Google Challenges GitHub Copilot with Free AI Coding Tool
Google has launched its free version of Gemini Code Assist, an AI-powered coding tool. Earlier, it was only available for enterprise use, but now it’s available globally for individual developers, freelancers, and more for free. This makes the Gemini Code Assist a big rival to Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot. Here’s everything you need to know about Google’s latest AI Coding Assistant.
What is Gemini Code Assist?
Gemini Code Assist is powered by Google’s advanced Gemini 2 AI model, and as the name suggests, it’s a coding assistant designed to help developers write faster code more efficiently. It gives real-time code completions, explanations, and AI-powered suggestions, making it easier for programmers to streamline their workflow.
Gemini Code Assist: Key Features
- AI Code Completion: It provides real-time code suggestions and can generate entire code segments based on context; apart from that, it supports over 38 programming languages, including Java, JavaScript, Python, C, C++, Go, PHP, and SQL.
- Integration with IDEs: The tool integrates with popular integrated development environments (IDEs) like Visual Studio Code, JetBrains, and GitHub.
- Natural Language Interface: Developers can interact with Gemini Code Assist using natural language prompts, making it easier to create code snippets, troubleshoot issues, or adjust existing applications without switching between windows.
- High Code Completions Limit: Google offers an ample allowance for code completions compared to many other free coding assistants.
- Contextual Awareness: It can also process up to 128,000 tokens in its context window.
- Customization: While the free version does not include customization using private codebases, the enterprise version allows organizations to fine-tune the tool based on their internal codebase.
Google’s Gemini Code Assist vs GitHub Copilot
| Feature | Google Gemini Code Assist | GitHub Copilot |
| Language Support | Supports over 38 programming languages, though specific details are still emerging. | Supports a wide range of languages, including Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, etc. |
| Integration | Integrates with popular IDEs like VS Code and JetBrains. Supports private codebases in enterprise versions. | Integrates well with GitHub and supports various IDEs, leveraging GitHub’s vast code repositories. |
| Context Window | Offers a large context window of up to 128,000 tokens, enabling extensive code analysis. | No specific context window size mentioned, but known for its contextual understanding. |
| Pricing | Free for individual developers; enterprise pricing similar to Copilot Business, around $19/month. | Offers a 30-day free trial; subscription plans start at about $10/month for individuals. |
So, for big teams and enterprises, it still makes sense to opt for the subscription-based Gemini Code Assist’s premium plans. It comes with better productivity tools, compliance support, and cloud service integrations. However, for all solo developers, students, and freelancers, Google’s free offer makes more sense than other paid AI assistants.
Google is also working with leading enterprises to provide better AI-powered solutions. Recently, the company partnered with Salesforce to enable their customers to use Gemini AI models within Agentforce, which is the company’s AI agent platform.
