# AI Programming Gets a Boost — ByteDance Launches TRAE 3.0 with SOLO Mode & Doubao-Seed-Code
AI-assisted programming has been hot for a while — whether you’re a developer or a casual user, you can now ask AI to help make a small game, experiment with a handy tool, or even build a complete app.
Many of the creations AI generates are surprisingly **useful and usable**. Readers often ask: *What’s the best programming model right now?*
For a long time, **Claude 4.5 + Cursor** was the top choice for developers. But accessibility issues in certain regions (including China) meant people often paid for memberships but couldn’t fully use those models.
**Good news:** This time, we won’t be blocked.
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## TRAE 3.0 — ByteDance’s New AI Programming Tool
Yesterday, ByteDance released **TRAE 3.0** — in some ways a domestic alternative to **Cursor**, and in certain features, it even **surpasses Cursor**.
### Key Innovation: SOLO Mode
- **Two AI agents:** **SOLO Coder** and **SOLO Builder**
- **SOLO Coder:** For professional developers tackling complex projects
- **SOLO Builder:** For individuals or small teams — enabling **“one-sentence product creation”** you can publish online
These two SOLO agents cover **virtually all stages of software development**.
**Trial offer:** Download from [trae.ai](https://trae.ai), log in, and try SOLO Mode free until the 15th.
Afterwards:
- First month: **$3**
- From 2nd month: **$10**
- Paid tier: Higher model call limits & faster response allocation
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## SOLO Mode — Programming at a New Level
SOLO Mode debuted in TRAE 2.0 for quick app generation. In TRAE 3.0, it handles **more complex builds** with integrated tools for **professional workflows**.
Unlike ChatGPT or Gemini’s “vibe coding” experience (chatting to solve small tasks), TRAE’s SOLO Mode replaces the central editor with a **task list view**, creating an **intelligent agent interface**.
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### SOLO Coder — For Complex & Ongoing Projects
Designed for professional developers:
- Works on existing projects to iterate, fix bugs, refactor architecture
- Handles thousands of lines of unreadable code and suggests optimizations
**Execution flow:**
1. Install packages
2. Auto-switch between tools in real time
3. Visualize **all tool calls** while working
**Bonus:** Multi-tasking! Run **multiple projects in parallel** with dynamic panel switching (*real-time follow*).
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### SOLO Builder — From Idea to Deployed Product
Similar to Lovable but more powerful, SOLO Builder:
- Turns a **single-sentence idea** into a **full app**
- Covers requirements, UI design, system setup, implementation, testing, and deployment
- Integrates: **Editor**, **Docs**, **Terminal**, **Browser**, **Figma**, **Agents**, **MCP**
▲ Writing requirements & technical architecture documentation
**Workflow Example:**
1. Write PRD & architecture doc
2. Review & confirm plan ("Plan" toggle allows pre-execution checks)
3. Build codebase
4. Test & deploy (e.g. to **Vercel**, not just local)
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**Note:** SOLO Mode is *currently* available only in the international version. Domestic users can [join the waitlist](https://www.trae.cn/solo).
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## Doubao-Seed-Code — Claude Alternative Optimized for TRAE
ByteDance also released **Doubao-Seed-Code**, a new model:
**Advantages:**
- **Lowest cost** in China for I/O
- Supports **256K context length**
- **First domestic model with visual understanding** — upload design drafts/screenshots, get generated front-ends
**Cost comparison:**
- Claude 4.5 Sonnet: ¥4.05
- GLM-4.6: ¥0.77
- Doubao-Seed-Code: ¥0.34
 
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### Compatible Tools:
- TRAE (China and intl.)
- Cursor, Codex CLI, Cline
- Claude Code via API
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## Visual Understanding Test
We tested its **image-to-code** capability:
### Test 1 — Sketch to Webpage
High-accuracy restoration — workable code ready to paste or enhance.
### Test 2 — Screenshot to Game
Recognized Flappy Bird from partial screenshot, generated playable HTML version (bird replaced with a dot).
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## API & Integration
You can use Doubao-Seed-Code via:
- [Volcano Ark Experience](https://www.volcengine.com/experience/ark?model=doubao-seed-code-preview-251028)
- TRAE China Edition ([trae.cn](https://www.trae.cn/))
- API in Claude Code (ByteDance offers [integration guides](https://console.volcengine.com/ark/region:ark+cn-beijing/model/detail?Id=doubao-seed-code))
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## Why It Matters
**AI programming** is evolving rapidly:
- From single-file gimmicks → full-stack project management
- Powerful domestic models now compete globally
- ByteDance’s dual focus (SOLO Mode + Doubao-Seed-Code) targets entire workflows
**Market signal:** Cursor recently hit a $30B valuation and is projected to become the fastest-ever company to $1B ARR.
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## Trend: "Vibe Coding"
Collins Dictionary named **"Vibe Coding"** 2025 Word of the Year.
Now, coding is becoming more about **communicating with AI** than manual syntax.
Domestic competitors: **GLM 4.6**, **Qwen Coder**, **Minimax M2**, **Moonshot Kimi K2 Thinking**, and now **Doubao-Seed-Code**.
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## Monetization & Distribution
Beyond building, creators can use [AiToEarn官网](https://aitoearn.ai/) to:
- Generate content (apps, posts, games) via AI
- Publish across **Douyin, Kwai, WeChat, Bilibili, Xiaohongshu, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, YouTube, Pinterest, X (Twitter)**
- Track analytics and model rankings ([AI模型排名](https://rank.aitoearn.ai))
This convergence of **AI coding + monetization ecosystems** unlocks **global creative reach** in one workflow.
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**Bottom line:**
ByteDance's TRAE 3.0 with SOLO Mode and its Claude replacement Doubao-Seed-Code show a **full-stack, affordable alternative** in the AI programming space — and a clear push towards making AI the default partner in product creation, deployment, and monetization.
