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How I code with AI on a budget/free (wuu73.org)

697 points by indigodaddy · 352 days ago · 241 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses how to use AI for coding on a budget or for free by utilizing multiple free AI models and tools. The author shares their browser setup with various tabs open to different AI models, including z.ai's GLM 4.5, Google Gemini 2.5 Pro, and Poe.com. The author also mentions using a tool called AI Code Prep GUI to generate context for AI coding. This approach allows for a more efficient and cost-effective way to use AI for coding.

Main themes

  • AI coding on a budget
  • Free AI models and tools
  • Browser setup for AI coding
  • Context generation for AI
  • Coding efficiency

What commenters say

  • Using multiple free AI models can be an effective way to achieve coding goals without incurring high costs.
  • Some commenters disagree with the article's approach, citing the potential environmental impact of using multiple AI models.
  • Others argue that the energy consumption of AI models is not a significant concern compared to other factors such as car use and home heating/cooling efficiency.
  • Several commenters share their own experiences and tips for using AI models for coding, including the use of specific models and tools such as GLM 4.5 and Continue.dev.
  • Some commenters express frustration with the limitations of certain AI models and tools, such as the need for API keys or the lack of support for certain features.
  • There is a debate among commenters about the effectiveness of different AI models, with some preferring smaller models for their speed and others advocating for larger models for their accuracy.
  • Some commenters discuss the potential benefits of using local models and self-hosted LLM deployments for coding, citing advantages such as increased control and flexibility.