[ikidd]

Copilot is a dumpster fire and I can understand why you're down on agents from that experience.

Splurge on the $20 for Cursor, and install their IDE. Start with a simple project, more because it helps you see how it works than because Cursor can't handle more. Give it specific instruction and not too big a problem at one time so you can tailor the prompt. If it's niche, consider changing the model to Opus4.5 long enough for it to get a handle on the codebase. Use the Plan mode to start, adjust the plan, then let it god. Every time it makes changes it can be reverted to the state at previous prompts. Use git liberally.

I'm just a dumb farmer who quit programming 20 years ago, and I use it to build stuff that works IRL for my operation constantly. A dev should be able to wrap their head around it.