AI Coding Tools Compared: Claude Code, Cursor, Copilot & Beyond - Half-day

With 92% of US developers using AI coding tools daily and the market fragmenting across Claude Code, Cursor ($2B ARR), GitHub Copilot, and Windsurf, teams face a real selection challenge. Claude Code overtook Copilot as the most-used tool in 2026; Cursor Composer 2.5 shipped May 18 with Opus 4.7/GPT-5.5 performance at $0.50/$2.50 per million tokens; Copilot moves to AI Credits flex billing June 1; and Windsurf 2.0 added Devin Cloud and an adaptive model router at $20/mo. This workshop gives every participant hands-on time with each tool on identical coding tasks, then compares results across quality, speed, cost, and workflow fit using a structured scoring rubric.

For developers, team leads, and engineering managers evaluating AI coding tools. Participants should be comfortable writing code in at least one language (Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, or Java recommended). Each tool is evaluated on code generation, multi-file refactoring, test writing, bug diagnosis, and code review. Includes a take-home comparison matrix.

About Brent Laster

Hi, I'm Brent Laster - a global trainer and book author, experienced corporate technology developer and leader, and founder and president of Tech Skills Transformations LLC. I've been working with and presenting at NFJS events for many years now and it is always exciting and interesting.

Through my decades in programming and management,I've always tried to make time to learn and develop both technical and leadership skills and share them with others Regardless of the topic or technology, my belief is that there is no substitute for the excitement and sense of potential that come from providing others with the knowledge they need to help them accomplish their goals.

In my spare time, I hang out with my wife Anne-Marie, 4 children and 2 small dogs in Cary, North Carolina where I design and conduct trainings and write books. You can find me on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/brentlaster), Twitter (@brentclaster) or through my company's website at www.getskillsnow.com.

More About Brent »