Agentic Coding: Build Mini-Apps Inside Google Search Results
Imagine typing “create a tip calculator” into Google Search – and instead of links to calculator websites, an actual working tip calculator appears right there. You adjust the slider. The tip updates instantly. No download. No click.
That is Agentic Coding. It is one of the most surprising features of Google’s recent search bar update. Powered by Gemini 3.5 Flash, Agentic Coding generates simple, functional mini‑applications directly inside the search results page. You describe what you want in plain English, and Google builds it for you.
This guide explains what Agentic Coding is, how to use it, example prompts, and what you can build – without writing a single line of code.
For a complete overview of the search bar update – including AI Mode, multimodal search, and information agents – read our Google Search Bar Update.
What Is Agentic Coding?
Agentic Coding is a feature that turns natural language prompts into working mini‑apps. These apps run inside the search results page. They are built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, but you do not see the code unless you ask for it.
The apps are simple by design: calculators, converters, to‑do lists, timers, and basic interactive tools. They are not meant to replace full‑scale software. But for quick, one‑off tasks, they are incredibly convenient.
Key Features
- No coding required – Describe what you want in English.
- Instant generation – Apps appear in seconds.
- Run in browser – No data sent to Google (privacy friendly).
- Adjustable – You can ask Gemini to modify the app.
- Copy or download – Save the code for later use.
How to Use Agentic Coding
Using Agentic Coding is simple. Just type a prompt into Google Search that describes the app you want. The feature triggers automatically when Gemini detects a request for an interactive tool.
Step‑by‑Step
- Open Google Search in a desktop browser (mobile support coming soon).
- Type a prompt like “Create a tip calculator with a percentage slider.”
- Press Enter.
- Google generates an interactive mini‑app directly in the search results.
- Use the app. Adjust inputs. See outputs change in real time.
What Happens Behind the Scenes
Gemini 3.5 Flash interprets your request, generates the appropriate HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and displays the app in a sandboxed iframe. The code runs locally in your browser. Google does not store the app or your inputs unless you explicitly save it.
Example Prompts and What You Get
Calculator
Prompt: “Create a simple calculator with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Include buttons for digits 0‑9 and a clear button.”
Result: A working calculator with a display and number buttons. No page refresh needed.
Unit Converter
Prompt: “Build a unit converter for miles to kilometers. Include a number input field and show the result instantly as the user types.”
Result: A converter with a text box. As you type, the kilometer equivalent updates in real time.
To‑Do List
Prompt: “Make a to‑do list app with an input field, an ‘Add’ button, and checkboxes to mark tasks as complete. Also include a ‘Delete completed’ button.”
Result: A functional to‑do list with persistent state (within the session). You can add, check, and remove tasks.
Tip Calculator
Prompt: “Create a tip calculator with bill amount, tip percentage slider (10% to 25%), and number of people split. Show total tip and total per person.”
Result: An interactive tool with sliders and number inputs. All values update instantly.
BMI Calculator
Prompt: “Build a BMI calculator with metric and imperial toggles. Show BMI value and a health category (underweight, normal, overweight, obese).”
Result: A toggle switches between units. BMI updates as you type. Color‑coded categories appear.
Countdown Timer
Prompt: “Create a countdown timer with minutes and seconds inputs, start, pause, and reset buttons. Show the remaining time visually.”
Result: A working timer. Start, pause, reset. The display counts down in real time.
Weather Widget (Static Demo)
Prompt: “Make a fake weather widget for New York City showing temperature, humidity, and conditions. Use static data (no API).”
Result: A simulated weather card. Good for design testing.
Modifying an Existing App
You do not have to get it right on the first try. After Gemini generates an app, you can ask for changes.
Example: You create a tip calculator. Then you type: “Add a rounding option to the nearest dollar.”
Gemini modifies the existing app. The new feature appears. You can continue refining until you are satisfied.
Can You Save or Download the App?
Yes. Each generated app includes options to:
- Copy the code – View the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript source. Copy it to your clipboard.
- Download as HTML file – Save it to your computer to use offline or host on your own site.
- Share via link – Generate a shareable URL (the app runs in Google Search).
The code is clean and well‑commented. You can also edit it manually if you know HTML/JS.
Limitations of Agentic Coding
Agentic Coding is powerful but not unlimited. Current limitations include:
- Simple apps only – No databases, user accounts, or server‑side logic.
- No external APIs – Cannot fetch live data (e.g., real stock prices or weather).
- Local state only – To‑do lists reset on page refresh.
- Desktop‑only for now – Mobile support is coming.
- Fair use limits – Very high usage may be restricted for free users.
For complex applications, you still need traditional coding.
Who Is Agentic Coding For?
- Casual users – Quickly calculate tips, convert units, or track simple tasks.
- Students – Test math concepts or build interactive homework helpers.
- Teachers – Create classroom tools without learning to code.
- Prototypers – Quickly mock up an interface idea.
- New coders – See how Gemini builds apps; learn by example.
Privacy and Security
Agentic Coding is privacy‑friendly:
- No data storage – Google does not save your app inputs unless you explicitly save the code.
- Sandboxed execution – Apps run in an isolated environment; they cannot access your other tabs or data.
- No tracking – Gemini does not use your app content for advertising.
However, do not use Agentic Coding for sensitive information (passwords, financial data) as the apps are not encrypted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Agentic Coding free?
Basic use is free. Very heavy usage may require a Gemini subscription.
Q: Can I use Agentic Coding on my phone?
Currently desktop only. Mobile support is planned for late 2026.
Q: How complex can the apps be?
Simple tools with 2‑4 inputs, basic logic, and a clean interface. Not full web apps.
Q: Does Google own the code I generate?
No. The code is yours to use, modify, and share.
Q: What if Gemini misunderstands my prompt?
Refine it. Be more specific. Ask for changes. Or start over.
Q: How does this relate to the search bar update?
Agentic Coding is a key feature of the new Google Search. For full coverage, see our Google Search Bar Update.
Tips for Better Agentic Coding Prompts
- Be specific – “Tip calculator with slider” is better than “calculator for tips.”
- Describe the interface – Mention buttons, sliders, number inputs, or toggles.
- State the output format – “Show result as you type” or “Update on button click.”
- Give an example – “Like a standard tip calculator app.”
- Ask for one feature at a time – Build complexity gradually.
The Future of Agentic Coding
Google is actively developing Agentic Coding. Expected future features include:
- Mobile support – Generate apps on your phone.
- Data persistence – Save to‑do lists across sessions.
- External API access – Fetch real data (weather, prices, etc.).
- Voice prompting – Speak your app idea.
- Sharing hub – A gallery of user‑created apps.
Agentic Coding will not replace developers. But it will make simple tools accessible to everyone.
Bottom Line
Agentic Coding turns Google Search into a mini‑app generator. Describe what you want, and Gemini builds it instantly. No coding required. No downloads.
Whether you need a quick tip calculator, a unit converter, or a to‑do list, Agentic Coding delivers in seconds. It is one of the most practical – and fun – features of the new search bar update.
Try it now. Type “Create a tip calculator with a 15% default tip” into Google Search. See what happens.
For more on AI Mode, information agents, and multimodal search, read our Google Search Bar Update.
