AI coding is often misunderstood as smart autocomplete tools that finish lines of code or suggest the next function. While helpful, autocomplete represents only a small fraction of what AI can do in modern software development.
True AI coding is about delegation, not prediction.
Instead of asking, “What code should I type next?”, developers ask, “Can you implement this feature, refactor this module, or update these tests?” The AI operates at the task level, understanding intent, navigating the codebase, and making coordinated changes across files.
In this model, AI behaves more like a pair programmer or junior engineer:
It reads existing code for context
Modifies multiple files when needed
Follows project structure and conventions
Helps with refactors, tests, and bug fixes not just snippets
This shift changes how developers work. Productivity is no longer about typing faster, but about expressing intent clearly and letting AI handle execution. Tools like Aider and Cursor both support AI coding but they approach it in very different ways.
Two Different Approaches to AI Coding
Modern AI coding tools generally fall into two categories: assistive AI and agentic AI. Understanding this distinction is key to choosing between Aider and Cursor.
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