Google just gave its Gemini chatbot a major upgrade that could change how developers work with code. Starting this week, users subscribed to the $20-per-month Gemini Advanced plan can now connect GitHub repositories—both public and private—directly into the AI assistant. Once connected, Gemini can scan the codebase, help generate new code, debug existing issues, and even explain complex functions in plain English.
This new integration turns Gemini into more than just a chatbot. It’s now positioned as a hands-on coding assistant, helping developers understand large codebases faster and making it easier to collaborate across teams. To use it, users simply hit the “+” button in Gemini’s prompt bar, choose “Import code,” and paste the GitHub URL. From there, Gemini gains full visibility into the repository’s structure and files.
The timing of this launch is no coincidence. Just days earlier, OpenAI introduced a similar GitHub connector for ChatGPT’s deep research feature. And in a race to outdo one another, OpenAI also added support for Microsoft SharePoint and OneDrive, making it easier for users to pull data into ChatGPT for enterprise-grade research.
But while these tools sound powerful, experts continue to urge caution. Even the best AI models still struggle with programming logic and best practices. In fact, a recent test found that Devin—one of the most hyped AI coding tools—was only able to successfully complete 3 out of 20 real-world programming challenges. That’s a sobering reminder that these assistants are still works in progress.
The Gemini chatbot faces similar challenges. It can read your code, spot issues, and suggest solutions—but it doesn’t always understand the bigger picture. It can misinterpret dependencies, overlook subtle bugs, or introduce security vulnerabilities. Developers using Gemini for live projects should double-check everything it generates before deploying to production.
Still, this GitHub integration is a leap forward. For developers managing complex codebases, Gemini offers an instant second pair of eyes—especially useful for onboarding new team members or reviewing legacy code. It’s also a time-saver for those working on fast-paced builds or late-night bug fixes.
And because the tool supports both public and private repos, it’s now much easier to have confidential codebases analyzed without uploading anything manually. For enterprise teams, this could streamline workflows, save hours of context switching, and reduce dependency on manual documentation.
As AI tools continue to evolve, Google’s move shows that coding assistants are no longer just novelties—they’re becoming core parts of the developer toolkit. With Gemini’s new GitHub link, we’re inching closer to a future where writing and maintaining code could become far more collaborative—and increasingly AI-powered.
