I tried out Kiro: Here’s what I learned

Amazon's new AI-powered code editor, Kiro, has entered the AI coding assistant market, already attracting thousands of developers despite being behind a waitlist. Built on the VS Code editor, Kiro offers standard AI coding tool features, such as code snippets and debugging, but distinguishes itself with a spec-driven development workflow requiring users to define requirements and designs before coding. This approach aims to reduce misinterpretations common in AI tools by guiding developers to create structured documentation, which is then converted into subtasks. Kiro's unique features, like agent hooks for automating repetitive tasks and a focus on production readiness, set it apart from competitors like Cursor, Copilot, and Windsurf, although it currently has limitations, such as limited model choices and slower response times. As it is still in beta, Kiro has the potential to evolve into a significant tool in the AI coding landscape, especially with the backing of Amazon's extensive resources and reach.