How to Choose AI Coding Desktop Tools: GitHub Desktop, CLI Tools, or Editor Extensions?
AI coding tools are no longer limited to editor extensions. GitHub Desktop 3.6 added worktrees and deeper Copilot integration on June 26, 2026, showing that AI assistance is entering desktop Git workflows. This guide compares desktop tools, command-line tools, and editor extensions by use case, risk, permission scope, and review needs so ordinary users can choose a practical setup instead of chasing model names. It also explains why teams should test tools in sandbox repositories before allowing private-code access. The right choice depends on whether the user needs visual Git operations, scriptable automation, or code-context help inside an editor for daily coding practice.

