Trying to write Python code using Replit

Exploring the free development service Replit: writing and running code with built-in AI directly in the browser, collaborating on projects, and testing its key features.

Introduction

Replit is an online development environment accessible directly from a browser. This has both advantages and disadvantages. For example, you can access your configured project from any device. In this article, we will try writing Python code using the AI tools built into Replit.

Signing Up and Creating a Project

Go to replit.com and sign in using any convenient method. The platform offers a free subscription that allows you to create up to three public projects and use Gemini 1.5 Flash for code generation.

To create a project, click the "Create Repl" button, go to the "Choose a Template" tab, and select the desired language or framework. You can also link your GitHub account and import a project from there. Keep in mind that projects will be public unless you have a paid subscription.

Writing Code with the AI Assistant

Now that we have created a project, it's time to start coding. Let’s ask the assistant to write a simple function. You can describe the task in any language, and the AI will understand, but the response, including explanations, will be in English.

The generation took just a couple of seconds. The basic version of the assistant can be used without any limits on the number of requests, but more advanced features are available with a paid plan.

Transferring Code to the Editor and Running It

Let's test the function generated by the AI. Click the "Insert" button to transfer the code to the editor on the right side of the interface. If needed, you can undo this action by clicking "Revert."

To run the code, press the green "Run" button at the top center. You can also use the Ctrl+Enter shortcut. The output will then appear in the console. Additionally, you can ask the AI for explanations by clicking the "Ask Assistant" button.

Inviting Users to Collaborate

One of Replit’s advantages is its collaboration feature. You can invite another user to your project by clicking the "Invite" button in the top right corner. The free plan allows adding one collaborator.

Conclusion

Replit turned out to be quite an interesting service. Of course, it’s not for everyone, as many developers might prefer traditional IDEs without limitations on the free plan. However, for some, this platform could be a great find.

With built-in AI tools, a user-friendly editor, and real-time collaboration, Replit definitely deserves attention. Hopefully, the platform will continue to evolve, offering even more features to simplify the development process.