Gemini CLI
Open-source CLI for interacting with Google Gemini models. Stream responses, configure API keys, select models, and integrate LLM calls into scripts and automation.
No featured image available
Tool Information
About Gemini CLI
Gemini CLI — Command-line client for Google Gemini
Gemini CLI is an open-source command-line interface that lets developers and power users interact with Google Gemini models from terminals, scripts, and automation tools. It focuses on lightweight, scriptable access to LLM capabilities with support for streaming responses, model selection, and basic configuration.
Key features
- Direct CLI access to Google Gemini models for one-off prompts and scripted workflows.
- Streaming output for progressive response delivery, suitable for interactive sessions.
- Model selection so you can choose different Gemini models or versions if available.
- API key configuration and simple credential management from environment variables or config files.
- Scriptable integration: use in shell scripts, CI jobs, or other automation tasks.
- Open-source code and releases available via GitHub for auditing and contribution.
Benefits
Gemini CLI is ideal for developers who prefer terminal-first workflows or need to integrate LLM requests into existing command-line tooling. It reduces friction compared to building quick HTTP clients and works well for testing prompts, prototyping, and automating repetitive tasks.
Getting started
Typical setup steps:
- Download a release or clone the repository from the project's GitHub Pages / releases.
- Install or build following the provided instructions (binary, script, or package as applicable).
- Set your Gemini API key using an environment variable or configuration file.
- Run the CLI to send prompts, choose model parameters, or stream results to your terminal.
Basic usage (example)
gemini-cli --model=gemini-pro --prompt="Summarize the project README"
Note: exact commands and flags depend on the version and release. Refer to the project's documentation for up-to-date usage examples.
Use cases
- Interactive prompt testing and rapid prototyping of prompts.
- Integrating LLM calls into shell scripts and automation pipelines.
- Streaming large responses directly to terminal-based workflows.
- Local development and testing before wiring into full applications.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Open-source and auditable codebase.
- Lightweight and quick to run from the terminal.
- Designed for scriptability and automation.
- Supports streaming for a responsive interactive experience.
Cons
- Requires access to Gemini API and an account with billing enabled.
- No graphical interface — terminal-only (may be a pro for some users).
- Feature set and flags depend on the maintained release; may require building from source for latest changes.
Resources
- Official site / docs: https://google-gemini.github.io/gemini-cli/
- Project repository and releases: check the linked GitHub repository for source, issues, and contribution guidelines.
Key Features
F.A.Q
Pros and Cons
✓
Pros
- + Open-source and auditable
- + Lightweight command-line access
- + Supports streaming responses
- + Scriptable and automatable
- + Simple configuration for API keys and models
−
Cons
- − Requires Google Gemini API access and billing
- − Terminal-only interface (no GUI)
- − May require building from source for latest features
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to review this tool!
Applicable Tasks
Promote
Share this Tool
Similar AI Tools
Discover other tools similar to Gemini CLI.
Zed
Zed is a lightning-fast, local-first code editor with built-in real-time collaboration, code intelligence, and cloud sync for modern developer teams.
Jules — AI Storytelling & Creative Assistant by Google
Jules is an experimental Google AI that helps creators brainstorm, draft, and refine stories and creative text with a simple conversational interface.
Aider
Aider is an AI code assistant that understands your repository — ask questions, generate PRs, run tests, refactor code, and produce docs with GitHub and VS Code integrations.
Roocode
Roocode is a no-code/low-code platform to build AI-powered apps and automations, integrating LLMs, workflows, and external tools for rapid deployment.