Google launches Code Labs to encourage developers

Google has launched a new environment for nascent developer products, which it hopes will encourage its engineers to share ideas more freely, and motivate external developers to get involved in new projects earlier on.

Google Code Labs will also provide more information about application programming interfaces (APIs) which are still in development.

"We are pleased to introduce Google Code Labs today as a home for developer products still in their early stages of development," wrote Tom Stocky, director of Google developer products, on the Google Code blog.

"Our hope, of course, is that all of our developer products grow up to be huge successes, but we realise that not every one will reach that goal. The Labs programme offers engineering teams at Google and the developer community a chance to explore ideas and get involved early."

Stocky explained that a "culture of exploration and rapid iteration" had led to over 60 APIs on Google Code.

He highlighted the App Engine, Google Web Toolkit and Ajax Search API as some of the first set of Google Code Labs " graduates".

"For these graduates, we are increasing our commitment with published deprecation policies and other critical support services," he added.