Google Launches Gemini CLI: AI-Powered Assistant for Developers' Command Line

Google introduces open-source terminal tool with industry-leading free usage limits

Google has announced Gemini CLI, a new open-source AI agent that brings Gemini 2.5 Pro directly into developers' command line terminals. The tool provides AI assistance for coding, content generation, problem-solving, and task management—all within the familiar terminal environment.

What Is Gemini CLI?

Gemini CLI integrates Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro model directly into the terminal, allowing developers to access advanced AI capabilities without switching applications.

Key capabilities include:

• Code understanding and file manipulation
• Command execution and troubleshooting
• Content generation and research
• Automated task management
• Real-time web search integration

Industry-Leading Free Usage

Gemini CLI offers generous free usage limits, 60 requests per minute and 1,000 requests daily, with access to Gemini 2.5 Pro's 1 million token context window. Users simply log in with a Google account to receive a free Gemini Code Assist license.

Professional developers can upgrade to paid plans through Google AI Studio, Vertex AI, or Gemini Code Assist Enterprise licenses for higher usage limits.

Integration with Gemini Code Assist

Google has enhanced its Gemini Code Assist with the same technology powering Gemini CLI. In VS Code, the AI can create multi-step plans, auto-recover from failures, write tests, fix errors, and suggest innovative solutions. This agent mode is available at no additional cost across all plans.

Open Source and Key Features

Gemini CLI is fully open source under Apache 2.0 license, allowing developers to inspect code, contribute improvements, and extend functionality through the Model Context Protocol (MCP).

Built-in capabilities:

• Google Search integration for real-time context
• Custom prompt and instruction support
• Non-interactive scripting for automation
• File manipulation and command execution

Getting Started and Availability

Getting started requires minimal setup: install Gemini CLI, sign in with a Google account, and begin using AI assistance in your terminal. The process takes less than a minute.

Gemini CLI is currently in preview and available for download. As an open-source project, Google encourages community participation through their GitHub repository for bug reports, feature suggestions, and code contributions.