A Developer’s Review of 3 Popular AI Agents: ChatDev, SWE-Agent & Devin

Profile Picture of Guilherme Assemany
Guilherme Assemany
Senior Developer
a developer sitting at a desk with a laptop, surrounded by various interface elements like chat bubbles, coding scripts, and analytics visuals, symbolizing collaborative coding and AI dev agents

Artificial Intelligence has been shaking up nearly every industry, and software development is no exception. Companies are constantly looking to optimize their processes and reduce costs, and this is where the promise of integrating AI into the daily routine of software developers shines the brightest.

These tools not only boost developer productivity but also transform what we know about software development and its stages.

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Imagine a world where bug fixing, code generation, and even sprint planning are done automatically and accurately. Does that sound too futuristic? It might, but this is the reality that many AI agents are proposing to bring into the present. Despite the excitement, however, adopting these agents comes with its own set of challenges and fundamental questions. 

For me, the main questions are:

  • How effective are these AI dev agents, really?
  • Is it worth investing in them right now? 
  • How do they compare to one another?

In this article, my goal is to dive into the world of AI agents for software development. We’ll provide an overview of these tools at large, discussing their capabilities, benefits, and challenges. Finally, we’ll provide a detailed analysis of three popular tools: ChatDev, SWE-Agent, and Devin. So, if you want to understand how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we develop software, keep reading!

Table summarizing the key features and purpose of chatdev, swe-agent, and devin
ChatDev, SWE-Agent, and Devin are all AI Dev Agents with varying key features and intended purposes.

The Rise of AI in Software Development: From 1943 to Today

The origins of artificial intelligence can be traced back to 1943, when Warren McCulloch and Walter Pitts created the first computational model for neural networks. At the time, “artificial intelligence” – a term that is overwhelmingly popular today – wasn’t used; however, this is still credited as the very foundation of AI.

Originally published on Oct 30, 2024Last updated on Dec 13, 2024

Key Takeaways

What are AI agents?

AI agents are autonomous systems designed to help developers with a range of tasks, working independently without human input. Unlike basic coding tools, they actively interact with developers, understand project context, and offer support throughout the development process. They can assist with tasks like code generation, bug fixing, sprint planning, and testing.

What does an AI agent do?

An AI agent helps with various software development tasks, such as writing, refactoring code, automated testing, and identifying vulnerabilities from poor development practices. Companies use these tools to enhance team collaboration, speed up delivery, and cut operational costs.

How to use AI agents?

To use an AI agent in software development, start by choosing a tool that suits your needs, like ChatDev, Devin AI, or SWE-Agent. Set up the environment by providing API keys or access to your development platforms. Enter your requirements or issues through prompts or link to specific problems. Use the agent’s interface—whether it’s a terminal, web app, or code editor—to interact with it. Review, refine, and collaborate on the AI-generated code or solutions, then test and deploy the final product if needed.

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