JetBrains Open-Sources KotlinLLM for Runtime Code Generation

JetBrains Research has introduced KotlinLLM, an open-source IntelliJ IDEA plugin built around a language feature called Smart Macros. The project allows Kotlin applications to call an LLM Agent while running on the Java Virtual Machine and generate source code for logic that is needed on demand. The experiment extends generative AI beyond coding assistance into the application runtime, potentially offering developers a new way to adapt software behavior without preparing every implementation in advance.

JetBrains Research recently released KotlinLLM’s source code, linking runtime Kotlin generation with automated updates through the Java Debug Interface, or JDI. The plugin can request code from an LLM Agent, generate Kotlin source, and apply the resulting changes to a program already running on the JVM. Its hot-reload workflow connects generation, compilation and runtime replacement, allowing developers to test newly produced logic without stopping and restarting the application.