In 2023, Google seemed very confused about AI code generation, but over 2024 and 2025, they managed to deliver both good models and cover every niche of AI programming with their tools. Code can be generated from both the basic and advanced web interfaces of the Gemini chat. There are two proprietary IDEs (though browser-based), plugins for popular IDEs, a terminal agent, and a cloud agent.
Gemini web chat
https://gemini.google.com/
The web chat can generate code; model 2.5 Pro is available for free in a limited capacity. If you select Canvas from Tools, the chat will be on the left, and the entire screen will be code and preview mode. You can also display the console. In preview mode, there is an option from the panel to (A) add AI functionality (B) highlight an element or part of the screen with the mouse to write subsequent queries about it.
Suitable for: simple visualizations, interactive explanations, single-page website prototypes.
Build apps with Gemini
https://aistudio.google.com/apps
A significantly better web version, similar to Canvas mode. Uses model 2.5 Pro and React & Tailwind without the ability to change them. There is an option to open the application in full screen and deploy it to Google Cloud.
Suitable for: great for generating UI, small applications.
Stitch from Google Experiments
https://stitch.withgoogle.com/ from https://labs.google/
A tool in limited access. Generates mobile and desktop interfaces from a text description or sketch image. After a request, the system will analyze the requirements and propose the number and content of screens with the ability to export as code (HTML with tailwind classes) and images; it also seems to have export to Figma.
Opal from Google Experiments
https://opal.withgoogle.com/
If you draw an algorithm diagram, it becomes a mini-program that can be shared.
Gemini Code Assist
https://codeassist.google/
This page covers many projects. In addition to the free plan, Standard ($19) and Enterprise ($45) plans are available with higher limits for Gemini CLI and Agent Mode. Google by default collects and uses data to train AI models in the free plan.
https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=Google.geminicodeassist and https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/24198-gemini-code-assist
The plugin for VSC and JetBrains compatible systems (as well as Android Studio) in Agent Mode can perform multi-step tasks where the user can review and approve an action plan. Now supports MCP.
Suitable for: improving manual code work, questions, and generating necessary fragments, tests.
Gemini CLI https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli
Google's answer to Claude Code - an autonomous agent that runs in the terminal with the gemini
command. The code is open source. Supports macOS, Linux, and Windows. Can process PDFs and images, use Google Search, and pull additional instructions from GEMINI.md
. Creates a shadow git repository ~/.gemini/history/<project_hash>
where it logs the final state of each development stage - disabled by default, can be added in settings.
Suitable for: step-by-step automatic project generation, with checks at each step and additional edits.
Jules
https://jules.google.com/
Launched as an experiment, it quickly moved to beta, with a subscription available from August 6, 2025. This is an autonomous agent (or rather two - an executor and a critic) that runs on a Google virtual machine with a 20GB disk. Its idea is for it to create its own plan, work step-by-step with the selected GitHub repository for an extended period, and then send a report to our browser. 15 free task/day.
Suitable for: I have little experience; here, you need to understand what level of task complexity on the repository will not confuse the autonomous system and set tasks accordingly.
Cloud Shell Editor
https://shell.cloud.google.com/
An IDE that does not require local setup and is available directly from the browser. Integrated with Google Cloud Platform. The VM has a 5GB disk. Where the Copilot button is in VSC, there is a button to activate the Gemini Code Assist panel. Gemini CLI can be called from the terminal.
Suitable for: manual and automatic code work, if Google Cloud Platform is needed.
Firebase Studio (formerly IDX)
https://studio.firebase.google.com
Project IDX emerged as an experimental browser-based IDE. Announced on August 8, 2023, for closed testing, opened for public testing on May 14, 2024, and rebranded to Firebase Studio on April 9, 2025. This is a full-fledged IDE where we have full access to the code and its modification.
Requests can be automatically improved; first, a plan and documentation will be developed, and then the code will be generated. Templates are available for Astro, Go, Python/Flask, Solid.js, Node.js, with support for Flutter and React Native. Integration with GitHub and Google Cloud services.
Suitable for: as an IDE for both manual and automatic work with complex projects.
#google #gemini #geminicodeassist #agentmode #autonomousagents