The Future of Coding Is Here: GitHub Copilot, OpenAI Codex, Claude 4, and More
The Future of Coding Is Here: GitHub Copilot, OpenAI Codex, Claude 4, and More
Have you ever dreamed of having your own smart robot that helps you write code? Well, that dream is now real! Big tech companies like GitHub, OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic have created powerful tools that act like “coding agents.” These tools are smart helpers that make coding faster, easier, and way more fun.
Let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand. We’ll explore tools like GitHub Copilot, OpenAI Codex, Claude 4, and even Google Jules. You’ll also learn how to install Copilot in Visual Studio, how much it costs, and even how to cancel it if needed.
We’ll keep things simple—just like you’re chatting with a friend at school. Ready? Let’s go!
What Is a Coding Agent?
A coding agent is like your personal AI coding buddy. It helps you write code, fix errors, and even explain what your code is doing. It saves you a lot of time and helps you become a better coder.
Some of the most popular coding agents today are:
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GitHub Copilot
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OpenAI Codex
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Claude 4
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Google Jules
These tools are like co-pilots in a car, helping you drive (or in this case, write code) more safely and quickly.
GitHub Copilot: The Most Popular Coding Agent
GitHub Copilot is a smart coding tool made by GitHub and powered by AI from OpenAI. It works in your code editor and gives you suggestions while you type.
What Is GitHub Copilot X?
GitHub Copilot X is the newer version of Copilot. It’s even smarter than before. It can:
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Help you chat with AI inside your code editor.
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Explain code in simple English.
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Fix bugs.
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Write tests for your code.
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Even help in IntelliJ with a feature called agent mode.
GitHub Copilot Agent Mode IntelliJ
If you use IntelliJ, a popular code editor, Copilot now works in “Agent Mode.” This lets Copilot act more like a real assistant. It can do tasks like:
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Rewrite your code
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Make suggestions for changes
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Explain what code means
Pretty awesome, right?
GitHub Copilot Plans: How Much Does It Cost?
There are different GitHub Copilot plans, depending on who you are.
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Free for students: If you’re a student, you can get GitHub Copilot Pro student version for free. That’s a huge win!
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Pro plan: For most people, the GitHub Copilot license cost is $10 per month.
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Team plans: If you’re working in a company or group, there are business plans too.
Not using it anymore? Here’s how to cancel GitHub Copilot:
Go to your GitHub account settings > Copilot > Cancel subscription. Done!
GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio: How to Install It
Wondering how to install GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio?
Here’s a simple guide:
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Open Visual Studio.
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Go to Extensions > Manage Extensions.
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Search for GitHub Copilot.
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Click Download and Install.
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Restart Visual Studio.
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Log in to GitHub when asked.
That’s it! You’re now ready to use Copilot in Visual Studio.
How to Open GitHub Copilot Chat in Visual Studio
Want to talk to your AI coding buddy?
Here’s how to open GitHub Copilot Chat in Visual Studio:
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After installing Copilot, click the Copilot Chat tab.
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Type a question like “What does this code do?”
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Copilot will answer you in real-time.
It feels like magic!
GitHub Copilot and Open Source Code
You might wonder: “Is GitHub Copilot using open source code?”
Yes, GitHub Copilot å¼€æº (that’s “open source” in Chinese) often uses public code from open-source projects. But don’t worry—it tries not to copy and paste whole chunks of code without permission.
That’s why some developers love using GitHub Copilot open source code to learn and grow. Just make sure to check licenses if you’re using code in your own projects.
What Is OpenAI Codex?
Let’s talk about another coding tool: OpenAI Codex.
OpenAI Codex is the AI that powers GitHub Copilot. Think of Codex as the engine inside Copilot. You can also use Codex directly through OpenAI’s API to build your own apps, tools, or games.
OpenAI Codex vs GitHub Copilot
What’s the difference?
| Feature | OpenAI Codex | GitHub Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| Access | API via OpenAI | Code editor plugin |
| Use Case | Build apps or tools | Help with daily coding |
| Skill Level Needed | Higher (API usage) | Beginner to advanced |
| Chat Support | No built-in chat | Chat with Copilot Chat |
So if you want something plug-and-play, go with Copilot. If you’re a developer who builds software, Codex is your friend.
Meet Claude 4 and Google Jules
There’s more than just Copilot and Codex. Two new players are entering the coding agent space:
Claude 4
Claude 4 is made by a company called Anthropic. It’s super smart and safe. Many developers are using GitHub Copilot Claude 4 together to get even better results. Claude can:
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Explain code clearly
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Review large code files
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Help debug and improve code logic
Google Jules
Google Jules was announced at Google I/O, the big yearly event where Google shows off new things. Jules is Google’s version of a coding assistant.
Right now, Google Jules is still new. But it’s likely to grow fast, especially with Google’s search and AI power behind it.
More Tools: n8n, NLWeb, and GitHub Spark
Let’s not forget some other cool tools that make coding and automation fun.
n8n
n8n is a tool that lets you connect apps together without writing too much code. It’s like building your own mini robots. You can connect Gmail to Slack, or Google Sheets to Telegram—automatically!
NLWeb
NLWeb stands for “Natural Language Web.” It’s a new idea where you use simple English to control web apps. Imagine saying, “Send a message to my Discord server,” and it just happens. Cool, right?
GitHub Spark
GitHub Spark is a newer tool being tested. It might become a faster way to share code and AI results on GitHub. Keep your eyes on it—it could be the next big thing.
GitHub Copilot in Neovim (nvim)
If you like using Neovim (nvim), you’re not left out. There’s a plugin to use GitHub Copilot nvim, and it works pretty well. You just need to install it with your plugin manager and log into GitHub.
What Is Jules Again?
People often ask, “What is Jules?” or “Who is Google Jules?”
Jules is Google’s AI assistant for developers. It’s like GitHub Copilot, but made by Google. It’s designed to help write, fix, and test code using Google’s AI. While it’s still growing, we expect Jules to be a strong competitor in the coding agent world.
What’s Next?
AI is changing everything—including how we write code. Tools like GitHub Copilot, OpenAI Codex, and Claude 4 are turning anyone into a better coder, even if they’re just starting out.
These tools are fast, smart, and helpful. With features like Copilot Chat, agent mode in IntelliJ, and easy installs in Visual Studio, learning to code has never been easier.
Plus, the rise of open source support like GitHub Copilot å¼€æº means the community is growing together.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a student trying out GitHub Copilot Pro student or a pro developer exploring Claude 4, the future of coding is looking bright.
Just remember:
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Use tools like Copilot and Codex wisely.
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Learn the basics of coding first—AI can’t teach you everything.
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Have fun building stuff!
So what are you waiting for? Install GitHub Copilot, try OpenAI Codex, or explore Claude 4. Who knows—you might be the next coding legend!
