The video introduces a coding tool from JetBrains called Juni, which is positioned as an “anti-vibe coding” solution, contrasting with many existing AI coding assistants that often generate large amounts of code with little control. Juni is deeply integrated into JetBrains’ specialized IDEs, such as IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, and others, which are tailored for specific languages and frameworks. This integration allows Juni to function as a smart coding agent that acts like a pair programming partner, understanding the project’s architecture and working alongside the developer in a highly contextualized environment.
One of the key strengths of Juni is its ability to work effectively with existing codebases rather than just starting projects from scratch. Developers can interact with Juni by asking questions about the codebase, generating project-specific guidelines, and planning tasks collaboratively with the agent. Juni operates through an iterative loop where it plans, acts by writing or optimizing code, writes tests, and then verifies and refines the changes. This approach emphasizes trust and control, allowing developers to maintain oversight rather than letting the AI generate code unchecked.
The video demonstrates how Juni was used to convert a project to Next.js and add new features, highlighting its planning and execution capabilities. Juni can run terminal commands, fix issues, and provide detailed reports on what changes were made, including diffs and summaries. The tool supports different modes, including a “brave mode” that writes more code autonomously but still checks with the user before executing significant actions. This transparency and control make it easier for developers to review, commit, or roll back changes as needed.
Juni also supports team onboarding by enabling new developers to query the codebase and understand its structure, standards, and interactions. The tool can be customized with project guidelines saved as markdown files, and it supports multiple AI models, allowing users to switch between them based on their needs. This flexibility and the conversational nature of Juni make it a valuable assistant for professional developers who want to enhance their productivity without losing control over their code.
In conclusion, Juni is designed to complement professional software development by focusing on minimal, precise changes rather than generating large volumes of code. It acts as a knowledgeable pair programmer that helps developers learn new frameworks and languages while shipping usable software efficiently. The video encourages viewers familiar with JetBrains IDEs to explore Juni as a way to integrate AI coding assistance into their workflow in a controlled, collaborative manner. Links to get started with Juni are provided in the video description.