JetBrains AI Assistant vs Copilot: Which is the Better Coding Assistant?

Writing code is tough. It requires endless hours of writing, testing, and debugging. To simplify this complex process, two tools, JetBrains and Copilot, have risen to the occasion, like cream rises in milk. But no one wants to waste time fully exploring AI coding assistants to answer the question: JetBrains vs Copilot: Which is the better coding assistant?  

And that’s why this blog post was written. This article fully assesses these two tools and explores how they stack up against each other. Which one is better suited for your needs? At the end of this article, you will be able to make an informed decision.

TL;DR:

JetBrains AI Assistant shines when it comes to seamless integration with JetBrains IDEs and in-depth code analysis. GitHub Copilot, on the other hand, is a versatile tool with broad language support, excelling in rapid code generation. Your choice depends on your specific requirements, workflow, and budget. 

JetBrains AI Assistant vs Copilot: Best Use Cases

JetBrains AI Assistant Is Best For: 

• Developers who primarily use JetBrains IDEs, like IntelliJ IDEA or PyCharm.
• Those seeking advanced code analysis and context-aware suggestions.
• Teams focused on Java, Kotlin, or other JetBrains-supported languages.
• Professionals working on large-scale projects that require detailed refactoring.

GitHub Copilot Is Best For:

• Developers who need a tool compatible with multiple IDEs and editors.
• Teams working across a wide range of programming languages.
• Those looking for quick code snippets and exploratory coding assistance.
• Individuals exploring new frameworks or technologies who need instant guidance.

Alternatives to JetBrains AI Assistant and GitHub Copilot

If neither of these tools fits your needs, consider these alternatives:

Tool	Best For
Tabnine	Lightweight, AI-driven code completion.
Codeium	Free AI-powered coding assistant.
Amazon CodeWhisperer	AWS-focused development workflows.

1. Tabnine

Tabnine is an excellent choice for developers who prioritize privacy and prefer local setups. It operates seamlessly on local machines without relying heavily on cloud services, making it ideal for industries with stringent data security requirements. 

Additionally, Tabnine supports a wide range of programming languages and offers intelligent code completion that adapts to your coding style over time.

2. Codeium

Codeium stands out as a free alternative that doesn’t compromise on features. Its user-friendly interface and robust performance make it a favorite among developers seeking cost-effective solutions. 

Codeium excels in generating unit tests and providing insightful code suggestions. While it may lack some advanced features of paid tools, its accessibility makes it a strong contender for individuals and small teams on a budget.

3. Amazon CodeWhisperer

Amazon CodeWhisperer is tailored for developers working within AWS environments. It integrates seamlessly with AWS tools and services, offering context-aware suggestions optimized for cloud development. 

CodeWhisperer enhances productivity and ensures best practices in AWS workflows if you’re deploying serverless applications, managing infrastructure as code, or building data pipelines.

Each of these tools has unique features that cater to specific use cases. For example, Tabnine focuses on privacy and local setup, while Amazon CodeWhisperer is ideal for teams leveraging AWS services. Codeium, with its cost-free offering, is perfect for developers exploring AI assistance without financial commitments.

JetBrains AI Assistant vs. Copilot: Pricing

Tool	Pricing Structure
JetBrains AI Assistant	Included in JetBrains All Products Pack.
GitHub Copilot	$10/month per user.

While JetBrains AI Assistant is bundled with JetBrains subscriptions, GitHub Copilot requires a separate subscription, making it a more direct expense. 

However, the bundled pricing of JetBrains may be more economical for teams already using their suite of products. Consider your existing tool ecosystem and budget before making a decision.

Note: Check out the JetBrains AI and GitHub Copilot websites for price updates. 

Overview and Main Features of JetBrains AI Assistant

JetBrains AI Assistant is a powerful addition to the JetBrains suite of tools. It’s tailored to enhance productivity for developers working within JetBrains IDEs. Let’s explore its features in detail:

1. Seamless Integration with JetBrains IDEs

JetBrains AI Assistant is designed specifically for JetBrains’ IDE ecosystem. The integration feels natural even if you opt for another IDE. You can use IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm or WebStorm. With JetBrains, developers benefit from:

• Minimal setup and configuration: The assistant is ready to use out of the box, requiring little to no manual adjustments.
• Native performance within the IDE: Unlike third-party tools, JetBrains AI Assistant works seamlessly with existing JetBrains features, ensuring smooth operation.
• Access to JetBrains-specific shortcuts and workflows: This allows developers to stay within their familiar environment, enhancing efficiency and reducing context switching.

2. Advanced Code Analysis

JetBrains AI Assistant takes code analysis to the next level by offering:

• Context-aware suggestions: By understanding the entire project structure, it delivers recommendations that are not only syntactically correct but also contextually relevant.
• Bug detection: The assistant flags potential issues early in the development process, reducing debugging time and improving code quality.
• Refactoring options: With its intelligent refactoring capabilities, developers can reorganize code for better readability and performance, all while adhering to best practices.
• Code insights: It provides detailed explanations for suggested changes, helping developers learn and improve their skills over time.

3. Natural Language to Code Conversion

Sometimes you have a clear vision but lack the syntax. JetBrains AI Assistant allows you to describe functionality in plain English, converting it into executable code. This feature is particularly useful for:

• Rapid prototyping: Quickly translate ideas into working code without worrying about syntax.
• Brainstorming solutions: Test multiple approaches by simply describing them in natural language.
• Simplifying complex workflows: Break down intricate coding tasks into manageable steps with AI assistance.

4. Collaboration Features

JetBrains AI Assistant isn’t just for individual use. Teams can leverage its collaborative capabilities, including:

• Shared coding suggestions: Tailored to align with team conventions, ensuring consistency across the codebase.
• Insights into coding habits: By analyzing patterns, the assistant offers actionable insights for improving team productivity.
• Streamlined code reviews: AI-backed suggestions speed up the review process, making it easier to identify and implement improvements.

5. Additional Features

• Documentation generation: Create detailed and well-structured documentation for your codebase with just a few clicks, saving time and effort.
• Test case generation: Auto-generate unit tests to validate your code, ensuring reliability and reducing manual effort.
• Commit message generation: With a single button click, generate concise and informative commit messages based on your code changes.
• Enhanced debugging tools: Identify and resolve issues faster with AI-driven insights and recommendations.

Overview and Main Features of GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot, developed by OpenAI and GitHub, is designed for developers who value flexibility and rapid results. Here’s a comprehensive look at its capabilities:

1. Broad IDE Support

GitHub Copilot’s compatibility is one of its strongest assets. It extends to:

• VS Code: Its integration with Visual Studio Code is seamless, offering out-of-the-box functionality that requires minimal setup.
• Visual Studio: For large-scale enterprise applications, Copilot integrates smoothly with Visual Studio, aiding in maintaining complex codebases.
• JetBrains IDEs: While not as deeply integrated as JetBrains AI Assistant, Copilot provides support for developers who frequently switch between editors.

This cross-platform support ensures developers can work in their preferred environments without sacrificing productivity. It’s particularly useful for teams with diverse tooling requirements.

2. Rapid Code Generation

GitHub Copilot is renowned for accelerating coding processes by offering:

• Snippet Generation: Ideal for repetitive tasks like creating boilerplate code, class definitions, or template files.
• Function Autocompletion: Predicts and autocompletes entire functions or complex code blocks based on context.
• Module Suggestions: Provides frameworks for new projects, helping developers kickstart applications without building from scratch.

These capabilities are invaluable during fast-paced development cycles like sprints, hackathons, or tight deadlines.

3. Multilingual Support

GitHub Copilot supports a wide array of programming languages, including:

• Popular Languages: Python, JavaScript, C++, Java, and TypeScript, which are widely used in various industries.
• Emerging Languages: Go, Rust, Kotlin, and more, catering to developers exploring cutting-edge technologies.

This extensive language support makes Copilot a versatile choice for both seasoned developers and learners experimenting with different technologies.

4. Learning from Repositories

GitHub Copilot leverages public repository patterns to:

• Provide Contextual Suggestions: Aligns with commonly accepted practices for frameworks like React, Angular, or Django.
• Introduce Best Practices: Highlights optimized solutions and coding conventions.
• Suggest Common Patterns: Offers reusable solutions to avoid reinventing the wheel.

However, developers should remain vigilant about licensing issues when using code inspired by public repositories, ensuring compliance with intellectual property laws.

5. Additional Features

GitHub Copilot’s additional functionalities enhance its usability:

• Inline Suggestions: Provides real-time, highly responsive suggestions directly within the code editor. These can be customized or toggled off based on user preferences.
• Chat Functionality: Offers a project-aware chat feature, currently in beta, that provides contextual fixes, answers queries, and assists in debugging. Its awareness of project structures and conventions is a significant advantage.
• Refactoring Tools: Simplifies, explains, or fixes selected code snippets directly within the IDE. This makes complex refactoring tasks manageable, even for novice developers.

JetBrains AI Assistant vs Copilot: Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons of JetBrains AI Assistant

Pros	Cons
Deep integration with JetBrains IDEs	Limited to JetBrains ecosystem
Advanced refactoring and code analysis	May not perform well with all languages
Documentation and test case generation	Occasional issues with inline suggestions
Context-aware recommendations	Integration may disrupt other IDE features

Pros and Cons of GitHub Copilot

Pros	Cons
Supports multiple IDEs and editors	Requires a separate subscription
Rapid and accurate inline suggestions	Licensing concerns for generated code
Strong multilingual support	Occasionally provides non-contextual output
Useful chat and refactoring tools	Some features still in beta

The Bottom Line

Both JetBrains AI Assistant and GitHub Copilot cater to modern development needs, but their strengths lie in different areas. JetBrains AI Assistant excels in environments heavily reliant on JetBrains IDEs by offering unparalleled integration and advanced analysis. 

GitHub Copilot, with its broader IDE compatibility and support for multiple languages, is ideal for developers seeking a flexible, fast-paced coding assistant. When deciding, consider your coding environment, preferred tools, and budget. If possible, take advantage of free trials or demo versions to see which tool best fits your workflow. 

FAQs

1. What Is the Difference Between Assistant and Copilot?

JetBrains AI Assistant is deeply integrated with JetBrains IDEs, offering advanced code analysis, natural language conversion, and team collaboration features. GitHub Copilot, on the other hand, excels in rapid code generation, broad IDE support, and multilingual capabilities, making it more versatile for diverse workflows.

2. Does GitHub Copilot Work With JetBrains?

Yes, GitHub Copilot works with JetBrains IDEs, though its integration is not as seamless as JetBrains AI Assistant. It provides inline code suggestions and chat-based interactions within the IDE.

3. What Is the Difference Between Copilot and Duet AI?

GitHub Copilot focuses on code generation and developer productivity across various IDEs. Duet AI, integrated into Google Workspace, emphasizes enhancing productivity in collaborative environments, such as document editing and email drafting, rather than coding.

4. Does JetBrains AI Assistant Use GPT-4?

Yes, JetBrains AI Assistant leverages GPT-4 for generating intelligent suggestions, analyzing code, and providing context-aware recommendations within its IDEs.