AI in PhpStorm: a GPT that helps you

JetBrains has long been making one of the best environments for PHP development, but with the arrival of AI Assistant the IDE has reached a new level. In short, it's ChatGPT built right into PhpStorm that "knows" where you are and what you're working on (provided you give it access to your code).

I tried it in my work and really liked what I got out of it, but let's take things in order.

It's a paid feature. And no, it doesn't plug into the ChatGPT Plus or API subscription you're already paying for.

JetBrains sells it as a separate service, so if you want GPT right in your editor you'll have to pay an extra $10 a month, or use the free plan with its limits.

Spoiler: for the most part, the free plan's limits are enough for everyday work — as long as you can still write code yourself.

What can AI Assistant in PhpStorm do?

1. Explaining code

Select a fragment → Alt+Enter → Explain code with AI. The AI briefly explains what's going on here (taking the context into account).

2. Generating tests

From the same menu you can generate PHPUnit tests. Sometimes a bit raw, but as a template — very handy.

3. Writing docblocks and comments

Select a method and the AI describes what the method is, what parameters it takes and what it returns. All in the familiar @param, @return format.

4. Refactor this with AI

You can delegate improving a method, renaming variables, extracting dependencies — the AI will suggest options.

AI Assistant suggests a refactoring with an Apply button

A refactoring suggestion in the chat. Screenshot from the JetBrains documentation (IntelliJ IDEA; PhpStorm has the same interface)

5. Answering questions

A built-in chat that remembers the file you're working on. For example:

"What does this code do?" "How can I reduce the algorithm's complexity here?" "Why is it better not to use isset here?"

The AI Chat window: chat history, prompt field, mode and model selection

Elements of the AI Chat window. Screenshot from the JetBrains documentation

Usage example

class DiscountCalculator
{
    public function calculate(float $price, int $percentage): float
    {
        return $price * (1 - $percentage / 100);
    }
}

Select the method → Explain code with AI

"This method calculates a percentage discount and returns the new price. If you pass 100 UAH and 20%, the method returns 80."

or select the method → Alt+Enter → Generate Unit Tests

public function testCalculate(): void
{
    $calc = new DiscountCalculator();
    $this->assertSame(80.0, $calc->calculate(100.0, 20));
}

Why do you need it?

Better understanding of code for those who don't read it well yet.
Getting rid of routine work.
Quick feedback right in the editor, with no switching to the browser when questions come up.

Conclusion

AI Assistant in PhpStorm is a genuinely convenient tool that saves me about an hour a day. It helps me work more confidently with legacy code, other people's repositories, or when you just want to give your head a little rest.

First published in Ukrainian in the Telegram channel “Created to die” on June 23, 2025.