Step 1: Learn the Four Categories (5 min)
Every AI coding tool fits one of these:
1. Browser App Builders — Run in your browser. Type a description, get a full app with live preview and deploy button. Zero setup. Examples: Lovable, v0, Bolt.new, Replit Agent Best for: Prototypes, landing pages, first builds, getting to a live URL fast
2. IDE-Native Tools — AI inside your code editor. Full visibility into code, works with existing projects, shows every diff. Examples: Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf Best for: Existing codebases, multi-file changes, when you want to see every change
3. Terminal Agents — Command-line tools that edit your local files and run commands. Maximum control, maximum responsibility. Examples: Claude Code, Aider Best for: Git workflows, local development, when you need the AI to act as a full developer
4. Design-to-Code — Convert screenshots, mockups, or Figma files into working code. Examples: v0 (screenshot mode), Figma-to-code plugins Best for: When you have a visual design and want to skip describing it in words
Why categories matter more than brands
A new tool called "SuperCoder AI" launches tomorrow. Ask: Does it run in the browser with zero setup? → Browser app builder. Does it integrate into my editor? → IDE-native. Does it run in the terminal? → Terminal agent. Does it convert designs? → Design-to-code. Once you know the category, you know its strengths and limitations — without reading a tutorial.
Unlock the full lesson
You've read the first 2 sections. The rest of this lesson covers Step 2: Map Tools You Know (5 min), My Tool Landscape Map, Step 3: Pick Your Category (5 min), My Category, You're Done — plus a hands-on lab, quiz, and project artifact.
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