---
title: "Google Tools I Use on Live Projects - Analysis, Automation & Building Micro-Apps"
slug: google-tools-i-use-on-live-projects-analysis-automation-building-micro-apps
date_published: 2025-09-09T15:15:53.981Z
original_url: https://www.tigzig.com/post/google-tools-i-use-on-live-projects-analysis-automation-building-micro-apps
source: migrated
processed_at: 2025-12-03T13:30:00.000Z
---

# Google Tools I Use on Live Projects - Analysis, Automation & Building Micro-Apps

I went from zero Google usage last year → now approx. 20% of my work runs on their stack. Here's my current short list of practical tools.

## 1. Gemini Build

([aistudio.google.com](http://aistudio.google.com) → Build)

A fast way to create basic working app with React. Fewer features than say Lovable, but the free tier is significant.

My Quants Reporting app → 70% of the UI in Gemini Build, 30% Cursor.

Just starting with AI coding app builds? Starter links below.

## 2. AI Studio

([aistudio.google.com](http://aistudio.google.com) → Chat)

Gemini 2.5 Pro. Huge context. Big free tier.

I use it for xlwings Lite code gen for when Cursor hits limits.

## 3. Backend APIs

I use these for reliable, low-cost automated processing.

* **Gemini 2.0 Flash** → schema detection, structured outputs. Cheap + reliable. My Mutual Fund Processor app runs on this.
* **Gemini 2.5 Flash** → where you need analysis layered on automation. I run my AI Technical Reports backend on it.

Live App → With agent support at [quant-agent.tigzig.com](http://quant-agent.tigzig.com). Form based at [Quants Suite](http://quants-suite.tigzig.com)

## 4. Gemini CLI

Cursor is still my primary AI coder, but when limits kick in → Gemini CLI.

Where I use:
* Python automations
* FastAPI backends
* xlwings Lite code gen
* HTML/JS Apps

Even file cleanup - had 20k small text files, renamed them in seconds via CLI. For more complex stuff, I stick to Cursor + Claude Sonnet 4. The recent integration with the ZED editor is on my list to test for a full IDE workflow.

Getting started with Gemini CLI? Helpful links below.

## 5. NotebookLM

([notebooklm.google.com](http://notebooklm.google.com))

Turns hours of video into notes, checklists, action steps.

For technical videos → extract exact workflow and step by step guides.

For info videos → key takeaways

Not for every video. Some still need full watching.

## 6. Opal

([opal.withgoogle.com](http://opal.withgoogle.com))

Google's new AI micro-app builder. For workflows for automation and AI apps. Very promising. Next on my list.

## Links - AI-assisted coding

My Top pick - [Volo Builds YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@VoloBuilds)

You can start with these:
* [Single-file HTML app](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQDQ18dxPIM&t=153s)
* [Prompting for AI coding](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwA3MMYBfAQ&t=730s)
* [AI coding basics (beginners)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd-zFFGBD7A&t=450s)
* [Full-stack app build](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB4UcDOWbXs&t=11s)
* [3-Tier Frontend–Backend](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sTa7zeITzw) - Simple explanation of a 3-Tier architecture.

## Gemini CLI

* [Node.js install](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6izVe1KtW_c) (needed for local dev)
* [Getting started with Gemini CLI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPReHLqmQPs)