Google is stepping up its game with Jules, its AI coding assistant. Recently, they’ve added a command-line interface and public API, making it easier for developers to use Jules directly in their coding environments, like terminals and CI/CD systems. This move allows developers to focus on coding without having to switch between different tools.
Previously, accessing Jules was limited to its website and GitHub. Now, with the introduction of Jules Tools, developers can give commands right from their terminal. This change is all about reducing distractions and making workflows smoother.
Kathy Korevec, Google’s product director, explained, “We want to reduce context switching for developers.” The idea is to keep developers focused by allowing them to use Jules without leaving their workspace.
Jules and Google’s other tool, Gemini CLI, both utilize the Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model. However, they have different purposes. Jules is designed for straightforward tasks and works a bit more independently, while Gemini CLI requires a more hands-on approach.
Denise Kwan, a senior developer advocate, pointed out in her Medium post that Jules executes tasks once it has user approval, while Gemini CLI is more interactive.
In addition to the CLI, Google has made Jules’ API public, which was once for internal use. Developers can now integrate Jules into their existing workflows. This flexibility allows them to use Jules within familiar coding tools, like Visual Studio Code, which makes coding easier.
A key update for Jules is its new “memory” feature. This allows Jules to remember user interactions and preferences, making it more personalized. Other recent enhancements include a stacked layout for the diff viewer and the ability to upload images and respond to comments on pull requests.
Interestingly, Google is also looking to lessen Jules’ dependence on GitHub. Many users want integration with other code hosting services. Korevec mentioned, “We are looking into how we can enable that with other version control systems.” This is significant, as flexibility in code management is essential for many developers.
Oversight for AI tools like Jules remains a challenge. If Jules gets stuck on a task, it will notify the user, prompting them to step in. This feature is crucial for maintaining control over the coding process. However, there’s a gap in mobile notifications, which Google is working to improve.
While Jules aims at software engineers, there’s a growing interest from casual coders. Users often bring their projects from simpler coding platforms to Jules when they encounter limitations.
Jules first became available as a public preview in May and exited beta in August. It now offers a structured pricing plan. The free version allows up to 15 individual tasks daily, while paid plans offer significantly higher limits.
The competition in AI-driven coding tools is heating up, and Google’s continuous improvements to Jules show their commitment to enhancing developer productivity.
For more details on Google AI tools, check out TechCrunch.
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