AI Code Explainer
Understand any code instantly with AI. Paste a snippet and get a clear, plain English explanation of what it does, line by line or summarized. Free.
How to understand code with AI
What is the AI Code Explainer?
The AI Code Explainer translates code into plain English. Paste any code snippet and get a clear explanation of what it does, why it works, and how the pieces fit together.
Works with any programming language including JavaScript, Python, Java, C++, Go, Rust, and more. Whether you're learning to code, debugging an issue, or reviewing unfamiliar code, get instant understanding without digging through documentation.
More than just comments
Code comments describe what the author intended, but they can be outdated, missing, or wrong. This tool reads the actual code and explains what it really does. You get ground truth, not documentation that may have drifted.
Unlike searching Stack Overflow or reading docs, you get an explanation of your specific code. The AI sees the variable names, the context, and the logic flow in front of it. No more translating generic examples to your situation.
How to explain code with AI
Understanding code takes seconds:
- 1
Paste your code
Enter the code snippet you want to understand. Can be a function, a class, a file, or just a confusing block.
- 2
Select explanation depth
Choose summary for a high-level overview of what the code does, or detailed for a line-by-line breakdown.
- 3
Click Explain
Get a clear explanation in plain English covering what the code does, how it works, and why it's written that way.
- 4
Ask follow-ups
Still confused about a part? Regenerate with specific questions or highlight the section you need clarified.
Supported languages
The code explainer works with all major programming languages:
Web development
JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, CSS, React, Vue, Angular, Node.js, PHP, and frontend frameworks.
Backend and systems
Python, Java, C#, C++, C, Go, Rust, Ruby, Scala, Kotlin, and server-side code.
Data and ML
Python with NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, PyTorch. Also R, SQL queries, and Jupyter notebooks.
Mobile and scripts
Swift, Kotlin, Dart/Flutter, shell scripts, Bash, PowerShell, and configuration files like YAML and JSON.
AI code explainer vs alternatives
See how this tool compares to other ways of understanding code:
| Method | Speed | Specific to Your Code | Explains Why | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| This tool | Seconds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stack Overflow | Minutes | Generic examples | Sometimes | Yes |
| Documentation | Minutes | No | Sometimes | Yes |
| Ask a colleague | Hours (async) | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| ChatGPT | Seconds | Yes | Yes | Limited free |
Tips for better code explanations
Include enough context. A single line out of context is hard to explain well. Include the function it belongs to, relevant variable declarations, and any imports that matter. The more context the AI has, the more accurate and useful the explanation.
Use detailed mode for learning, summary mode for review. If you're trying to understand how something works, the line-by-line breakdown teaches you the mechanics. If you're reviewing code and just need to know what it does, the summary gets you there faster.
Don't just read the explanation. Try to predict what the code does before clicking explain, then compare. This active learning approach helps you internalize patterns faster than passively reading explanations. Over time, you'll need the tool less as you recognize common patterns.
Why use an AI code explainer?
Learn faster than reading docs
Documentation explains general concepts. This tool explains your specific code. See exactly how abstract concepts apply to the snippet in front of you, with variable names and context you recognize.
Onboard to codebases quickly
New job, new repo, unfamiliar code. Instead of spending days tracing through files, get instant explanations of what each part does. Understand the codebase in hours instead of weeks.
Debug with understanding
When code breaks, understanding what it's supposed to do is half the battle. Get a clear explanation of the logic, then spot where reality diverges from intent.
Who can benefit from AI Code Explainer?
For anyone working with code they need to understand quickly.
Beginners
Learn programming faster by understanding real code. See how concepts work in practice with clear explanations.
Developers
Quickly understand unfamiliar codebases. Debug issues faster by seeing exactly what each part does.
Code Reviewers
Review pull requests more efficiently. Get quick summaries of what changed code is supposed to do.
Technical Writers
Document code accurately. Understand functionality deeply enough to explain it to others.
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