AWS Kiro: Testing an AI IDE with a Spec-Driven Approach

In July, Amazon Web Services launched Kiro, its answer to Windsurf and Cursor — but with a focus on writing specs over prompts. However, I found that access to it was restricted after a rush of developers went to check it out. I only got off the waitlist a few weeks back, so it’s time now to dive in.

After signing in via Google, you should get this screen on the Kiro app:

So enter your code and you should be in.

Apparently, there are at least six major IDE products based on forks of Visual Code; I know of Cursor and Windsurf. And now…