AI coding
CodeWhisperer
AWS-native AI coding assistant for code generation, debugging, and modernizing J
What is CodeWhisperer?
Amazon Q Developer (formerly CodeWhisperer) is a generative AI-powered assistant for software development by AWS.Deeply integrated into major IDEs like VS Code, JetBrains, and Visual Studio, it provides context-aware multiline code suggestions, automatic debugging, and refactoring to accelerate the entire software development lifecycle.
Beyond basic coding assistance, the tool features agentic capabilities that can autonomously handle tasks such as feature implementation, documentation, testing, and software upgrades.It is particularly effective for enterprise modernization, streamlining .NET porting from Windows to Linux and Java version upgrades, reducing tasks that previously took days to just minutes.
As an expert on the AWS cloud, Amazon Q Developer also offers architectural best practices, cost optimization guidance, and network troubleshooting within the AWS Management Console, Microsoft Teams, and Slack.Internal studies indicate it can speed up development tasks by up to 80% while improving code acceptance rates and security.
Key features
- Intelligent CodeProvides context-aware multiline code suggestions in your IDE across multiple languages to boost coding efficiency.
- Agentic DevelopmAutonomously handles complex tasks like feature implementation, code review, test generation, and documentation.
- App ModernizatioAccelerates .NET cross-platform migration and Java version upgrades (e.g., Java 8 to 17), averaging just 10 minutes per app.
- AWS Expert AdvisOffers cloud resource analysis, bill interpretation, and architectural best practices within the console and collaboration tools.
- Security & ReliaIncludes built-in security scanning to identify potential vulnerabilities and enhance overall codebase safety.
- Data & AI BuildiSupports natural language query creation, data pipeline coding assistance, and ML model design for faster data apps.
How to use it
- Visit the AWS website and download the Amazon Q Developer plugin or extension for your specific IDE (VS Code, JetBrains, etc.).
- Install the plugin in your IDE and authenticate using your AWS account credentials.
- Activate the Free Tier to start experiencing basic features without immediately needing a credit card.
- Start coding in your editor to observe real-time multiline code suggestions and auto-completion prompts.
- Use the chat interface to ask AWS architecture questions, request code refactoring, or initiate app modernization tasks.
Where it fits
- Legacy System MoRapidly migrate old .NET apps from Windows to Linux or upgrade Java 8 apps to Java 17 to reduce maintenance costs.
- Daily Coding AccDevelopers receive real-time code completion and debugging suggestions, significantly reducing time spent on boilerplate code.
- Cloud ArchitectuArchitects get AWS resource optimization advice, diagnose network issues, and analyze cloud spend bills via natural language chat.
Pricing and free quota
Pricing and any free quota follow the official site.
Who it is for
- Software Developers
- Cloud Architects
- DevOps Engineers
- Enterprise IT Modernization Teams
FAQ
What is the relationship between Amazon Q Developer and CodeWhisperer?
Amazon Q Developer is the evolved version of CodeWhisperer, integrating more powerful generative AI and agentic capabilities for comprehensive development assistance.
Which IDEs are supported?
It supports VS Code, JetBrains suites (like IntelliJ IDEA), Visual Studio, Eclipse, and command-line tools.
How do I start with the Free Tier?
Simply download the plugin and log in with your AWS account to activate the Free Tier without any upfront payment.