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Code explanations

Jetbrains IDE Plugin

Explain code in plain English with AI

Source rating 5.0 (1) 4.5k views 27 saves Freemium
IDE JetBrains Code Explanations
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Plain English Explanations Plugin Development Code Understanding Code explanations
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Free

Verdict

A quick read before you dig into the full page.

Best if
Explain code in plain English with AI
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Advance cancellation required for subscription
Pick this when
Supports multiple programming languages

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Overview

TLDR is an IDE plugin that utilizes AI to explain code in plain English in order to quickly build the mental context of methods that are not understood instantly.

It supports almost all programming languages and is available in free and paid versions, with the paid versions increasing the rate limits. The AI system processes the code and returns a plain English explanation.

It is still in beta and does not always understand the code correctly, however, this is improving over time. The plugin is available for download from the JetBrains plugin marketplace and can be canceled at any time.

TLDR allows developers to save time by quickly understanding code and provides an easy way to understand complex code.

Jetbrains IDE Plugin website

Access & connections

Where you can use Jetbrains IDE Plugin, and what it plugs into.

Platforms

Web

Integrations

JetBrains

Capabilities

What this tool accepts, produces, and is strongest at.

Input

  • API
  • Code

Output

  • API
  • Text

Supported features

  • Team Collaboration
  • IDE

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Supports multiple programming languages
  • Available in free version
  • Plain English code explanations
  • Ideal for understanding complex code
  • Time-saving tool for developers
  • Explains SQL queries
  • Explains regular expressions
  • Useful for new codebases
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  • Easy installation from JetBrains
  • Simple pricing
  • Organizational pricing plans
  • Individual pricing plans
  • Helpful for understanding colleagues' code
  • Cancellable anytime
  • Accessible via JetBrains plugin marketplace
  • Graceful rate limiting
  • Email support for paid versions
  • Priority support for organizations
  • Available for multiple IDEs
  • Efficient for understanding legacy code
  • Aids in rapid onboarding
  • Free credits for API use
  • Ability to upgrade anytime
  • In-built request size limits
  • Protection against overuse via rate limits
  • Supports most languages with exceptions
  • Offers quick mental context building
  • Improved readability of code
  • Helpful in explaining nonunderstood methods
  • Can be tried before purchase
  • Helpful in understanding expressions
  • Improves code comprehension
  • Tool by trusted company (Beyond Code)
  • Payment process streamlined with JetBrains
  • Increases productivity of programmers
  • May increase collaborative understanding
  • Aligns code with original programmer's intent
  • Quick summary of what code does
  • Helps with understanding undocumented code
  • Facilitates understanding of unfamiliar code
  • Continuous development and support

Cons

  • Only available for JetBrains
  • Still in beta phase
  • Can misinterpret code
  • Paid version needed for higher rate limits
  • Limited to number of requests
  • Limited size of request
  • No support for certain rare programming languages
  • Possible privacy issues with code sent to servers
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  • No support for non-English explanations
  • Advance cancellation required for subscription

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Releases 1

Initial release October 6, 2022 Current
Initial release of Jetbrains IDE Plugin.

FAQ 12

What exactly does TLDR do?
TLDR is an AI powered IDE plugin that explains code in plain English. It takes the selected code from the development environment and interprets it into easily comprehensible language.
How does TLDR help developers?
TLDR assists developers in quickly understanding complex pieces of code, thereby saving time and increasing productivity. The plugin offers an easy way to build the mental context of intricate methods or complexes new codebases that a developer might not readily understand.
Does TLDR support all programming languages?
Yes, TLDR supports the vast majority of programming languages. There might be some rare exceptions, but most languages are recognised by the system.
Where can TLDR be downloaded from?
TLDR can be downloaded directly from the JetBrains plugin marketplace where it is listed for IDE.
What is the difference between the free and paid versions of TLDR?
The free version and paid versions of TLDR primarily differ in their rate limits. The free version has strict rate limits to access API, while the paid versions raise these limits. The paid versions also offer added benefits like email support and priority email support, depending on the individual or organization plans.
What does it mean when you say TLDR is 'rate-limited'?
'Rate-limited' refers to the limit on the number of requests the plugin can make to the server or AI system within a specific time period. The TLDR free version has a stricter rate limit compared to the paid versions.
What happens if TLDR doesn't understand the code?
If TLDR doesn't understand the code, it might not be able to provide an accurate explanation. As this AI is still in beta, it may not always interpret the code correctly. However, the system's understanding is improving over time.
How does TLDR explain SQL queries?
TLDR analyses SQL queries and provides a detailed, plain English explanation of what the query is doing. This helps developers understand the purpose and mechanism of the queries.
Can TLDR explain regular expressions?
Yes, TLDR can explain regular expressions. Regular expressions are powerful tools often used for pattern matching and manipulation, but they can be challenging to understand. TLDR provides explanations to simplify and clarify regular expressions for easier comprehension.
What does it mean when you say TLDR is 'gracefully rate limited'?
'Gracefully rate limited' is a term related to the TLDR's paid versions. Although there are limits on the request size and numbers of requests per month, these limits are much higher than in the free version, and users are less likely to encounter them.
How do I install the TLDR plugin in JetBrains?
To install TLDR in JetBrains, just visit the JetBrains plugin marketplace, search for TLDR and install the plugin directly.
How reliable are the TLDR explanations?
While TLDR strives to provide as accurate explanations as possible, it's currently in beta and does not yet consistently understand all code correctly. However, the accuracy is improving over time and should continue to improve with subsequent updates.
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