Google is enhancing its coding assistant, Jules, aiming for deeper integration into developers’ workflows. This shift is intended to extend its use beyond the existing chat interface. Jules, introduced in December 2024, will feature an API that allows integration with integrated development environments (IDEs) and a command line interface (CLI) that can be accessed directly in terminal applications.
The move towards integrating coding tools into applications is not unique to Google, as many companies recognize its potential to streamline processes for enterprise users. Kathy Korevec, director of product at Google Labs, noted that most interactions with Jules have occurred within web browsers, whereas most developers operate within terminal environments. The newly introduced Jules Tools aims to facilitate task management, inspection, and customization without disrupting developers’ workflows.
With the Jules CLI and API, Google states that enterprises will have enhanced control and flexibility regarding how and where they use Jules. The assistant entered beta testing in May, incorporating GitHub integration, and became generally available in August with increased accessibility for Google AI Pro and Ultra users.
The trend of moving away from chat interfaces for coding agents is evident, with other companies also pursuing similar initiatives. For instance, OpenAI has released GPT-5-Codex, which aims to facilitate integration with IDEs and CLIs. Additionally, Google has its Gemini CLI, which functions similarly to the Jules Tools CLI but is open-sourced.
As enterprises increasingly adopt coding agents, there is anticipation for tools that operate passively within workflows, potentially without extensive prompts. Developers can install Jules Tools via npm and use commands to interact with the assistant, while the API allows integration with other platforms, such as Slack, to streamline task management. Updates to Jules also aim to minimize latency and address certain technical issues, enhancing its functionality further. However, some users are expressing confusion regarding the two CLI offerings from Google.
Source: https://venturebeat.com/ai/googles-jules-coding-agent-moves-beyond-chat-with-new-command-line-and-api