Tool Evaluation Template

Template Purpose

Use this template to compare AI coding tools or pilot candidates consistently.

Store in docs/ for a public handbook or in an internal approval folder for a team fork.

Minimal Version

## Tool
## Best for
## Risks
## Status

Full Version

## Tool
- Name:
- Category:
- Official docs:

## Fit
- Best for:
- Less suited for:

## Security
- Data access:
- Shell or write access:
- Credential model:

## Team Impact
- Setup effort:
- Learning curve:
- Cost model:

## Validation
- Pilot workflow:
- Commands tested:
- Status:

Example Completed Version

## Tool
- Name: OpenAI Codex
- Category: coding agent

## Fit
- Best for: repo-aware CLI or app workflows
- Less suited for: teams that only want lightweight inline completion

## Security
- Data access: repo contents in scope
- Shell or write access: depends on host settings

Field-by-Field Explanation

  • Fit: practical value, not marketing
  • Security: permission and data model
  • Validation: what the team actually tested

Customization Guidance

  • add company-specific criteria such as compliance or IDE support

Common Mistakes

  • evaluating tools without naming the workflow being compared

Validation Checklist

  • official docs linked
  • workflow fit stated
  • risks named
  • status honest