Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SmallDevTools VS ExplainDev

Compare SmallDevTools VS ExplainDev and see what are their differences

SmallDevTools logo SmallDevTools

Handy developer tools with a delightful interface

ExplainDev logo ExplainDev

Meet the AI-powered browser extension that explains code using plain language.
  • SmallDevTools Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-02
  • ExplainDev Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-09

SmallDevTools features and specs

  • Accessibility
    SmallDevTools offers a wide range of tools that are easily accessible online, allowing developers to access them from anywhere without the need for installations or setup.
  • Versatility
    It provides various tools that cater to different development needs, like text manipulation, code formatting, and data conversion, making it a one-stop solution for many tasks.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform features a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to navigate and use the available tools effectively.
  • Cost-Efficiency
    Many of the tools are available for free or at a low cost, making it an economical option for individual developers and small businesses.
  • Time-Saving
    By providing quick access to various tools online, SmallDevTools helps save time that would otherwise be spent searching for and installing separate software.

Possible disadvantages of SmallDevTools

  • Internet Dependency
    Since SmallDevTools is web-based, its tools require an internet connection, which can be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity or for users who prefer offline tools.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    While it offers many basic tools, developers needing advanced functionalities might find the tools lacking compared to more specialized software.
  • Performance Constraints
    Browser-based performance limitations might affect the efficiency of some tools, especially when handling large files or complex tasks.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Using online tools often raises concerns about data privacy and security, especially for sensitive code or data, although specific policies vary.
  • Reliability Issues
    The availability and consistency of service depend on the website's uptime, which can pose issues if the site experiences high traffic or technical difficulties.

ExplainDev features and specs

  • Improved Code Understanding
    ExplainDev provides detailed explanations of code snippets, helping users understand how a specific piece of code works.
  • Facilitates Learning
    The tool is beneficial for new developers and students as it can accelerate the learning process by breaking down complex code into simpler terms.
  • Increased Productivity
    By offering quick insights into code, ExplainDev can save time for developers who need to work with unfamiliar codebases.
  • Integration with Development Tools
    ExplainDev can integrate with popular development environments, allowing users to access its features without leaving their coding platforms.

Possible disadvantages of ExplainDev

  • Dependency on Service
    Relying on ExplainDev for code understanding can lead to over-dependence, potentially hindering the development of independent problem-solving skills.
  • Accuracy Limitations
    The explanations provided may not always be accurate or fully comprehensive, especially for complex or niche code snippets.
  • Data Privacy Concerns
    Using an online tool to analyze code might raise concerns about the privacy and security of the code being processed.
  • Limited Programming Language Support
    The tool may not support all programming languages or frameworks, limiting its usefulness for developers working outside of its supported technologies.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SmallDevTools and ExplainDev)
Developer Tools
73 73%
27% 27
Productivity
70 70%
30% 30
Open Source
100 100%
0% 0
AI
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

ExplainDev might be a bit more popular than SmallDevTools. We know about 4 links to it since March 2021 and only 3 links to SmallDevTools. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

SmallDevTools mentions (3)

ExplainDev mentions (4)

  • Buildling ReReview AI - chatbot to help find the best AI tools for any task or team (with GPT-4)
    Thanks for the note. Generally best to just describe the task (need to improve the system prompt to always only return tools). Here's the response I got: https://imgur.com/a/NyHBCe2 (https://programming-helper.com/ , https://explain.dev/ , https://tldrdev.ai/ , https://code-mentor.ai/) In addition to the categorization and summary (driven by GPT-4), it takes into account performance metrics of the tool (visits,... Source: about 2 years ago
  • Why don't there seem to be any courses based around the idea of maintaining and extending legacy software?
    Agree with so many of the comments here. I believe the way to equip folks to be productive with legacy code is build tools that replicate the goodness of an experienced engineer while on the job. Supplement the help available and ensure the person onboarding is benefitting from the questions that were asked by new folks before them. I started building the tool here: explain.dev While courses could help you feel... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Make image tutorials in no time with code explanations from AI.
    The technology behind the images is ExplainDev, an AI powered programmer's assistant. You can think of it as an expert that's always available to answer your technical questions and explain code. - Source: dev.to / almost 3 years ago
  • Explanation of a queue data structure in JavaScript
    I used explain.dev for code explanations and snappify.io for the visuals :). Source: about 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SmallDevTools and ExplainDev, you can also consider the following products

LaunchKit - Open Source - A popular suite of developer tools, now 100% open source.

EssenceAI - Simplify Code Understanding using the power of GPT-4

whatdevsneed - This is whatdevsneed.

Easyvoice - Make stunning voice apps with no-code development platform

Profitable developer tools database - A database of 103+ hand-curated profitable developer tools

AI Code Mentor - Virtual Instructor that utilizes AI to help you learn code