Google’s Gemini CLI is a new command-line program that lets developers tap into advanced AI features directly in their terminals. Built on the Gemini 2.5 Pro model, it can handle extremely large projects—supporting up to one million tokens. That means programmers can use natural language prompts to write, debug, or even reorganize code without ever leaving their usual workflow.
Instead of switching to a separate interface, developers type commands like “fix this function” or “generate a unit test” and Gemini CLI takes action. It supports tools such as Gemini Code Assist and follows the Model Context Protocol, ensuring seamless integration with existing development tools. Gemini CLI also connects to Google Search when online, so it can pull up documentation or examples on the fly.
The tool supports multimedia tasks too. Developers can generate images or short videos using Google’s Veo and Imagen systems—all within the familiar command-line environment. The goal is to make AI an integral part of everyday coding, not an add-on.
Available now in preview, Gemini CLI works on both desktop and mobile platforms. It’s open-source under the Apache 2.0 license, meaning anyone can inspect, modify, or contribute to its code. This aligns with Google’s aim to foster community collaboration and build trust through transparency.
Generous Free Tier and Flexible Plans
One of the main highlights of Gemini CLI is its generous free tier. Developers with a personal Google account can use up to 60 model requests per minute and 1,000 per day, making it one of the most accessible AI coding tools available.
For users or teams needing more capacity, Google offers enterprise options. You can connect Gemini CLI to services like Vertex AI or Google AI Studio or sign up for upgraded plans through Gemini Code Assist. This flexibility allows individual developers to start free and scale up only when they need to.
Because it’s fully open-source, organizations can audit the code for security and adapt it to local needs. Developers can also build plugins or connect Gemini CLI to other tools thanks to its support for the Model Context Protocol.
By offering a powerful model with a wide context window and rich integration features, Gemini CLI aims to compete with other AI coding tools while standing out for its transparency and free access. It’s designed to help coders create, test, document, and learn—all within a unified interface.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): blog.google
