Google is using AI to make multiplatform programming easier with Project IDX

Imagine an all-in-one tool for software development that you can access from your web browser, wherever you are, even on your tablet. The tool would feature cross-device syncing, built-in artificial intelligence code support, and integrated Firebase Hosting support for easy deployments. 

You don’t have to imagine it much longer: Google just unveiled Project IDX, a platform that centralizes configurations in a browser-based environment to streamline the programming process. 

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Built on Google Cloud, Project IDX leverages the foundational model Codey to work as a text-to-code AI assistant, helping developers generate and complete code quickly for higher-quality output in less time.

Developers will also be able to request contextual code actions from the built-in chatbot. For example, they could ask the bot to explain the code or add comments.

Since Project IDX is a browser-based development tool, it’s easily accessible on almost any device with a web browser, from Android to iOS to desktop, with each workspace possessing the full capabilities of a Linux-based virtual machine.

The new Project IDX allows developers to easily switch between projects without configuring a new development environment each time. This cloud-based solution boasts preset templates for popular frameworks that allow developers to set up almost any stack they need. 

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Integrated with Code OSS, Project IDX supports many popular programming languages and frameworks available, no matter whether developers work with Dart, Python, JavaScript, or others. 

And with cross-platform preview, Project IDX includes web preview for developers, with plans to support a fully-configured Android emulator and an embedded iOS simulator. 

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Google also announced the integration of Firebase Hosting in Project IDX to make it easier and faster to deploy to production. 

Access to Project IDX is limited to a free preview program open to developers. Google hasn’t shared any pricing information for its new platform nor information on when it’ll be widely available.