StarCoder: Everything you need to know about the new programming AI

If interested in a programming AI, start from StarCoder . Here's what you need to know about StarCoder .

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BigCode recently released a new artificial intelligence LLM (Large Language Model) named StarCoder with the goal of helping programmers write efficient code faster. Here you will learn about StarCoder, how StarCoder works, and how using StarCoder enhances your coding abilities.

What is StarCoder?

StarCoder is an LLM designed specifically for programming languages ​​with the aim of helping to write quality and efficient code in the shortest time.

It is written in Python and has been trained to write more than 80 programming languages, including object-oriented languages ​​such as C++, Python, Java, and procedural languages ​​such as Fortran and C.

How StarCoder Works

StarCoder LLM implements a Multi-Query Attention technique, which allows StarCoder to understand the code content and generate accurate suggestions. This technique involves analyzing multiple queries at the same time, while providing relevant responses.

StarCoder's LLM training involves collecting and compiling massive amounts of data from multiple programming languages ​​sourced from the GitHub repository. By leveraging this diverse dataset, StarCoder is able to generate accurate and efficient code suggestions.

How to use StarCoder LLM

Getting started with StarCoder LLM is easy. You can leverage any of StarCoder's tools, including Playground or Chatbot, to write efficient code. Here's how you can use StarCoder to write better programs.

Completing the code

StarCoder can review and refine your program or uncover missing parts in your program based on the context of the code written so far. To use StarCoder Playground, write your incomplete code in the code prompt.

For example:

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StarCoder suggests an array method in JavaScript for code completion that is prompted when clicking the Generate button displays the code completion feature.

Generate code from Natural Language Prompts

StarCoder is not a tutorial model capable of understanding natural language prompts, like "Create a function that finds prime numbers between 1 and 100". (Create a function that finds primes between 1 and 100. However, you can use StarCoder's chatbot to input instructions and use StarCoder as a tutorial template as shown in the image below.

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This image depicts StarCoder's technical assistant being asked to write a Python function that finds the sum of integers between 1 and 100.

Similarly, you can use this chatbot to detect errors in the structure of the code that StarCoder deploys by running specific code through thousands of similar programs from the GitHub repository. This can save you time and effort when debugging code.

In addition to the features listed above, StarCoder LLM offers much more, including a Visual Studio Code Extension, which supports code completion, helping to increase productivity while developing software.

Current Limitations of StarCoder LLM

One of the main limitations is dependence on training data. The quality and quantity of the training data limits the performance of StarCoder LLM.

Additionally, when using LLM to generate or finalize code, you may encounter situations where StarCoder's response may be more accurate. However, it is difficult for StarCoder to process the large volume of data that is fed to it through any channel such as Playground and related chatbots. Hopefully BigCode will improve these limitations.

StarCoder is just another example of LLM, showing the transformative capabilities of AI. Hope this article helps you better understand this new popular programming AI.

Jessica Tanner

Update 27 June 2023