Agentic AI Comparison:
Devika AI vs OpenHands

Devika AI - AI toolvsOpenHands logo

Introduction

This report compares two prominent open-source AI software engineering agents: Devika AI and OpenHands (formerly OpenDevin). Both aim to revolutionize software development by providing AI-powered assistance, but they have distinct approaches and features.

Overview

Devika AI

Devika AI is an open-source agentic AI software engineer developed by Stition AI. It's designed to understand high-level human instructions, break them down into actionable steps, conduct research, and generate code across multiple programming languages.

OpenHands

OpenHands, previously known as OpenDevin, is an open-source AI agent that aims to replicate and improve upon the capabilities of Anthropic's Devin AI. It's designed to autonomously plan, research, and execute complex software engineering tasks.

Metrics Comparison

Autonomy

Devika AI: 8

Devika AI demonstrates high autonomy in breaking down tasks, conducting research, and generating code. It can understand high-level instructions and work independently to achieve goals.

OpenHands: 9

OpenHands shows exceptional autonomy, capable of planning and executing complex software engineering tasks with minimal human intervention. It can navigate web interfaces, use development tools, and solve problems independently.

Both agents exhibit strong autonomy, but OpenHands edges out slightly due to its more advanced planning capabilities and ability to navigate complex development environments.

Ease of Use

Devika AI: 7

Devika AI offers a user-friendly chat interface and supports multiple programming languages. Its setup process is relatively straightforward, making it accessible to developers of various skill levels.

OpenHands: 6

OpenHands provides a Docker-based setup for easy deployment. However, its more advanced features and capabilities may require a steeper learning curve for users to fully utilize its potential.

Devika AI appears to be slightly easier to use, especially for beginners, due to its more intuitive interface and simpler setup process.

Flexibility

Devika AI: 8

Devika AI supports multiple programming languages and can adapt to various project requirements. Its open-source nature allows for customization and integration into different workflows.

OpenHands: 9

OpenHands demonstrates high flexibility with its ability to handle diverse software engineering tasks, from web development to system administration. Its modular architecture allows for easy extension and customization.

While both agents are highly flexible, OpenHands takes a slight lead due to its broader range of capabilities and more modular architecture.

Cost

Devika AI: 9

As an open-source project, Devika AI is free to use and modify. Users only need to cover the costs of running the required language models.

OpenHands: 9

OpenHands is also open-source and free to use. Like Devika AI, the main cost consideration is running the necessary language models.

Both agents are equally cost-effective, being open-source and free to use. The primary expenses for both are related to running the required language models.

Popularity

Devika AI: 7

Devika AI has gained significant attention in the AI community, with growing interest from developers and researchers. Its GitHub repository has a substantial number of stars and forks.

OpenHands: 8

OpenHands, benefiting from its previous identity as OpenDevin, has attracted considerable attention. It has a larger GitHub following and has been featured in more tech publications and discussions.

OpenHands currently enjoys slightly higher popularity, likely due to its earlier start and association with the well-known Devin AI project. However, both agents are rapidly gaining traction in the developer community.

Conclusions

Both Devika AI and OpenHands represent significant advancements in AI-assisted software engineering. OpenHands slightly edges out in terms of autonomy, flexibility, and popularity, benefiting from its more established presence and broader capabilities. However, Devika AI offers a more user-friendly experience and may be more accessible to developers new to AI-assisted coding. The choice between the two would depend on specific project requirements, user expertise, and desired level of AI autonomy. As open-source projects, both are cost-effective solutions that are likely to see continued improvement and adoption in the software development community.