Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword. It’s becoming a real part of the tools we use every day. One of the newest ways AI is changing software development is through AI‑native IDEs – integrated development environments that let you write, test, and debug code with the help of smart assistants. In this article we’ll look at the latest entrant, Google Antigravity, and compare it to other players like Cursor WindSurf. We’ll also explore how these tools can make coding faster, easier, more fun.

What is an AI‑native IDE?

An AI‑native IDE is a coding environment that has AI built right into the editor. Instead of just highlighting syntax, it can:

  • Suggest whole blocks of code
  • Run tests automatically
  • Fix bugs the fly
  • Manage GitHub issues
  • Even generate documentation

Think of it as a smart pair programmer that lives inside your editor. The goal is to reduce the time you spend repetitive tasks and let you focus on the creative parts of building software.

Google Antigravity: The New Free AI‑native IDE

Google has just launched Antigravity, a free AI‑native IDE that runs on top of Visual Studio Code. The name comes from the classic XKCD comic, but the tool is serious business. Here’s what makes Antigravity stand out:

1. Parallel Agent Orchestration

Antigravity can run multiple AI agents at the same time. One agent might be writing code, another could be running tests, and a third could be pulling data from GitHub. Because all agents work in parallel, you get a smoother experience and faster feedback.

2. Built‑in GitHub Integration

The IDE can read your GitHub issues, pull requests, and code history. It can automatically create new branches, add comments, and even close issues when your code passes tests. This means you spend less time switching between tools.

3. Free and Open Source

Unlike many other AI‑native IDEs that charge a subscription, Antigravity is free. It’s also open source, so developers can see how the AI works and even contribute improvements.

4. Powered by Google’s Latest Models

Antigravity uses Google’s newest language models, which are trained on a huge amount of code and documentation. That gives it a good understanding of many programming languages and frameworks.

How Antigravity Compares to Other AI‑native IDEs

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Cursor

Cursor recently added Agent Mode, which lets you edit multiple files and run terminal commands from within the editor. Cursor is great for people who want a single tool that can handle coding and command‑line work. However, Cursor’s AI is still limited to a single agent at a time, which can slow down complex workflows.

WindSurf

WindSurf, built by Codeium, updated its Cascade agent to process code at 950 tokens per second using the new SWE‑1.5 model. That’s a big speed boost, but WindSurf focuses mainly on code completion and linting. It doesn’t have the same level of GitHub integration that Antigravity offers.

Antigravity’s Edge

  • Parallel agents – Antigravity can handle several tasks at once, which is useful for larger projects.
  • GitHub automation – The built‑in GitHub features mean you can manage issues and pull requests without leaving the editor.
  • Free and open source – Anyone can use it without paying, and the community can help improve it.

Why AI‑native IDEs Matter for Developers

  1. Speed – AI can write boilerplate code in seconds, so you can focus on the parts that matter.
  2. Accuracy – AI can catch syntax errors before you run the code, saving debugging time.
  3. Learning – New developers can see examples of best practices right in the editor.
  4. Collaboration – With built‑in GitHub tools, teams can work together more smoothly.

If you’re a solo developer or part of a small team, an AI‑native IDE can level the playing field against larger companies that have more resources.

Getting Started with Google Antigravity

  1. Install Visual Studio Code – If you don’t already have it, download it from the official site.
  2. Add the Antigravity Extension – Search for “Antigravity” in the VS Code marketplace and click install.
  3. Sign In – You’ll need a Google account to use the AI features.
  4. Open a Project – Antigravity will automatically detect your codebase and start offering suggestions.
  5. Try the GitHub Bot – Open the command palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) and type “Antigravity: Create Pull Request.” Follow the prompts to see how it works.

Real‑World Use Cases

Building a Web App

A developer can use Antigravity to scaffold a React app, generate API routes, and write unit tests—all while the AI keeps track of GitHub issues. The result is a