Google has recently made a significant stride in software development with the general availability of Duet AI for Developers. This innovative tool, initially previewed at Google Cloud Next earlier this year, has now been let loose to assist developers in their coding endeavors. Duet AI for Developers brings a blend of AI-powered coding assistance, including code completion and generation, coupled with a unique chat feature.

Launch of Duet AI for developers

The launch of Duet AI for Developers is a monumental change for developers. Google has extended its commitment to developers by introducing this tool, which promises to make the coding process more efficient and productive. While the tool was initially showcased at Google Cloud Next, its general availability is now set to make an enormous impact on the developer community.

At a base level, Duet AI for developers aims to simplify coding by providing intelligent suggestions and solutions. The tool’s primary functions encompass code completion and code generation, which significantly reduce the time and effort required to write code manually.

Features and compatibility

One of the most noteworthy aspects of Duet AI for developers is its extensive compatibility with various Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). Developers can integrate this tool into their workflow, whether they prefer Cloud Shell Editor, Cloud Workstations, IntelliJ, or Visual Studio Code. This versatility means Duet AI caters to a wide range of developer preferences, making it a valuable addition to any development toolkit.

Furthermore, Duet AI for Developers boasts support for more than 20 programming languages, covering a spectrum of popular languages such as C, C++, Go, Java, JavaScript, and Python. This broad language support clearly shows Google’s commitment to inclusivity, so that developers across different domains can benefit from its capabilities.

Collaboration and training

Google has adopted a collaborative approach for the capabilities of Duet AI for Developers. To bolster proficiency in code writing and troubleshooting for specific platforms, Google has partnered with 25 companies, including industry giants like Confluent, HashiCorp, and MongoDB. These partnerships are instrumental in making the most of datasets from these companies to train Duet AI further. This means that the tool is well-equipped for general coding tasks and can excel in platform-specific development challenges.

Pricing and availability

While the capabilities of Duet AI for Developers are undoubtedly impressive, many developers are keen to understand the financial aspect. Currently, Google is offering Duet AI for Developers for free, allowing developers to explore its features and benefits until the end of January 2024. This generous offering gives developers the opportunity to experience firsthand how Duet AI can help their coding experience.

After the free period ends, Duet AI for Developers will be estimated to be available at a cost of $19 per user per month, provided developers commit to an annual subscription. This pricing model is competitive and makes Duet AI accessible to a wide range of developers, from individual coders to teams and organizations, regardless of budget.

Customization and future plans

One of the most intriguing aspects of Duet AI for Developers is the prospect of customization. Developers will have the ability to tailor Duet AI to align with their organization’s internal private code and coding conventions. This level of customization is expected to become available in the second quarter of 2024, providing developers with a personalized coding assistant that understands their unique coding style and requirements.

Google’s commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation is evident in its plans for Duet AI’s future. The introduction of customization features is just one example of Google’s dedication to refining and expanding the tool’s capabilities. As the developer community provides feedback and insights, Duet AI is poised to evolve and adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of developers.

Community feedback

As with any new technology, community feedback cannot be ignored when shaping any trajectory. Duet AI for Developers has received attention on online platforms like Reddit and Hacker News, where developers have shared their thoughts and opinions. It’s important to note that while many developers have expressed excitement about the potential of Duet AI, there have been some comparisons with existing AI tools like GPT-4.

Some users have raised concerns about Google’s speed in releasing new AI technologies. They point to the competitive nature of AI-powered coding assistance, where existing tools have already gained significant momentum. Developers are eager to see how Duet AI stacks up against its competitors in terms of performance and efficiency.

Alexander Procter

January 15, 2024

4 Min