The new Google agent Jules will assist developers in debugging code.
It is in an early stage of development, and its availability will be limited until the year 2025.
Google has today introduced a code agent powered by artificial intelligence named “Jules,” designed to automatically correct programming errors for developers. This announcement was made alongside the launch of Gemini 2.0. Jules utilizes Google’s updated AI model to create plans that address issues, modify multiple files, and prepare pull requests for coding tasks in Python and JavaScript within GitHub workflows.
Jules competes with Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot, which introduced similar functionality last year, capable of recognizing and explaining code, as well as suggesting changes and fixing errors. It will also compete with tools like Cursor, as well as the coding capabilities of Claude and ChatGPT.
Google’s development of an AI assistant focused on programming is not surprising, given that CEO Sundar Pichai mentioned in October that more than a quarter of all new code in the company is generated with the help of artificial intelligence. Google emphasizes that “Jules handles error corrections and other time-consuming tasks while you focus on what you really want to build.” This effort is part of its long-term goal to develop AI agents that are useful in various fields, including coding.
Developers will have full control to review and adjust the plans generated by Jules before deciding to merge the created code into their projects. However, the announcement does not clarify whether Jules can detect errors by itself, suggesting that it likely requires a list of already identified issues to correct. Google also mentions that Jules is in the early stages of development and “may make mistakes,” although internal testing has shown it has been helpful in increasing developer productivity and providing real-time updates to help track and manage tasks.
The tool will be launched today for a “select group of trusted testers” and is expected to be available to other developers by early 2025. Details about availability and development progress will be available on the Google Labs website.
