Google has significantly expanded its AI coding agent, Jules, with the introduction of Jules Tools—a lightweight command-line interface (CLI)—and early access to the Jules API, allowing developers to integrate the agent directly into their workflows. Announced on October 2, 2025, these enhancements bring Jules from a browser-based tool to a seamless companion in terminals and custom systems, supporting tasks like code generation, bug fixing, and testing across environments such as Slack or CI/CD pipelines. For software engineers, DevOps professionals, and AI tool enthusiasts searching Google Jules API CLI, Jules coding agent updates, or AI developer tools 2025, this rollout—powered by Gemini 2.5 Pro—addresses user demands for flexibility, with features like memory for preferences and secure environment variable management. Now in public beta, Jules Tools is installable via npm, while the API opens this week for select users, positioning Google against rivals like GitHub Copilot and Cursor in the agentic coding space.
The updates follow Jules’ public beta in May 2025 and aim to make asynchronous coding more tangible, reducing the need to switch between chat and terminals.
Key Updates: Jules Tools CLI and API for Seamless Integration
Jules, Google’s asynchronous AI coding agent, now extends beyond its web interface with tools for terminal and API-driven use, enabling developers to delegate tasks without disrupting their flow.
Jules Tools: Command-Line Companion
Jules Tools is a CLI that lets users start, monitor, and verify tasks directly in the terminal, integrating with GitHub for repository cloning and PR creation.
- Core Functionality: Run commands like jules start to initiate tasks (e.g., bug fixes), with real-time updates and audio changelogs.
- Recent Enhancements: File selector for context, memory for preferences, and environment variable management for secure access.
- Installation: Via npm: npm install -g jules-tools; free during beta with usage limits.
Jules API: Custom Workflow Embeddings
The public API, rolling out this week, allows embedding Jules into tools like Slack (e.g., auto-tasking from bug reports) or CI/CD pipelines for automated testing.
- Integration Examples: Trigger Jules from Slack mentions or link to custom pipelines for code reviews.
- Access: Early access for Google AI Pro/Ultra subscribers; documentation at jules.google/api.
- Pricing: Post-beta tiers based on usage, starting with introductory access.
| Feature | Jules Tools (CLI) | Jules API | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task Initiation | Terminal Commands | Custom Endpoints | Beta Now |
| Integration | GitHub, Local Repo | Slack, CI/CD | Early Access This Week |
| Memory/Preferences | Yes | Configurable | All Users |
| Environment Vars | Secure Management | API Keys | Beta |
Background and Evolution: From Beta to Workflow Essential
Jules debuted in public beta on May 20, 2025, as an autonomous agent for code tasks, evolving from Google Labs experiments. The August 6, 2025, update introduced Gemini 2.5 Pro for better reasoning and structured tiers for scale. These CLI and API expansions respond to developer feedback for “more control,” as per Google Labs’ Kathy Korevec.
Competitive Landscape: Jules vs. Copilot and Cursor
Jules differentiates with asynchronous, secure cloud execution and Gemini’s multimodal reasoning, contrasting GitHub Copilot’s real-time suggestions and Cursor’s IDE focus. Early adopters praise its independence, though some note integration limits compared to Copilot.
Conclusion: Jules’ CLI and API Unlock Agentic Coding
Google’s Jules Tools CLI and API make the agent a true workflow companion, from terminal tasks to custom embeddings. As beta users experiment, it accelerates agentic development. For coders, install now—will Jules redefine the IDE? The commands compile. Tech crunch
