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Coding assistants — scored
Assistants fail when you skip review. Score accepted diffs and revert rate on a branch you understand.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-15. Re-run the protocol after major model or pricing changes.
How do you test a coding assistant in 20 minutes?
- Pick a small, test-backed change.
- Ask for a plan, then a diff limited to named files.
- Run tests. Read every accepted line.
- Repeat the same task in a second tool once.
What is the scoring rubric?
| Criterion | Weight | How to score |
|---|---|---|
| Tests stay green | Gate | Fail if you cannot run or trust the suite. |
| Reviewable diff | 1–5 | Fail unbounded repo rewrites. |
| Security hygiene | Pass/Fail | Fail if it introduces secrets or skips auth checks. |
| Time-to-green | 1–5 | Include revert time. |
Which coding assistant should I start with?
| Tool | Best fit | Best job | Watch-out | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cursor | AI-native editor | Multi-file agents | Easy to over-scope | Limit the file set and keep tests first. |
| GitHub Copilot | Inline default | Boilerplate in the IDE | Weaker as a repo agent | Measure completions you actually keep. |
| Windsurf | Multi-file edits | Cascade-style changes | Still needs review | Same test protocol as Cursor. |
| ChatGPT | Chat-tab help | Explanations and snippets | No repo context unless you paste | Fine for a single function, not a refactor. |
Learn the craft, not just the tool
Practice the transferable habit in AI for coding, then Cursor for code review, Code review how-to.
FAQ
Is Cursor better than Copilot?
Cursor often wins on multi-file edits. Copilot wins as a low-friction inline default. Compare on one real PR.
Can I skip code review if the assistant is good?
No. Tests and a human read are the quality bar.