Google has recently unveiled a new free version of its AI tool called Gemini Code Assist for Individuals, designed to assist with auto-completion and code writing. Simultaneously, the company also introduced Gemini Code Assist for Github, a system for automated code analysis that provides error detection and corrections directly on Github.
Gemini Code Assist for Individuals allows developers to engage with AI through chat using natural language. The tool can rectify errors, provide code suggestions, and explain intricate aspects. It is based on a specialized version of the Gemini 2.0 model, tailored for programming. The tool supports integration with VS Code and Jetbrains through plugins, along with compatibility for various programming languages.
One of the major advantages of this tool is its generous usage limits, offering 180,000 code auto-completions per month, significantly higher than Github Copilot’s free plan which offers only 2,000. Users can also make 240 chat queries per day, nearly 5 times more than the limit on GitHub Copilot.
The model context window spans 128,000 tokens, surpassing competitors and enabling the AI to analyze extensive code volumes in a single request. Google has made the tool publicly accessible for free starting from February 20 for those interested in testing it.
On the other hand, Gemini Code Assist for Github autonomously analyzes Pull Requests, identifying errors and suggesting enhancements. This move showcases Google’s proactive approach in competing with Microsoft and GitHub in the realm of development tools.
Google hired Ryan Salva, a former leader of the GitHub Copilot team, seven months ago to spearhead the development of AI tools for developers. Salva revealed that Google aims to attract developers at the beginning of their careers by offering a powerful tool for free and then transitioning them to corporate plans.
Google also provides a business version of Gemini Code Assist with additional features such as audit logs, Google Cloud integration, and support for private repositories.