915: $200mo Background Agents, CLI Tooling and “Max Mode”

In this episode of Syntax, Wes and Scott discuss the evolving landscape of AI coding tools, focusing on background agents and CLI tools. They explore the capabilities and costs associated with these advanced tools, including OpenAI Codex, Claude Code, and Cursor's new background agents. Wes shares his experiences using these tools for tasks like website feature development and podcast feed migration, highlighting the importance of detailed planning documents for effective AI task execution. The discussion also covers the practicality of integrating these tools into existing workflows, the potential for building new software on top of them, and the trade-offs between pay-as-you-go and subscription-based pricing models. They wrap up with sick picks, including Wes's recommendation for a budget-friendly Dell projector and Scott's smart ring for sleep tracking.