My Current Thoughts on AI Development Tools
This week I’m sharing my experience with AI development tools, specifically focusing on models and their applications in Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) and Hugo projects. It’s important to distinguish between models (the “brains” – like Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini – requiring significant resources to train) and tools (the interfaces that allow interaction with the models).
My preferred tool: I’ve found Cursor to be the best currently available. It’s an IDE built on VS Code, allowing you to use various backend AI models. At $20/month for unlimited access, it’s a fantastic deal compared to per-token pricing options like using Ader with OpenAI, which can easily cost over $100/month.
My preferred models within Cursor: I primarily use Claude 3.7 Pro and Gemini 2.5 Pro Experimental. They have distinct strengths:
Claude: Excellent for brainstorming and UI design. Its “wild thinking” is helpful when you’re unsure how to approach a design problem, offering creative solutions you might not have considered. However, it can be frustratingly overzealous in making changes beyond the initial request.
Gemini: Superior for coding tasks, particularly within KMP projects. It’s more reliable, provides better explanations of its actions, and leaves a smaller footprint on your codebase. Importantly, it’s better at navigating your project’s directory structure, utilizing existing functions and respecting file organization.
Key Differences & Applications:
| Feature | Claude | Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Brainstorming, UI Design | Coding, KMP Projects |
| Strengths | Creative, Wild Thinking | Reliable, Concise, Directory Aware |
| Weaknesses | Overly Modifies Code, Unpredictable | Less Creative |
For my current KMP (mostly Kotlin) and Hugo project, I leverage Claude for the Hugo (web backend) aspects and Gemini for the KMP portion, aligning with their respective strengths.
Conclusion:
AI tools are becoming indispensable for developers. If you aren’t already using them, you’re significantly hindering your productivity. Use Cursor and experiment with Claude and Gemini to see how they can improve your workflow. Remember, the AI landscape is rapidly evolving, so my recommendations may change quickly!