AI Tools for Development: A Practical Selection Guide
AI assistants are fundamentally changing the development process — from idea to production. They accelerate MVP creation, reduce time-to-market, and allow you to focus on business logic rather than routine code. In this review, we analyze six modern solutions for different tasks and expertise levels.
Quick Prototyping Tools
Bolt
A web platform from StackBlitz for creating full-fledged applications directly in the browser. Generates both frontend and backend, works with popular stacks: Next.js, Express, MongoDB, Supabase. Uses WebContainers technology — a local Node.js environment in the browser without installation.
Features: agent mode for task automation, built-in CI/CD, one-click deployment capability.
Best for: rapid MVP development, concept testing, pitching ideas to investors.
Lovable
An AI platform that transforms text descriptions into fullstack applications through a chat interface. Generates not only UI but also server logic, database, and authentication. The key feature is exporting clean code to a GitHub repository.
Features: full control over generated code, integration with popular frameworks, suitable for non-tech teams.
Best for: startups, product managers, teams without dedicated developers.
v0.dev
A generative UI assistant from Vercel, specializing in creating React components with Tailwind CSS and Shadcn UI. Offers multiple design options, allows real-time code editing, and immediate deployment to Vercel.
Features: focus on quality UI/UX, modern design system, integration with Vercel ecosystem.
Best for: frontend developers, designers, creating landing pages and admin panels.
Developer Tools
Cursor
An AI-powered IDE based on VS Code with deep understanding of project context. Supports Python, TypeScript, JavaScript, Go, and Rust. In agent mode, it can execute console commands, create files, perform refactoring, and semantic search across the entire codebase.
Features: full project control, terminal integration, mockup-to-code conversion.
Best for: developers of all levels, especially when working with legacy code or large projects.
Windsurf
An AI editor based on GPT-4 with Cascade agent technology. Positioned as an autonomous assistant that doesn't just suggest code but actively solves tasks: creates architecture, executes commands, plans development workflow.
Features: proactive development approach, architectural guidance, support for multiple languages.
Best for: experienced developers, tech leads, building projects from scratch.
GitHub Copilot
The most popular AI assistant, integrated into major IDEs. Offers autocomplete, writes tests, fixes bugs. In agent mode, it can analyze the entire repository and perform multi-step tasks.
Features: broad language and IDE support, large community, constant updates from Microsoft.
Best for: all developers as a daily driver, especially in teams with diverse technology stacks.
Comparison Table
| Tool | Barrier to Entry | Code Control | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt | Low | Medium | Free / $15/mo | Rapid prototyping, presentations |
| Lovable | Low | High | Free / $25/mo | Startup MVPs, non-tech teams |
| v0.dev | Medium | Medium | Free / $20/mo | UI/UX development, frontend |
| Cursor | Medium | Full | Free / $20/mo | Daily development, refactoring |
| Windsurf | Medium | Full | Free / $15/mo | Complex projects, architecture |
| Copilot | Low | Full | $10-19/mo | Universal daily helper |
Selection Recommendations
For product managers and startups: start with Bolt or Lovable for quick idea validation.
For designers and frontend teams: v0.dev helps quickly create quality interfaces.
For developers: Cursor as the main work environment + Copilot as a universal assistant.
For tech leads: Windsurf for complex architectural decisions and planning.
For teams: combine tools — each solves its own tasks at different stages of the development cycle.
Conclusion
AI tools are no longer just "assistants" — they are full-fledged members of the development team. They democratize digital product creation, allowing focus on solving business problems rather than technical implementation details.
Tool selection depends on your goals: rapid prototyping, daily development, or architectural planning. The best approach is to try several solutions and find a combination that suits your team and processes.
Useful Links
- Bolt — web IDE for rapid prototyping
- Lovable — AI fullstack development
- v0.dev — React UI generation from Vercel
- Cursor — AI IDE for professional development
- Windsurf — autonomous AI agent for code
- GitHub Copilot — universal AI assistant
This article was originally published in Russian on The Tech.