Discover how Google’s Gemini CLI brings powerful AI directly to your terminal for free. Learn features, benefits, and how to use this open-source tool in your dev workflow.
What is Gemini CLI?
Gemini CLI is a new command-line tool developed by Google that brings the capabilities of the Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model to your terminal. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, the tool is currently in free preview and enables developers to interact with AI in a lightweight, code-centric environment—no browser, no IDE plugins required.
Unlike typical AI chatbots, Gemini CLI is designed for real-world coding, scripting, and automation tasks, all within your terminal or shell environment.
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Top Features of Gemini CLI
Here’s what makes Gemini CLI a powerful asset for developers in 2025:
1. Natural Language Coding
Generate, edit, and explain code in Python, JavaScript, Go, and more using conversational prompts.
2. File & Command Handling
Manipulate local files, run commands, and automate tasks using Gemini directly in the terminal.
3. Google Search Grounding
Fetch real-time, up-to-date information from Google Search to contextualize responses and generate more accurate results.
4. Prompt Customization
Customize how Gemini responds to your prompts to align with your workflow or project goals.
5. Extension Support via MCP
Extend functionality through the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and integrate with your dev stack.
Why Gemini CLI is a Game-Changer for Developers
Gemini CLI merges traditional terminal power with AI-driven assistance. Here’s why developers love it:
- Boosts Productivity: Solve bugs, write scripts, and manage projects faster.
- Always Available: Works offline with cached context—no constant cloud reliance.
- Versatile Use Cases: From DevOps to data analysis, AI prompts adapt to the task.
- No Learning Curve: Works in a familiar shell interface.
Google’s decision to open-source the tool makes it even more attractive for individual developers and enterprise teams alike.
Free Tier and Pricing Details
Google offers one of the most generous free tiers for an AI coding tool:
| Feature | Free Tier |
|---|---|
| AI Model | Gemini 2.5 Pro |
| Token Limit | 1 million-token context |
| Requests per Minute | 60 |
| Daily Requests | 1,000 |
| Available On | Google Account |
For more capacity, you can scale via Google AI Studio, Vertex AI, or integrate with Gemini Code Assist.
Gemini CLI vs Codex CLI
| Feature | Gemini CLI | OpenAI Codex CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Free to Use | Yes | Limited |
| Open Source | Apache 2.0 | Closed |
| Google Search Access | Built-in | Not available |
| Extension Support | MCP | Limited |
| Max Token Window | 1 million tokens | Varies |
Gemini CLI clearly provides more freedom, flexibility, and value out of the box.
Security and Open-Source Commitment
- Open-source under Apache 2.0 on GitHub
- Multi-layer sandboxing for terminal safety
- User confirmation before executing critical or destructive commands
- Active community support and contribution encouraged by Google
This level of transparency is rare among AI developer tools and builds user trust.
How to Install and Use Gemini CLI
- Visit the repo: GitHub – google-gemini/gemini-cli
- Install via terminal ( CopyEdit
go install github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli@latest) - Authenticate with your Google Account
- Start interacting ( CopyEdit
gemini "Write a bash script to monitor CPU usage)
Use flags like --prompt, --file, and --exec to customize how the tool works for your environment.
Final Thoughts
Google’s Gemini CLI is a revolutionary step in making AI truly accessible to developers—especially those who live in the terminal. Its combination of:
- Free access
- Extensibility
- Real-time context grounding
- Cross-platform support
makes it a must-have for any modern developer.
As the competition heats up with tools like OpenAI’s Codex and GitHub Copilot CLI, Google’s transparent, developer-first approach might just give it the winning edge.