Coding help splits into two very different needs. One is asking questions: explain this error, write me a small script, what does this function do. Any good chatbot handles that. The other is working inside your own project, editing many files, running tests. That is what dedicated coding tools are for, and it is the one case in this course where paying early is often right.
| Tool | Free tier | Main paid plan | Good at for coding | One limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claude | $0 | Pro $20 (Max from $100 for heavy use) | Explaining code, careful multi-step fixes, longer files | Free tier can run out on a long debugging session |
| ChatGPT | $0 | Plus $20 | Quick answers, many languages, small scripts | Can confidently produce code that does not run; test it |
| Cursor | Limited free | Pro $20 | Editing your real project in place, seeing all your files | It is an editor to install and learn, not a chat window |
A worked example: one bug, plain-language fix
The prompt below contains a short function with a real bug. Asking for the explanation *before* the fix is deliberate: if you only ask for fixed code you learn nothing and cannot tell whether the fix is right.
Try it
Explain the bug, then fix it
Three free runs a day on the site key. Add your own key for unlimited runs.
Knowledge check
You are learning to code and ask an AI to explain error messages a few times a week. What should you pay for?