Choosing the Right Tool

Use Claude Code

For deep multi-file coding tasks, refactoring, architecture work, and terminal-first repo analysis.

Use OpenAI Codex

For terminal-first OpenAI coding workflows, AGENTS.md-based repo guidance, code review, and agentic development across CLI and cloud surfaces.

Use Cursor

For developers who want AI deeply integrated into their IDE.

Use GitHub Copilot

When the team already works inside GitHub and VS Code or JetBrains.

Use Grok / xAI

As a model or integration option unless official CLI support is confirmed.

Use Cline, Roo Code, Continue, Aider, Or OpenCode

When the team wants open-source or editor-based alternatives with more provider flexibility.

Verification note: Treat xAI as a model/integration path unless official first-party CLI guidance is confirmed in xAI docs.

Team tip: Most teams should standardize one primary terminal tool and one primary IDE tool rather than approving every option.