Google has introduced a new AI tool called “Joule” to assist developers with bug fixing and code suggestions. Joule automatically identifies and fixes code bugs, streamlining the development process. This tool was unveiled alongside the launch of Gemini 2.0.
Joule uses GitHub to create multi-step programs for addressing issues, fixing multiple files, and preparing merge instructions in Python and JavaScript. Microsoft had introduced a similar tool last year that identifies code, suggests changes, and fixes bugs.
Joule will compete with Microsoft’s tool, as well as other coding assistants like Cursor and the coding capabilities of Claude and ChatGPT. The launch of Joule is not surprising, given Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, mentioned in October that more than a quarter of all new code at the company is now generated with AI.
In a blog post, Google stated, “Joule fixes bugs and performs other time-consuming tasks, allowing you to focus on building what you truly want.” This is part of Google’s long-term goal to create AI agents that can be useful in all areas, including coding.
Before integrating Joule-generated code into their projects, developers have full control to review and adjust the generated programs. Google’s announcement did not clarify whether Joule can identify bugs independently, so it likely directs users to a list of identified issues for fixing.
Google says that Joule is in the early stages of development and may have some errors, but internal testing has shown that the tool has been helpful in boosting developers’ productivity and managing tasks effectively. Joule is currently available to a select group of trusted testers and will be released to other developers in early 2025.