments, documentation, or user interfaces in different languages.

Performance benchmarks place Mistral 8x7B near the top of the list, often second only to GPT-4. This high ranking in evaluations underscores its effectiveness and reliability, making it a strong candidate for developers seeking a potent AI copilot.

Accessibility is a major advantage of Mistral 8x7B, as it is free to use on platforms like Perplexity. This open-access approach democratizes high-performance AI, allowing a broader range of developers to benefit from its capabilities without financial barriers.

4. Aider

• A command-line tool that lets you pair program with GPT-3.5/GPT-4
• Directly edits code in local source files and commits changes with sensible messages
• Unique in allowing changes to pre-existing, larger codebases

Aider brings a unique twist to AI-assisted coding by integrating directly with the command line. This tool allows developers to pair program with powerful models like GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, facilitating a seamless and efficient coding experience. The command-line interface caters to developers who prefer a more hands-on, granular approach to coding assistance.

One of Aider's standout features is its ability to directly edit local source files and commit changes with sensible messages. This functionality streamlines the development process by automating routine tasks and ensuring that commit messages are clear and informative. It enhances productivity while maintaining best practices in version control.

Aider's capability to handle pre-existing, larger codebases sets it apart from many other AI tools. This makes it particularly useful for ongoing projects and legacy systems where integrating AI assistance can be challenging. By supporting larger codebases, Aider provides valuable support in maintaining and enhancing complex projects.

What makes these alternatives unique is their open-source availability (Mistral, Codeium), ethical training (Claude), support for multiple languages, local hosting options for enterprises, and specialized capabilities like command-line integration (Aider) or chat modes leveraging powerful language models like GPT-4 (Codeium). They provide a diverse set of features and deployment options alongside GitHub Copilot.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the AI coding copilot landscape is rich with options that cater to a variety of needs and preferences. Whether you're an individual developer seeking free and unlimited access, an enterprise prioritizing data security, a team requiring multilingual support, or a coder looking for ethical AI solutions, there's a copilot designed to enhance your workflow. These alternatives not only match GitHub Copilot in many aspects but also bring unique features to the table, ensuring that every developer can find the perfect AI partner for their coding journey.