Gemini CLI is now available as an open-source tool, offering developers direct access to Google's Gemini AI models from the command line. This project is designed for those who spend much of their time in the terminal, aiming to make AI-powered assistance a natural part of daily workflows. The command line is a key workspace for many developers due to its efficiency and flexibility, and Gemini CLI positions itself as a native addition to this environment, providing robust AI features right where they are needed most.
With Gemini CLI, users gain lightweight, prompt-based access to Gemini鈥檚 AI capabilities. While it shines at helping with code, writing, debugging, and automating development tasks, it is not limited to programming. Gemini CLI can generate content, assist with research, solve complex problems, and help manage tasks. Integration with Gemini Code Assist means that both the CLI and the Code Assist tool in VS Code are powered by the same underlying technology, enabling seamless transitions between terminal-based and IDE-based AI workflows.
Gemini CLI is free and open source under the Apache 2.0 license. To get started, developers simply log in with a Google account, which provides a free Gemini Code Assist license. This includes access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, supporting an impressive 1 million token context window. During the preview phase, developers can make up to 60 requests per minute and up to 1,000 requests per day, which is currently the highest free quota available for an AI coding tool.
For those needing more flexibility, such as running multiple agents or using other Gemini models, there is support for API keys from Google AI Studio or Vertex AI, as well as upgrade options to Standard or Enterprise Code Assist licenses. The CLI itself is packed with features, including:
- Grounding prompts with Google Search to add real-time context.
- Extending capabilities through the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and bundled extensions.
- Custom prompts for tailored workflows.
- Automation through script integration.
Transparency and customisation are core principles of Gemini CLI. Developers can examine the code, contribute fixes, suggest features, and build new extensions. With support for shared configuration standards and personal settings, the tool is intended to fit seamlessly into diverse environments, giving each user control over their own experience.
Gemini CLI and Gemini Code Assist share core technologies and are available on all major platforms for individuals and organisations. The Gemini Code Assist agent mode in VS Code supports prompt-driven, multi-step planning, test generation, and code migration, offering an AI partner for all levels of developers.
Getting started with Gemini CLI is quick and accessible, requiring only a Google account. With unmatched free access and support for open-source contributions, Gemini CLI is set to become a mainstay for developers seeking AI help directly in their terminal.
Gemini CLI is a product of Google, developed to support a growing community of engineers and technical professionals seeking AI-driven productivity tools. This release underlines Google鈥檚 commitment to providing accessible, high-performance AI to developers worldwide, fostering collaboration, and driving the evolution of open-source AI tooling.
