What is Gemini CLI?
Gemini CLI (command line interface) is a lightweight, terminal-native tool that lets you interact with Google’s AI using natural language. Think of it as your AI sidekick that you can use to:
1) Write, debug, and explain code effortlessly, powered by full repository context.
2) Extend functionality with custom plugins via the Model Context Protocol (MCP).
3) Create new apps from PDFs or Sketches with Gemini’s Multimodal Intelligence.
👉 Gemini’s Multimodal Intelligence refers to its ability to understand and generate content across multiple types of input like, text, code, images, audio, and video, all within a single, unified model.
4) Ground your prompts in live data to fetch web pages via Google Search for dynamic, up-to-date context.
Why developers should care?
Because Gemini CLI isn’t just another tool, it’s a developer’s power-up.
* It meets you where you work: If you live in the terminal, Gemini CLI brings AI right to your fingertips—no context switching, no IDE hopping.
* It’s insanely capable: From writing and debugging code to executing shell commands and automating workflows, it’s like having a full-stack assistant on standby.
* It’s free and generous: With 1 million token context, 60 requests per minute, and 1,000 model request per day, the free tier is unmatched.
* It’s open and extensible: You can customize it with plugins using the Model Context Protocol, or tailor prompts to your project’s needs.
* It’s integrated: Seamless sync with Gemini Code Assist means your AI experience is consistent across terminal and VS Code.
How Gemini CLI Works?
1. Install in Seconds: Get started instantly by installing Gemini CLI with a single command, no setup headaches, just plug-and-play simplicity.
2. Talk to It Naturally: Ask questions or assign coding tasks in plain English. No need to memorize commands. The AI understands developer intent, not just syntax.
3. Deep File Context with 1M Token Window: Gemini analyzes your entire codebase with a massive 1 million token context window, allowing it to reason over large projects, dependencies, and doc files in one go.
4. Real-Time Knowledge from the Web: When your prompt needs fresh or external data, Gemini taps into Google Search to fetch live insights, documentation, or updates on the fly.
5. Code Execution and Smart Automation: It doesn’t just suggest, Gemini can execute shell commands, generate, debug, and modify code directly within your environment, streamlining workflows like a true AI pair programmer.
How to Install Gemini CLI and Get Started?
First, make sure Node.js version 18 or higher is installed on your system. Once the installation is complete, run the following command:
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
Gemini CLI is now installed. You can start using it by running the gemini command.
gemini
👉 Remember, you'll need a Google account. If you already have one, simply sign in and you're good to go.