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TLDR

TLDR is an AI-powered IDE plugin designed to explain code in plain English, which helps developers save significant time understanding complex code. It supports almost all programming languages, inclu

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What is TLDR?

TLDR is an IDE plugin that uses AI to explain code in plain English. Rather than spending time deciphering unfamiliar code, developers can select any snippet and get an instant explanation of what it does. The tool supports nearly all programming languages, including SQL and regular expressions, so it works across different tech stacks and scenarios. The plugin integrates directly into JetBrains IDEs, processing code on TLDR's servers to generate explanations. It's available in both free and paid versions; the free tier covers basic explanations, whilst paid plans remove limitations and add extra features. This makes it practical for individual developers who occasionally need code explanations as well as teams working regularly with unfamiliar codebases.

Key features

Code explanation in plain English

select code and get an instant explanation of functionality and logic

Wide language support

works with most programming languages including Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, SQL, and regular expressions

JetBrains IDE integration

available as a plugin in the JetBrains marketplace for smooth workflow integration

Free and paid options

free tier available with paid plans offering expanded features and fewer restrictions

Server-side processing

code is analysed on TLDR's servers rather than locally on your machine

Pros & cons

Advantages

  • Saves time when reviewing unfamiliar code or legacy systems
  • Covers most programming languages and regex patterns in a single tool
  • Free tier available with no sign-up required for basic use
  • Works directly within JetBrains IDEs, minimising context switching

Limitations

  • Requires sending code to external servers, which may concern teams with strict data privacy policies
  • Free tier has limitations; frequent use may require a paid plan
  • Only available for JetBrains IDEs, not other editors like VS Code or Sublime

Use cases

Understanding legacy or unfamiliar code during onboarding to new projects

Quickly grasping complex regex patterns or SQL queries without manual analysis

Code review process acceleration when working with unfamiliar codebases

Learning how specific code constructs work whilst reading open-source projects

Debugging by understanding what existing code sections actually do

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Pricing

Free

Free

Basic code explanations with usage limitations

Paid

Paid plans available

Expanded explanations, fewer limitations, additional features; exact pricing available on website

Get started with TLDR

Click through to TLDR and start using it now.

Get TLDR
  • Always free
  • No credit card