Latest news with #developerTools
TechCrunch
25-06-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
Better Auth, an authentication tool by a self-taught Ethiopian dev, raises $5M from Peak XV, YC
It's rare to see a solo founder building a widely adopted developer infrastructure tool. Even more so, if the founder happens to be from Africa. Bereket Engida, a self-taught programmer from Ethiopia, is quietly building what some developers say is the best authentication tool they've ever used. Engida's startup, Better Auth, offers an open-source framework that promises to simplify how developers manage user authentication, and it's caught the attention of some big name investors. It recently raised about $5 million in seed funding from Peak XV (formerly Sequoia India & Southeast Asia), Y Combinator, P1 Ventures, and Chapter One. But the most interesting part here isn't who's on the startup's cap table: Engida says he built the entire product back home in Ethiopia before he set foot in the U.S. Engida told TechCrunch that he started programming at 18 after a friend declined to help him build an e-commerce search app, and he started working on the project himself. He went on to land some remote software jobs and eventually built a web analytics platform that lets developers monitor user behavior on their websites. But throughout his various jobs, Engida says he kept seeing an issue popping up everywhere: authentication. Every app needs to manage how users sign in and out, reset passwords, and sometimes administrators need to handle permissions and user roles. But he found existing tools were either too limited or rigid — companies like Auth0, Firebase and NextAuth offer managed services, but they store user data externally, limit customization, and are expensive at scale. 'I remember needing an organization feature. It's a very common use case for most SaaS applications, but it wasn't available from these providers,' Engida told TechCrunch. 'So I had to build it from scratch. It took me about two weeks, and I remember thinking, 'This is crazy; there has to be a better way to solve this'.' He then scrapped that project and began working on a TypeScript-based authentication framework that would let developers access user data via open-source libraries, support common permissions use cases — like teams and roles — out of the box, and scale with plug-ins. Techcrunch event Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Boston, MA | REGISTER NOW 'The idea was that you could add advanced features in just two or three lines of code,' Engida said. Why developers love it Over six months working mostly from his bedroom in Ethiopia, Engida built the first version of the library that would go on to become Better Auth. When he posted it to GitHub in September 2024, developers quickly saw the potential. Since then, Better Auth has clocked 150,000+ weekly downloads, 15,000+ GitHub stars, and a community of over 6,000 Discord members, the startup claims. Better Auth's pitch is simple: Let developers implement everything from simple authentication flows to enterprise-grade systems directly on their databases and embed it all on the back-end. Unlike hosted services, Better Auth is an open-source library that developers can integrate directly into their codebase, keeping all user data on premise, in their database. For companies wary of handing over critical user information to third parties, this feature alone is a major point. The library has also found unexpected traction among early-stage AI startups, which need to build custom authentication flows that integrate with proprietary APIs, manage tokens securely, and be able to scale without racking up high costs. 'We first heard about the product from numerous startups we've worked with,' said Arnav Sahu, partner at Peak XV and former principal at Y Combinator. 'Their auth product has seen phenomenal adoption among the next generation of AI startups.' Better Auth marks Peak XV's first direct investment in an African founder. Engida says Better Auth, currently free to use, will focus on improving its core features and launch a paid enterprise infrastructure that plugs into its open-source base. This will give developers the flexibility to self-host or opt for Better Auth's cloud add-ons as needed. He's also thinking about how to scale without trading away the product's community-built feel. On the roadmap, therefore, is hiring a small team to help maintain the codebase, expand documentation, and support enterprise users. For now, though, Engida is still writing most of the code himself. Better Auth, which just graduated from YC's recent Spring batch, is the third Ethiopian startup to pass through the accelerator, following drone-based digital health platform Avion, and food delivery platform BeU Delivery. 'Building this feels important not just because people love the product, but because of what it represents,' said Engida. 'There aren't many Ethiopian founders building global products. For many, it feels almost impossible. So seeing that traction gives hope for other people to try to be more ambitious.'
TechCrunch
25-06-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
Google unveils Gemini CLI, an open-source AI tool for terminals
Google is launching a new agentic AI tool that will put its Gemini AI models closer to where developers are already coding. The company announced on Wednesday the launch of Gemini CLI, an agentic AI tool designed to run locally from your terminal. The new tool connects Google's Gemini AI models to local codebases, and it allows developers to make natural language requests, such as asking Gemini CLI to explain confusing sections of code, write new features, debug code, or run commands. Gemini CLI is part of Google's efforts to get developers using its AI models in their coding workflows. Google now offers an array of AI coding tools, such as Gemini Code Assist and its asynchronous AI coding assistant, Jules. However, Gemini CLI competes directly with other command-line AI tools such as OpenAI's Codex CLI and Anthropic's Claude Code — tools that tend to be easier to integrate, faster, and more efficient than other AI coding tools. Since Google launched Gemini 2.5 Pro in April, the company's AI models have become a favorite among developers. The popularity of Gemini 2.5 Pro has driven usage of third-party AI coding tools, such as Cursor and GitHub Copilot, which have become massive businesses. In response, Google has tried in recent months to build a direct relationship with these developers by offering in-house products. While most people will use Gemini CLI for coding, the company says it designed the tool to handle other tasks as well. Developers can tap Gemini CLI to create videos with Google's Veo 3 model, generate research reports with the company's Deep Research agent, or access real-time information through Google Search. Google also says Gemini CLI can connect to MCP servers, allowing developers to connect to external databases. To encourage adoption, Google is also open-sourcing Gemini CLI under the Apache 2.0 license, which is typically considered one of the most permissive. The company says it expects a network of developers to contribute to the project on GitHub. Google is also offering generous usage limits to spur adoption of Gemini CLI. Free users can make 60 model requests per minute and 1,000 requests per day, which the company says is roughly double the average number of requests developers made when using the tool. Techcrunch event Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Boston, MA | REGISTER NOW While AI coding tools are rising rapidly in popularity, using them comes with risks. According to a 2024 survey from Stack Overflow, just 43% of developers trust the accuracy of AI tools. Several studies have shown that code-generating AI models can occasionally introduce errors or fail to fix security vulnerabilities.
Forbes
16-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Coding For AI And Why YC Backed Wasp Is Poised To Be The Backbone Of The Next Software Revolution
Wasp co-founder, Martin Sosic and Matija Sosic Growth isn't just a goal in the developer tools space—it's the lifeblood. Few know that better than twin brothers Matija and Martin Sosic, Y Combinator backed co-founders of Wasp, the open-source web framework that's quietly reshaping how modern applications are built. With over 26,000 GitHub stars and a fresh $3.7 million seed round led by HV Capital and followed by Fifth Quarter Ventures, Big Bets and Metis, Wasp is more than just another dev tool—it's rapidly becoming the connective tissue of modern web development especially with its 'deploy anywhere' approach which is a major unlock for enterprise usage. In a candid conversation, the Wasp team outlined their bold roadmap and shared how they plan to grow from a beloved open-source project into a foundational player in the AI-powered development stack. Wasp's approach to growth is centered on four key levers: 1. Product Excellence: 'Simply put, we want the product to be so good that developers who try it naturally share it,' said Matija. Reaching their 1.0 release—currently in active development—is a key milestone. 2. Community Building: Already boasting a highly engaged Discord and thousands of developers, Wasp is doubling down on education and visibility. Expect more workshops, dev showcases, and ecosystem content in the coming months. 3. Strategic Partnerships: 'This is where we're intensifying our efforts,' Martin noted. 'The right integrations—whether with hosting platforms, AI coding tools, or backend services—can supercharge adoption for both sides.' Their recent push to align with major players in the AI coding space is one example. 4. Team Expansion: Wasp is growing its engineering and developer relations teams to execute on its expanding roadmap. As demand increases, scalability—both in code and in headcount—becomes essential. While AI is often viewed as a great equalizer, in sense of diminishing the moat of building the product and getting it into the hands of users, that makes the underlying developer tools and technologies even more important. Evolution at every level of the stack (frameworks, libraries) will continue happening even faster than in the pre-AI era, given an exponential volume of new web apps and SaaS-es that will come to the market with the help of AI-driven and assisted development. Every improvement in the tools used for it will further lower the barrier for builders and make both AI and developers more efficient. While AI can democratize building SaaS-es, the underlying toolchain is something that must be widely accepted, verified from, and built by the community. That is the only way to progress towards safe and sustainable development with AI. And that is exactly what the team behind Wasp is building - a new 'protocol', in non-technical terms for building web applications. While many developer tools are still figuring out their place in the AI era, Wasp is already staking a claim. 'We're betting big on AI-assisted development,' Matija explained. 'We believe Wasp is uniquely positioned to become a default framework for AI coding tools and humans alike.' This isn't just lip service: Wasp is already testing (and built their own early version of Bolt/Lovable back in the day) where AI models use Wasp's syntax and structure to generate fully functional apps. The goal? To make it drastically easier for AI to build robust applications by abstracting away full-stack complexity—something Wasp does particularly well. 'AI can now generate a lot of the code for you, even working applications," said Martin. 'But stitching together the frontend, backend, database, auth, and deployment, in a secure, maintainable, and scalable way? That's still hard. Wasp makes that orchestration dead simple—so we're effectively giving AI superpowers.' As TechCrunch puts it, Wasp is becoming the 'glue' between frontend frameworks like React and the backend services that power modern apps. While Wasp's early traction came from indie hackers and startup founders, the framework is now being used in production by enterprise teams. 'Getting from hobby projects to real enterprise-grade apps is a rite of passage,' said Matija. 'We've already crossed that first chasm—now we're focused on scaling it.' This shift includes working with dev teams building internal tools, customer portals, and full-fledged SaaS platforms—all powered by Wasp's opinionated but flexible architecture which currently supports React, and Prisma. How Wasp works Wasp hasn't reached 'community darling' status just yet. 'We're not at 1.0 and still missing some core features,' Martin admitted. 'But once we cross that threshold, we believe adoption will accelerate rapidly.' What Wasp offers is not just convenience, but a rethinking of how full-stack web apps should be built in an AI-driven world. Developers no longer want to spend days gluing tools together or wrangling infrastructure. Wasp abstracts that pain away—while giving AI systems a higher-level interface to build on. Wasp team photo The future of software development is converging around simplicity, automation, and AI. Wasp hits all three. Its bet: that the next wave of developer productivity will come not from piecing together disparate tools, but from using purpose-built platforms that unify the entire stack—from frontend logic to database orchestration to CI/CD. If Wasp's trajectory continues, it may not just be the next big dev tool—it could be the new foundation on which the next generation of software is built.
Geeky Gadgets
14-05-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Windsurf CEO Varun Mohan Interview : Turning GPU Startup Into an AI Coding Powerhouse
What does it take to pivot an entire company in just 48 hours? For Varun Mohan, the CEO and co-founder of Windsurf, it's a combination of bold decision-making, relentless curiosity, and a deep understanding of where technology is headed. Once a GPU virtualization startup, Windsurf now stands at the forefront of AI-powered developer tools, reshaping how software is built and maintained. This transformation wasn't gradual—it was sparked by a weekend decision to abandon their original vision and embrace the potential of AI agents. The result? A platform that's not just keeping pace with the industry but actively redefining it. What drives such audacious moves, and how does a company thrive in the chaos of reinvention? In the Y Combinator video below, Varun Mohan shares the behind-the-scenes story of Windsurf's evolution, offering rare insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a company that thrives on adaptability. Readers will discover how Windsurf's flagship IDE uses innovative technologies like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) Parsing to tackle the most complex problems in software development. But this is more than a story about tools—it's a glimpse into the mindset of a leader who believes the future of coding belongs to AI agents. Whether you're a startup founder, a developer, or simply curious about the future of technology, Varun Mohan's journey offers lessons in innovation, resilience, and the art of betting big when the stakes are high. Windsurf's AI Transformation From GPU Virtualization to AI-Driven Tools: A Weekend Pivot Windsurf's origins trace back to its initial identity as Exofunction, a company dedicated to GPU virtualization. However, as the market for their initial business model became increasingly saturated, the team recognized the growing potential of transformer models in reshaping the software development landscape. In a bold and decisive move, the company pivoted its focus over a single weekend, transitioning to AI-powered coding tools. This shift marked the birth of Kodium, which eventually evolved into Windsurf, an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) with agentic capabilities. The rapid pivot underscores Windsurf's ability to identify and act on emerging opportunities. By embracing AI technologies, the company positioned itself to address the evolving needs of developers, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for adaptation. This ability to pivot quickly and effectively has been a cornerstone of Windsurf's success, allowing it to stay ahead in a competitive and fast-changing industry. What Sets Windsurf Apart in AI-Powered Development Windsurf's IDE is designed to enhance developer productivity by streamlining critical tasks such as code writing, reviewing, and debugging. The platform incorporates advanced technologies that set it apart in the competitive landscape of AI-powered development tools. Key features include: Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG): This technology ensures that code suggestions are contextually relevant, improving accuracy and efficiency. This technology ensures that code suggestions are contextually relevant, improving accuracy and efficiency. Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) Parsing: Enables precise code analysis and manipulation, allowing developers to work more effectively with complex codebases. Enables precise code analysis and manipulation, allowing developers to work more effectively with complex codebases. GPU Infrastructure: Provides the computational power necessary to support large-scale enterprise use cases with efficiency and reliability. These features empower Windsurf to tackle the challenges of managing and optimizing extensive codebases, making it a valuable tool for enterprise environments. The platform's ability to deliver personalized AI solutions has attracted major clients such as Dell and JP Morgan Chase, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the field. By addressing the specific needs of large-scale enterprises, Windsurf has carved out a unique position in the market. Windsurf CEO Interview on Pivoting in 48 Hours and The Future Watch this video on YouTube. Master Windsurf with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Innovation Through Rigorous Testing Windsurf's commitment to innovation is evident in its rigorous approach to testing and evaluation. The platform's adoption of agentic capabilities has enabled it to perform large-scale code modifications and automate complex migrations. For instance, Windsurf has assistd the transition of legacy systems written in COBOL to modern programming languages like Java. These capabilities not only enhance developer efficiency but also address high-value challenges within the software development lifecycle. By solving such critical problems, Windsurf has established itself as an indispensable tool for enterprises seeking to modernize their software infrastructure. Its ability to deliver measurable results underscores the importance of rigorous testing and a focus on practical, user-centric solutions. This approach ensures that Windsurf remains at the forefront of innovation in the software development industry. A Culture of Adaptability and Bold Decision-Making At the heart of Windsurf's success lies a culture that blends 'irrational optimism' with 'uncompromising realism.' This philosophy fosters an environment where innovation thrives, yet decisions remain grounded in practicality. The company's lean engineering team, combined with a strong go-to-market strategy, has enabled it to develop and deploy products with remarkable speed and efficiency. Windsurf's ability to pivot quickly and make bold decisions reflects its commitment to staying ahead in an ever-changing industry. This culture of adaptability has been instrumental in its journey, allowing the company to navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence. By maintaining a balance between ambition and realism, Windsurf has positioned itself as a leader in the AI-powered software development space. The Future of Software Development Mohan envisions a future where software creation becomes accessible to a broader audience, including non-technical users. Windsurf aims to reduce the time required for software development by 99%, transforming every stage of the development lifecycle—from design to debugging and testing. AI will play a central role in this transformation, allowing developers to focus on higher-value tasks while providing widespread access to software creation. This vision highlights the potential of AI to reshape the software development industry, making it more inclusive and efficient. By empowering developers and non-developers alike, Windsurf seeks to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in software creation. This forward-looking approach positions the company as a key player in the ongoing evolution of the industry. Opportunities for Startups in the AI Ecosystem The AI-driven software development ecosystem presents numerous opportunities for startups to address niche challenges. Mohan identifies several areas where startups can make a significant impact: Automated Code Migrations: Simplifying the process of transitioning from legacy systems to modern platforms. Simplifying the process of transitioning from legacy systems to modern platforms. Bug Resolution Tools: Accelerating the identification and resolution of software issues to improve system reliability. Accelerating the identification and resolution of software issues to improve system reliability. Alert Management: Streamlining the handling of system alerts to minimize downtime and enhance operational efficiency. By focusing on economically impactful problems, startups can carve out a competitive edge in the AI-driven software development market. These opportunities underscore the potential for innovation and growth within the ecosystem, offering a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs. Lessons in Adaptability and Innovation Reflecting on Windsurf's journey, Mohan emphasizes the importance of embracing change and adapting quickly to market shifts. He advises startups to adopt the following principles: Testing Hypotheses: Validate ideas rigorously before scaling to ensure they address real-world needs. Validate ideas rigorously before scaling to ensure they address real-world needs. Maintaining Curiosity: Stay informed about emerging technologies and industry trends to remain competitive. Stay informed about emerging technologies and industry trends to remain competitive. Delivering Value: Focus on building products that offer clear, measurable benefits to users. These principles have been instrumental in Windsurf's success and provide valuable guidance for navigating the challenges of the software development industry. By prioritizing adaptability and innovation, startups can position themselves for long-term success in a dynamic and competitive market. Media Credit: Y Combinator Filed Under: AI, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Bloomberg
06-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Google Code Assistant and Changing Developer Workflows: Tech Disruptors
From Microsoft to GitHub to now Google Ryan J Salva, who leads product management for developer tools and operations at Google Cloud, has spent over 20 years working on developer tools and software development. He sits down with Bloomberg Intelligence senior analyst Mandeep Singh to discuss the evolution of coding agents Google's coding assistant and how the new tools and capabilities will make it easy to migrate old code and change the workflows of developers.
