Joser's Elixir

My AI Tool Stack (January 2026)

tools ai
#ai-tools #productivity #elixir #phoenix #development-workflow
3 min read

The Stack

Here’s what I’m actually using day-to-day for Elixir/Phoenix LiveView development. Not what I tried once and forgot about.

Code Editing: Windsurf

What I use it for:

  • Primary IDE for Elixir/Phoenix development
  • In-editor AI assistance without context switching
  • Refactoring suggestions that understand Phoenix patterns

Why it stuck: Feels native. The AI suggestions understand Elixir idioms and Phoenix conventions. When I’m working on a LiveView component, it actually suggests LiveView-appropriate patterns, not React patterns.

Command Line AI: Claude Code

What I use it for:

  • Quick terminal assistance without leaving the command line
  • File operations and git workflows
  • Research and documentation lookup

Why it stuck: Lives where I already work. When I’m debugging an Elixir error, I can pipe it straight to Claude without opening a browser.

AI Agent Development: TideWave

What it is: Framework for building custom AI agents

What I use it for:

  • Building specialized automation for my workflow
  • Custom agents for Elixir-specific tasks
  • Integrating AI into deployment pipelines

Why it stuck: Lets me build exactly what I need instead of hoping a generic tool adds the feature. For Elixir work, that matters - the generic tools often miss Elixir-specific patterns.

What I’m NOT Using (And Why)

GitHub Copilot

Tried it, didn’t stick. Suggestions felt generic and often suggested JavaScript/Python patterns when I needed Elixir patterns. Windsurf does this better for my stack.

ChatGPT Web Interface

Too much context switching. Claude Code in the terminal is faster for development questions.

The Workflow

Here’s how they work together:

Feature Development:

  1. Code in Windsurf (AI assists with implementation)
  2. Debug with Claude Code (pipe errors directly to AI)
  3. Deploy with TideWave agents (automated AI-assisted deployment)

Quick Fixes:

  1. Claude Code in terminal (fast, no context switch)
  2. Edit in Windsurf if it’s more complex

The Elixir/Phoenix Angle

Why does this matter for Elixir specifically?

Pattern Recognition: Generic AI tools often suggest JavaScript/Python patterns. These tools (especially Windsurf) understand functional programming patterns and Phoenix conventions.

Community Size: Elixir’s smaller community means fewer AI training examples. Having tools that deeply understand the ecosystem matters more than with mainstream languages.

LiveView Complexity: Phoenix LiveView is different enough from React/Vue that generic suggestions fall flat. Tools that understand server-rendered, stateful components make a huge difference.

Would I Recommend This Stack?

If you’re doing Elixir/Phoenix: Yes, especially Windsurf and Claude Code.

If you’re doing other languages: Maybe. The workflow works, but Windsurf’s Elixir understanding is a big reason it stuck for me.

If you’re on a team: The workflow is focused on individual productivity. Larger teams may need additional collaboration tools.

If you’re cost-conscious: Start with Claude Code (pay-as-you-go). Add the others if you find yourself wishing for their specific features.

Try It Yourself

This is what works for me in January 2026 for Elixir/Phoenix. Your mileage will vary.

The best stack is the one you actually use. Try these, see what sticks, and drop what doesn’t.