Google is stepping deeper into the AI coding space with a big update to its assistant, Jules.
The tool now integrates directly into developers’ daily workflows through a command-line interface (CLI) and a public API.
This means Jules can run inside terminals, CI/CD pipelines, and even tools like Slack, making coding more seamless and less about switching tabs.
The timing is no accident. With AI assistants quickly becoming must-have tools for developers, Google is clearly aiming to stake its claim as the go-to option.
What’s New with Jules
Until now, Jules was only accessible via a website or GitHub.
That limited how developers could use it day to day. With Jules Tools, the new CLI, devs can interact with Jules right inside their terminal. No more bouncing between browsers and code editors.
Kathy Korevec, Director of Product at Google Labs, explained it simply: “We want to reduce context switching for developers as much as possible.”
Here’s what the update adds:
- Command-line interface (CLI): Work directly in your terminal.
- Public API: Extend Jules into existing workflows and tools.
- Integration options: Plug into IDEs like VSCode, with more plugins on the way.
How Jules Compares to Gemini CLI
Google already has another AI coding helper: Gemini CLI. Both tools rely on the company’s Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model, but they’re built for different styles of work.
- Jules Tools → Designed for focused, “scoped” tasks. It creates a plan, executes independently, and pauses only if it hits a roadblock.
- Gemini CLI → More collaborative. You interact step-by-step, refining outputs as you go.
Think of it like this: Jules is the assistant you delegate a small, clear task to. Gemini is the coworker you brainstorm with.
Why the API Matters
By making the API public, Google wants Jules to feel less like a separate app and more like part of your toolkit. Developers can now:
- Integrate Jules into IDEs (like VSCode).
- Automate routine coding tasks inside CI/CD pipelines.
- Build custom extensions for unique workflows.
Korevec hinted that more integrations are on the way, especially for developers who don’t rely on GitHub or prefer other version control systems.
New Features Rolling Out
Google has been quietly upgrading Jules in recent weeks. Among the new additions:
- Memory to store preferences, corrections, and nudges.
- A stacked layout for diff viewer.
- Image upload support.
- Ability to read and respond to pull request comments.
These updates position Jules as more than just a coding assistant. It’s shaping into a personalized teammate that remembers how you work.
Oversight and Limitations
AI tools in professional settings always raise oversight questions.
With Jules, Google has built in checkpoints. If the tool gets stuck, it doesn’t just guess, it pauses and asks the user for guidance.
The one gap? Mobile support.
Developers using Jules on mobile don’t get native notifications yet, though Google says it’s working on improvements.
Who’s Using Jules Right Now?
Jules isn’t designed for casual coders, or at least, not yet.
Its main user base is professional software engineers. Still, some hobbyists and indie developers are experimenting with it.
Many use it to extend projects they started in “vibe coding” tools, once those hit their limits.
Pricing and Availability
Since leaving beta in August, Jules has moved to structured pricing tiers:
| Plan | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 15 daily tasks, 3 concurrent tasks | $0 |
| Google AI Pro | ~5x task limits | $19.99/month |
| Google AI Ultra | ~20x task limits | $124.99/month |
The free plan is enough to test the waters. But heavy users—think enterprise developers—will likely need Pro or Ultra for the expanded task capacity.
The Bigger Picture
Google’s push to embed Jules everywhere reflects the rising competition in AI coding. Microsoft has GitHub Copilot. OpenAI is working on deeper agentic assistants. And startups are racing to offer “AI pair programmers.”
By putting Jules directly inside the tools developers already use, Google is betting that convenience will win. After all, who wants to leave their flow to open another tab?
The real question is: Will Jules become the everyday assistant developers trust, or just another option in a crowded market?
