How to use the code explainer
- Paste the code into the left panel, or click Sample to try it.
- Pick the language (or leave Auto-detect) and choose whether the explanation is for a beginner or an experienced developer.
- Click Explain code. The explanation appears on the right in a few seconds.
What you get
- Summary: what the code does and why you would use it, in two or three sentences
- How it works: a walkthrough of the code in order, naming each function and variable
- Things to watch out for: bugs, edge cases, and security or performance problems visible in the code
When it helps
Use it to understand a function you found in an old codebase, check what an AI-generated snippet really does before you commit it, review a pull request in a language you don't use every day, or learn how an unfamiliar library call works. It explains code; it doesn't run it, so it can't see your data or tell you what happens at runtime.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Which languages can it explain?
Any mainstream language, including Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Java, C, C++, C#, Go, Rust, PHP, Ruby, SQL and Bash. Leave the language on Auto-detect or pick it for the best result.
How accurate are the explanations?
The explanations are written by an AI model (Claude Haiku 5.5 by Anthropic). They are usually right, but they can miss details or be wrong about unusual code, so check anything important against the code itself.
What does the Beginner level change?
Beginner explains jargon in plain words and uses shorter sentences. Experienced is more concise and skips the basics.
How much code can I paste?
Up to 12,000 characters at a time, which is a few hundred lines. For bigger files, explain one function or class at a time.
Do I need an account?
No — you can use the free tools 5 times without one. After that, sign up or log in (it is free) for unlimited use of every tool.
Is my code stored?
No. Your code is sent to our AI provider, Anthropic, to write the explanation, and neither we nor the tool save it. See our Privacy Policy.