Writers often have unique preferences for their tools. For instance, George R.R. Martin, the author of the famed Game of Thrones series, uses DOS and the WordStar word processor, relics from the 1980s, to pen his novels. However, when it comes to being particular about tools, software developers take the cake.
Coders are meticulous about their coding environments and setups. Many work with extensive codebases that contain millions of lines of code. A simple error, like a misplaced semicolon, can cause significant issues, from user complaints to marketing delays. That's where Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) come into play. Among popular choices are phpStorm and VS Code, but each coder customizes their IDE to fit their needs.
With the introduction of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, coders found new ways to streamline their workflow. Initially, AI assistance involved copying and pasting code snippets between tabs, which proved inefficient. Consequently, AI vendors began integrating functionality directly into development environments, allowing for seamless AI interaction with code blocks.
Today, Google announced a significant update regarding Gemini Code Assist. Originally unveiled last year, it was only available to business users. Now, it is free for everyone. This move allows more users to report bugs and contribute to the tool's improvement, potentially increasing adoption among programmers, including students and hobbyists.
Unlike other AI development tools that restrict free usage, Google offers a generous limit of 180,000 code completions per month. This surpasses typical free-tier limits, ensuring that most programmers won't hit a usage wall mid-month. The feature is integrated with popular platforms like VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, Firebase, and Android Studio.
Alongside the free availability of Gemini Code Assist, Google announced Gemini Code Assist for GitHub. This tool aids developers in performing code reviews on pull requests, helping identify potential problem areas. It also allows for custom style guides, accommodating diverse coding styles.
What are your thoughts on Google making Gemini Code Assist free? Have you tried AI-powered coding tools? How do they compare to traditional methods? Do you see AI code reviews as beneficial, or do you prefer human oversight? Will the generous code completion limit encourage more AI use in your development process? Share your opinions in the comments below.
