JetBrains Revolutionizes Development with AI: The Launch of a New AI Assistant Using Multiple LLMs

JetBrains, a renowned name in software development tools, has marked a significant milestone in the field of programming assistance by launching a new AI coding assistant. This revolutionary tool, launched on December 7th, 2023, distinguishes itself by utilizing multiple Large Language Models (LLMs), including those from OpenAI and Google, along with JetBrains' own models. This diverse integration positions JetBrains' AI Assistant as a uniquely vendor-neutral and adaptable tool for developers.

Vendor-Neutrality and Flexibility:

JetBrains' approach in creating a vendor-neutral platform stems from the desire to provide developers with a tool that is not restricted to a single AI platform. Jodie Burchell, a developer advocate in data science at JetBrains, highlights the benefit of this approach. The AI Assistant's ability to access various models for different tasks, such as straightforward code generation or complex debugging, ensures that developers receive the most suitable assistance for their specific needs.

Innovative AI Service Architecture:

The AI Assistant's service architecture is designed to seamlessly integrate new models without requiring users to switch AI providers. This flexibility allows JetBrains to maintain the tool's relevance and effectiveness in the fast-evolving field of AI.

Data Security and Privacy:

A crucial aspect of JetBrains' AI Assistant is the stringent data security and privacy agreement with its LLM providers. The data used to generate prompts does not get stored or used for any purposes other than output generation and essential security checks. This commitment to privacy is pivotal for developers who are increasingly concerned about data security.

Developer Reception and Application:

Despite some reluctance among developers to fully delegate coding tasks to AI, a JetBrains survey indicates a significant interest in AI assistance for code comments and documentation. This finding suggests a growing acceptance of AI as a helpful tool in the development process.

Availability and Future Plans:

Currently, the AI Assistant is a subscription add-on for most JetBrains IDEs, with plans for wider availability in other products. The current focus is on making this tool accessible to paying customers, considering the costs associated with using high-quality LLMs.

The Dream of On-Premise AI:

JetBrains acknowledges the growing demand for on-premise AI solutions, which offer enhanced security by running AI models on a company's servers. While this remains a challenging goal due to the computational demands and costs associated with large neural networks, JetBrains is actively exploring possibilities in this direction.

Conclusion:

JetBrains' new AI Assistant, powered by a blend of LLMs, is a forward-thinking solution in the realm of coding and software development. By balancing vendor-neutrality, data security, and adaptability, it stands out as a promising tool for developers seeking to enhance their coding efficiency and quality. As JetBrains continues to innovate and respond to the evolving needs of the programming community, the AI Assistant is poised to become an integral part of the developer's toolkit.

For more detailed insights and updates on JetBrains' AI Assistant, visit their official announcement page.