Google will be able to deepen the AI coding agent Jules into developer workflows with a new command line interface and public API, allowing them to be plugged into tools such as terminals, CI/CD systems, and Slack.
Until now, Joule (Google’s asynchronous coding agent) was only accessible through its website and Github. On Thursday, the company introduced Joule Tool. This is a command line interface that directly introduces Joules to a developer’s terminal. The CLI allows developers to streamline their workflows by using commands to interact with agents and eliminating the need to switch between the web interface and GitHub. This allows you to delegate coding tasks and stay within your environment while verifying the results.
In an interview, Kathy Korevec, product director at Google Labs, said:
Google already offers the Gemini CLI, an AI-based command line tool that works across developer environments such as terminals and CI/CD pipelines. Both Gemini Cli and Jules use Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model under the hood. However, Korevec tells TechCrunch that Jules Tools is designed for “highly scoped tasks,” while the Gemini CLI requires users to be “more repetitive” and “collaboration with the tool.”
Denise Kwan, advocate for senior developers at Google, detailed in a medium post about how Jules differs from Gemini CLI. Joules are not interactive by design, she notes, and once users approve the plan, they perform tasks independently.
In addition to the CLI, Google has released the Jules API, which it previously used for internal development. The purpose of this is to enable developers to use Joules more frequently. Kolebeck said that it has “many muscle memory and familiarity” because it allows the tool to be extended to existing workflows.
Developers can also use the API to integrate Joules with an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). This is a software application that makes coding easier by providing a list of tools such as VS code. However, Korevec told TechCrunch that her team is keen to build specific plugins for the IDE to further expand Jules’ presence.
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The latest updates come just after Google introduces “memory” to Joule to keep track of user interactions and their preferences, nudges and modifications. Over the past few weeks, the tool has also added a list of other features, including the DIFF Viewer stack layout, image uploads, and the ability to read and respond to comments about pull requests.
Currently, another area Google is exploring in Jules is reducing its dependency on Github. Currently, the agent codes within the GitHub repository. Developers must connect to existing repository or provide a blank repository to work with.
“Users want Joule to integrate with other code hosting providers,” Korevec said. “We’re looking at ways to enable it on other version control systems, and we’re looking at enabling it for people who don’t want a version control system or don’t care where the code is hosted.”
Monitoring AI tools remains a challenge, especially when used in professional settings. However, Joules are designed to notify users when they are trapped in a specific task, encouraging them to intervene and assist.
“If something happens where the problem occurs, or if it encounters a situation where it can’t be seen in itself, it pauses and asks the question,” Korevec said.
However, native notifications are not supported yet, so monitoring becomes more difficult when users interact with Jules on mobile. Korevec noted that many users are already accessing Joule via the mobile web interface, and said Google is working to improve the mobile experience.
So far, Joules have been used primarily by software engineers and other professionals. This is unlike many vibe coding platforms that position themselves as the go-to tool for non-coders. Still, some users are experimenting with Joules to complement a more casual or creative coding environment.
“A lot of people have received that the limit has been reached with the coding tools they use and they are bringing it to Joule to expand it further,” Korevec told TechCrunch.
Jules, released in a public preview in May, has now come out of beta in August and is now available in a structured pricing tier. The free plan offers up to 15 individual daily tasks and three simultaneous tasks. Higher limits are available through Google AI Pro and Ultra plans, with prices at $19.99 and $124.99 per month, with a limit of about 5x and 20x respectively.
