Google unveils Gemini CLI for developers - 5 critical features of the open-source AI agent

Google has just launched Gemini CLI, an open-source AI assistant designed specifically for developers to have access to the command line interface, according to the company's blog post.

For developers who spend a lot of their day in the terminal, it takes AI to where they work, providing quick assistance with a wide range of tasks, from content generation and problem solving to deep research and task management, according to Google's blog post.

Google said, "We’ve also integrated Gemini CLI with Google’s AI coding assistant, Gemini Code Assist, so that all developers — on free, Standard, and Enterprise Code Assist plans — get prompt-driven, AI-first coding in both VS Code and Gemini CLI."

The following are five important features that set Gemini CLI apart:

1. Generous free-tier usage

Individual developers can utilise Gemini CLI for free by simply logging in with a personal Google account, as per the report. This grants access to Gemini 2.5 Pro and a massive 1 million token context window, and for the preview period, Google is providing "60 model requests per minute and 1,000 requests per day at no charge," according to the blog post.

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2. Seamless integration with Gemini Code Assist

Gemini CLI is integrated with Gemini Code Assist, Google's AI coding assistant in VS Code, as per Google's blog post. This means that developers on any plan have the same AI assistance in both their terminal and their IDE, as per the report. Code Assist utilises agent mode to author tests, debug problems, create features, and even work on complicated things like code migration, according to the blog.

Google said, "Based on your prompt, Code Assist’s agent will build a multi-step plan, auto-recover from failed implementation paths and recommend solutions you may not have even imagined."

3. Total AI power in your terminal

The CLI will streamline a developer's workflow in natural language that allows the user to code, debug, work with files, and execute commands, as per Google's blog post.

The tech giant said that the Gemini CLI provides powerful AI capabilities, which include, ground prompts with Google Search, extend Gemini CLI’s capabilities, customize prompts and instructions and automate tasks and integrate with existing workflows.

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4. Extensible and customizable

Google said, "We also built Gemini CLI to be extensible, building on emerging standards like MCP, system prompts (via GEMINI.md) and settings for both personal and team configuration. We know the terminal is a personal space, and everyone deserves the autonomy to make theirs unique."

5. Completely open source and developer-friendly

Gemini CLI is open-source under the Apache 2.0 license, as per the blog post. Developers can view the code, see how it functions, and contribute via GitHub, according to the report. Google invites the community to report bugs, propose features, and enhance security.

FAQs

What is Gemini CLI?
It’s an open-source AI assistant that brings Google’s Gemini AI model directly into your terminal.

Can Gemini CLI help me write and debug code?
Yes, it’s designed to assist with coding, debugging, running commands, and automating tasks, all through natural language.