Google Tools I Use on Live Projects - Analysis, Automation & Building Micro-Apps
Published: September 9, 2025
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 → 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 → 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. Form based at Quants Suite
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
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
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
You can start with these:
- Single-file HTML app
- Prompting for AI coding
- AI coding basics (beginners)
- Full-stack app build
- 3-Tier Frontend–Backend - Simple explanation of a 3-Tier architecture.
Gemini CLI
- Node.js install (needed for local dev)
- Getting started with Gemini CLI