First Coder review

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

First Coder is a Visual Studio Code extension for solo developers and small teams who want AI chat and code completion in their editor using models available through Amazon Bedrock. Its chat panel lets users select a model, while inline ghost text offers code completions. Commands can generate code from comments or selected text, and the extension can draw on codebase context. It is installable at no charge and is described as MIT-licensed, but it is not a standalone model service: users need Bedrock access and an AWS account.

The AWS connection is central to both setup and ongoing cost. First Coder can authenticate with an AWS profile, role-based credentials, or direct credentials. Users can configure the model and region, as well as completion delay and context window. That offers control for developers already working with AWS, though Bedrock access and credential configuration add prerequisites beyond installing a typical editor extension. AWS usage charges may apply separately, so free installation does not mean model usage is necessarily free.

Its fit is therefore narrower than a general-purpose VS Code assistant: it suits developers who specifically want to use Bedrock models for editor chat and completions and are comfortable managing AWS access. The combination of chat, context, and inline completion covers common coding-assistant tasks without requiring a separate chat interface. Developers who want an assistant with verified support beyond Visual Studio Code, or who prefer not to arrange AWS credentials and usage, should consider another option. For an AWS-oriented VS Code workflow, First Coder keeps these interactions in the editor while leaving model access and charges tied to AWS.

First Coder pros and cons

• Where it wins
  • Offers in-editor chat with selectable Bedrock models
  • Provides inline ghost-text completions and code-generation commands
  • Installable at no charge and licensed under MIT
• Where it doesn't
  • Requires AWS Bedrock access and account credentials
  • AWS usage charges may apply separately
  • Limited to Visual Studio Code

First Coder fact sheet, pricing and score →

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Last updated 21 Oct 2026 · How we research and update