After a year of using AI coding tools like Cursor, I realized something important. I had stopped planning.
Tools like Cursor are designed for speed. You type a prompt, it gives you code instantly. That speed feels productive at first, but over time it encourages poor habits. Instead of thinking through architecture or edge cases, you just react. You start coding based on instinct and hope it all works out.
That works for a while. Until it doesn't.
Then I tried Kiro, a new AI IDE built by Amazon. Unlike the others, Kiro slows you down on purpose. It forces structure into your workflow. At first, I wasn't sure I wanted that. But after a few projects, I changed my mind.
Kiro doesn't just write code. It helps you build the right thing in the right way.
In this post, I'll walk you through how Kiro works and why it has replaced Cursor in most of my builds.
What Makes Kiro Different
Most AI tools are built around fast interactions. You write a prompt, and the AI generates code. That sounds great in theory, but often leads to:
- Confusing or fragile logic
- Features that don't quite match what you had in mind
- Long feedback loops as you debug and rewrite
Kiro takes a different path by giving you two modes to choose from:
Vibe Mode
This is the standard chat-and-code interface you expect. You can ask for code, explanations, or small changes. It behaves just like Cursor or other assistants.
Good for quick work. But not ideal for serious feature development.
Spec Mode
This is Kiro's core innovation. Spec Mode is based on a simple idea: plan before you code.
You don't just describe the feature. You define it. Kiro helps you articulate what you're building, how it should behave, and what success looks like. Then it generates code based on that clear plan.
That change in flow reduces bugs, improves clarity, and results in cleaner, more maintainable code.
How Kiro Structures Your Project
When you open Kiro, you'll see four tools in the sidebar. Each one plays a role in how Kiro guides your development process.
1. Agent Steering
This is Kiro's way of understanding your codebase. When activated, it scans your existing code and builds context. This ensures it can reason about your app in a more intelligent way before suggesting any changes.
2. Specs
Specs are where every new feature begins. Instead of jumping straight into code, you create a list of features or user stories. Kiro helps you define what each part of your app should do.
Once the list is ready, Kiro turns it into a structured plan. You know exactly what to build next, and why. This eliminates guesswork and prevents scope creep.
3. Agent Hooks
Hooks are automations that help with routine tasks. For example, you can set up a Hook to automatically update documentation whenever a new feature is added. These are optional, but they add leverage.
4. MCP (Model Context Protocol)
MCP is a system that lets Kiro securely communicate with external services like APIs, databases, or other tools. It acts as a bridge between your code and the real world, giving the AI superpowers while keeping your project secure and grounded.
Building with Kiro: A Step-by-Step Example
Let's walk through a simple use case.
I want to build a mobile app that tracks how often I sneeze in a day. Here's how that project would flow inside Kiro.
Step 1: Create a Requirements File
I start in Spec Mode and tell Kiro what I want. It responds by creating a Requirements file that outlines:
- A project description
- A list of features framed as user stories
- Clear acceptance criteria for each feature
Example:
Markdown# User Story As a user, I want to log sneezes quickly so I can track how often they happen during the day. # Acceptance Criteria - When the app opens, it shows a large "Log Sneeze" button - When the button is tapped, the sneeze is saved with a timestamp
Once I review and approve the file, we move on.
Step 2: Generate the Design File
Next, Kiro creates a Design file. This includes:
- An outline of the tech stack
- Component structure and naming
- Logic and architectural rules
- A rough visual layout of the app
This is where the entire structure of your app becomes visible, even before a single line of code is written.
Once everything looks right, I click to proceed.
Step 3: Review the Implementation Plan
Kiro now compiles everything into a checklist of development tasks. Each one is tied to the earlier specs and design decisions. You can click "Start Task" on the first item and Kiro will begin working through the code step by step.
Like Cursor, Kiro also lets you review and approve commands. Once you trust a pattern, you can automate it.
One final bonus: Kiro runs tests by default. It tests your code as it builds, without needing to be told. Cursor doesn't do this automatically.
Final Thoughts
Cursor is still the fastest AI coding tool I've used. If you're making quick edits or iterating on advanced logic, it's a strong choice.
But when you want structure, planning, and confidence in your build process, Kiro is better.
It's not trying to be faster. It's trying to make sure you build the right thing, with fewer bugs and less rework later.
That shift has made a big difference in how I approach app development.
If you're serious about building apps with AI, Kiro is worth exploring.
