Gemini Code Assist 2.0 (New Upgrades): This IS ACTUALLY USEFUL Now! (Tools Mode, Snippets & More!)

Gemini Code Assist Updates: A Detailed Overview

Key Concepts:

• Gemini Code Assist: Google's AI-powered coding assistant.
• Context Window: The amount of information Gemini can consider when generating code or answering questions (now up to 1 million tokens).
• Custom Commands: User-defined, pre-configured prompts for repetitive tasks.
• Context Drawer: A feature in VS Code that displays the files and folders being used as context for Gemini.
• AI Exclude Files: Files used to specify which files Gemini should ignore in the workspace.
• Agentic Capabilities: The ability for Gemini to autonomously perform tasks and make decisions.
• MCP (Managed Cloud Platform): A platform for managing cloud resources.

1. Multi-Chat Management and Code Suggestions:

• Gemini Code Assist now supports multiple chat sessions, allowing users to switch between different conversations without losing context.
• Multi-part code suggestions enable users to accept individual changes or all suggested changes at once.
• Users can specify and apply rules to each chat request, guiding Gemini's responses.

2. Enhanced Context Handling:

• Folder Inclusion: Users can include entire folders from their local workspace as context by typing "@" and selecting the folder. This is particularly useful for larger projects.
• Increased Context Window: The context window now supports up to 1 million tokens, allowing Gemini to process more information.
• Context Drawer (VS Code): The context drawer lists all files and folders being used as context, providing users with control over the information Gemini uses. Users can review and remove items as needed.
• Git Ignore Integration: Files listed in .gitignore are automatically excluded from the local context.
• AI Exclude Files: Users can create AI Exclude files to explicitly specify files that Gemini should ignore.
• Code Snippet Attachment: Users can select and attach specific code snippets to the chat context for targeted help.
• Terminal Output Context: Terminal output can be added to the chat context, allowing users to ask Gemini about command results.

3. Custom Commands and Automation:

• Custom commands allow users to create, save, and execute pre-configured prompts for repetitive tasks.
• This feature is found under Settings > Tools > Gemini > Prompt Library.
• Custom commands streamline common workflows and automate tasks.

4. Improved Chat Interaction:

• Error Message Actions: Chat responses with error messages now have action buttons for quick resolution.
• Auto-Scrolling: VS Code chat responses now auto-scroll, making it easier to follow longer answers (can be disabled in settings).
• Stop Response: Users can stop in-progress chat responses if Gemini goes off track.
• Clickable File Names: File names mentioned in chat responses are now clickable, opening the file in the IDE.

5. Gemini 2.5 Model:

• Gemini Code Assist now uses the Gemini 2.5 model across chat, code generation, and code transformation.
• This upgrade brings better code understanding and higher quality suggestions.

6. Demonstration and Usage:

• The video demonstrates the new features within VS Code.
• The context bar at the bottom allows users to select or deselect context.
• Typing "@" in the prompt box allows referencing files and tools.
• Tools are described as similar to MCP but require companies to sign up with Google. Examples include Google Docs and GitHub integrations.
• The history option allows creating and managing multiple chat sessions.
• Selected code context is automatically added to the chat, streamlining discussions about specific code blocks.
• The "Explain with Gemini" option adds terminal output to the chat context.

7. First Frame AI Sponsorship:

• The video is sponsored by First Frame AI, an AI video creation tool.
• First Frame AI offers various video generation models and a movie generator for creating short films.
• The tool provides access to models like V2, Cling, and Hiluo.
• Pricing starts at $13 per month for 3,000 credits, with a $34 diamond plan for higher limits.
• The coupon code "AI King25" provides an additional 25% discount.

8. Agentic Capabilities and Future Development:

• The video mentions that Gemini Code Assist is working on agentic capabilities, which are currently under a waitlist.
• The integration of agentic features is expected to make Gemini a compelling alternative to tools like Klein.
• File creation and editing are improved, although manual clicking is still required.

9. Conclusion:

• The updates to Gemini Code Assist significantly enhance its usability and functionality.
• The improved context handling, multi-chat management, and custom commands make it a powerful tool for developers.
• The upcoming agentic capabilities promise to further improve the assistant's capabilities.
• The presenter finds the tool compelling and anticipates further improvements with the integration of agentic features.