Explore top AI tools for developers that enhance productivity and speed up coding workflows in 2025. Real tips and insights for faster builds.
The game has changed for developers.
You don't have to slog through every line of code manually anymore. AI tools for developers are evolving fast, taking on repetitive tasks and helping you ship better, faster.
You face pressure to deliver working software quickly while staying ahead of the curve. It’s not enough to write code — you have to code smarter. That's where AI tools come in.
That's exactly what we focus on here at Built This Week - real builders showing real workflows with AI tools that actually get the job done.
Here's how today's developers are using AI tools to move faster than ever before.
What it replaces: Manual coding of common boilerplate and helper functions
GitHub Copilot is the AI pair programmer that suggests whole lines or blocks of code as you type. It understands context and helps turn your comments into functional code.
Why we use it: It cuts coding time drastically, especially for routine tasks, letting us focus on complex logic and ship features faster.
What it replaces: Traditional code generation and documentation lookup
OpenAI Codex powers code generation through natural language prompts across multiple programming languages.
Why we use it: We integrate Codex for prototyping APIs and scripting repetitive processes. It's like having a smart assistant for coding support.
What it replaces: Basic IDE autocomplete
Tabnine uses AI trained on open source codebases to offer smarter autocompletions that match your project style and predict your next lines.
Why we use it: It reduces context switching and helps maintain flow, which is crucial when shipping weekly builds.
What it replaces: Manual code review and static analysis tools
DeepCode scans your codebase using AI to find bugs, security risks, and performance issues instantly.
Why we use it: Catching issues early saves hours of debugging later. It makes your codebase more reliable and maintainable.
What it replaces: Manual iterative testing and debugging
Replit AI offers AI-assisted development in the cloud, allowing you to code, test, and debug faster with AI hints and suggestions.
Why we use it: It accelerates prototyping and testing without local setup, great for solo founders and indie hackers.
Every week on Built This Week, Sam and Jordan demonstrate these AI tools in real product builds. They break down how tools like Copilot and Codex help speed up coding, share code walkthroughs, and show what works in production.
You’ll hear honest takes on the strengths and limits of different AI tools in real-world indie hacker workflows.
AI tools aren't just a trendy addition. They’re shifting how developers solve problems and deliver value.
With AI, you spend less time on boilerplate and more on creative problem-solving.
This means faster MVPs, quicker iterations, and more time to experiment and learn.
Built This Week emphasizes these tools because real builders ship fast, and AI tools make that possible.
Speed isn’t a buzzword - it’s your competitive edge.
🎧 Subscribe to Built This Week
If you want to know how solo developers are using AI tools to ship real code every week, Built This Week is your go-to podcast.
Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you build your playlist.
Because if you're solo, your speed is your edge. Ship something this week.
