Which developer tools do AI models actually pick?
More and more software is written with AI. DefaultRank measures which databases, auth providers, email APIs and other dev tools AI models recommend, and which ones end up in the code they write. DevTool teams use it to see where they win, where they lose, and what moves the numbers.
Two questions, asked over and over
Every model gets the same prompts, several times each, so the results reflect a model's habits rather than a single lucky answer.
What does the model suggest?
“I'm building a SaaS app. What should I use for authentication?”
We record the first tool the model recommends, and every tool it mentions.
What does the model install?
“Build an app where users sign up and pay monthly.”
We record what ends up in package.json, imports and config files: the tools the model actually ships.
What a snapshot looks like
Each snapshot shows how often a tool is the model's first choice, compared with its category, broken down by model and by developer context.
Recommended as the top pick: authentication
Illustrative layout with made-up tools and numbers. Real snapshots name real tools.
Why this matters
AI is a new distribution channel
When a coding agent picks your competitor, the developer may never compare options at all. The default wins.
Model knowledge lags reality
Renames, migrations and deprecations take months to reach models. Many still recommend what you replaced.
Your analytics can't see it
Signups show who chose you, not how often an AI chose someone else. Measuring it directly is the only way to know.
Ways to work together
A one-page view of how AI models pick your tool versus your category.
A written report, delivered within 5 business days. No calls needed.
- You vs. 5 competitors, by model and context
- Excerpts showing why models pick others
- Prioritized fixes, re-measured after 30 days
Ongoing tracking against competitors, with alerts when your numbers change. Join the waitlist.
Independent by design
DefaultRank is not affiliated with any tool vendor or model provider, and vendors can't pay to change results. The prompts, models and detection rules are published in full.