Amazon CodeWhisperer vs GitHub Copilot

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool

Amazon CodeWhisperer

Coding

GitHub Copilot

Coding
Pricing
Free for individuals
From $10/mo
Best For
Amazon CodeWhisperer is an AI-powered coding companion designed to assist developers by providing code suggestions and recommendations in real-time. It is particularly beneficial for individual developers and teams looking to enhance their coding efficiency and productivity across various programming languages.
GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered code completion tool designed to assist developers by suggesting code snippets and entire functions as they type. It's particularly useful for programmers looking to increase their productivity and streamline their coding process, regardless of their experience level.
Pros
  • Free for individual developers, making it accessible
  • Seamless integration with existing development environments
  • Strong support for various programming languages
  • Enhances coding speed and reduces repetitive tasks
  • Significantly boosts coding speed and efficiency
  • Reduces the likelihood of syntax errors and bugs
  • Can help new developers learn best practices by suggesting idiomatic code
  • Continuous updates and improvements from GitHub's AI models
Cons
  • Limited features in the free version compared to premium offerings
  • May generate incorrect or inefficient code suggestions
  • Dependency on internet connectivity for optimal functionality
  • May produce incorrect or non-optimal code suggestions
  • Requires an internet connection to function effectively
  • Subscription cost may be a barrier for some users

Detailed Comparison

Amazon CodeWhisperer Overview

Amazon CodeWhisperer is an innovative tool that leverages AI to assist developers in writing code more efficiently. The tool is designed to provide context-aware code suggestions, which can significantly speed up the coding process, especially for those who may find certain programming tasks repetitive or tedious. The integration of CodeWhisperer with popular IDEs like Visual Studio Code and JetBrains allows developers to incorporate it into their existing workflows without much hassle. One of the standout features of CodeWhisperer is its ability to support multiple programming languages, making it versatile for various development environments. The pricing model of CodeWhisperer is particularly attractive as it is offered for free to individual developers. This makes it a viable option for freelancers, hobbyists, or those just starting their programming journey. However, while the free version provides essential features, it lacks some advanced functionalities found in premium options, which may limit its appeal to professional developers working on complex projects. In terms of use cases, CodeWhisperer excels in scenarios where developers need quick code snippets or are looking for best practices in coding. It can serve as a virtual pair programmer, assisting in real-time as one writes code. Nevertheless, users should exercise caution as the tool may occasionally generate incorrect or suboptimal code suggestions, which necessitates a level of oversight from the developer. When comparing CodeWhisperer to alternatives such as GitHub Copilot or Tabnine, it stands out due to its integration with AWS services and its focus on security, featuring scanning for vulnerabilities within code. However, GitHub Copilot has a broader adoption and might offer more refined suggestions due to its extensive training dataset and community feedback. In conclusion, Amazon CodeWhisperer is a promising tool for individual developers looking to enhance their productivity and coding efficiency. While it has its limitations, particularly concerning the accuracy of suggestions and the constraints of the free version, its accessibility and integration capabilities make it a noteworthy option in the AI coding assistant space. For those seeking to augment their coding experience without significant investment, CodeWhisperer is worth exploring.

Read full Amazon CodeWhisperer review →

GitHub Copilot Overview

GitHub Copilot has quickly established itself as a revolutionary tool for developers, thanks to its AI-driven capabilities. By analyzing the context of the code being written, Copilot can suggest entire lines or blocks of code, making it a valuable asset for both novice and experienced programmers. One of the standout features is its ability to understand comments and context, allowing it to provide relevant suggestions that can save time and reduce mental overhead. For instance, if a developer writes a comment indicating the need for a function to process data, Copilot can generate a suitable function based on its training data and the existing code structure. The pricing of GitHub Copilot starts at $10 per month, which is competitive given the productivity gains it can offer. For teams, the cost can be justified by the reduction in development time and the potential for fewer bugs in the codebase. However, it's important to note that while the tool can enhance workflow, it doesn't replace the need for a developer's expertise. Users must still review suggestions carefully, as Copilot can sometimes generate incorrect or inefficient code. In comparison to alternatives like Tabnine or Kite, GitHub Copilot stands out due to its extensive training on a wide array of code from public repositories, which helps it provide more relevant suggestions. However, alternatives might offer features like local code suggestion models that work offline, which could be an advantage for developers working in secure environments. In conclusion, GitHub Copilot is an innovative tool that can significantly enhance coding efficiency and learning. While it comes with a few downsides, such as the need for constant internet access and occasional inaccuracies in suggestions, the benefits it offers in terms of productivity and support for coding best practices make it a worthwhile investment for developers looking to leverage AI in their work.

Read full GitHub Copilot review →

Our Verdict

Both Amazon CodeWhisperer (Free for individuals) and GitHub Copilot (From $10/mo) compete in the Coding category, but they serve different needs.

Choose Amazon CodeWhisperer if: You value free for individual developers, making it accessible and seamless integration with existing development environments. Plus, you can start for free.

Choose GitHub Copilot if: You prioritize significantly boosts coding speed and efficiency and reduces the likelihood of syntax errors and bugs.