How I Replaced My IDE, Terminal, and Coding Workflow with Cursor, Grok-3, Claude, and Open-Source Gems (and Why You ShouldĀ Too
In 2023, I was a Visual Studio loyalist, working with PowerShellĀ , and using ChatGPT logics. Today? My toolkit lhas coding 3xĀ faster.
Hereās the controversial truth about AI tools that senior developers are either ignoringā¦ or quietly adopting.
1. Cursor
For quick proofs of concept, Iāve swapped out traditional editors for Cursor, an AI-powered IDE that lets me build and test ideas in real time. Iāll throw together a feature, see if it clicks, and tweak it on the flyāāāperfect for brainstorming. But my main projects still live in VisualĀ Studio
2. Warp PowerShell
Warpās auto-suggestions cut my deployment script time by 40%. Its āExplain This Errorā command saved me 3 hours last week debugging a Docker-Compose mess. But yes, I still keep PowerShell 7.4 installedā¦ for nostalgia š¶āš«ļø
3. Grok-3
When an error pops upāāāGrokĀ 3.
Unlike other AI tools that sugarcoat everything, Grok doesnāt just nod along; it debate with assumptions and predicts errors with eerie accuracy. Sometimes, it feels like weāre arguing, but that back-and-forth helps me pinpoint issues faster. Whether itās a null reference exception or a minor logic issue, Grokās my go-toĀ thingā¦
4. ChatGPT
GPT-4 is still the GOAT! when its about logic and brainstorming
When in need of architecting a new feature or working with tough algorithm, GPTās like a GOAT, breaking it down step-by-step. Itās the best at helping me think through the bigĀ picture.
5. Claude
When itās time to designing a UI or prototyping a new appāāāClaude from Anthropic is in sweet spot. Its ability to generate creative ideas and visualize designs is unmatched. Iāll describe a rough concept, and Claude spits out a prototype thatās 80% of the wayĀ there.
+1, Iāve started running client messages through Claude to draft polished responses, though Iāll admit, Grammarly occasionally swoops in to tidy up theĀ grammar.
6. Copilot
For code completionāāā**GitHub Copilot, **especially since itās free inĀ 2025.
7. Anytype
Finally, my notes. Iāve deleted bloated apps for Anytype, an open-source note-taking tool thatās as flexible as it isĀ private.
feature ideas, documenting bugs, or planning my next article, Anytype keeps it all organized without the subscription baggage.
Oh, and speaking of open-source, Iāve got a huge list of free alternatives to every paid app out thereāāāAnytypeās just the start. From editors to design tools. Want me to dive into that next?
Drop a comment, and Iāll make it my next article.
