Google has just dropped a new open-source tool called Gemini CLI, and it’s a big deal if you spend a lot of time in the terminal. It’s designed to make your command-line work faster and smarter by giving you direct access to Google’s powerful Gemini AI — all with simple prompts.
AI in the Terminal? Yes, and It’s Awesome
Think of Gemini CLI as your personal AI sidekick inside the terminal. You can ask it to help write code, fix bugs, research something tricky, or even generate content. You just type a natural language prompt — like you’re chatting with a friend — and it responds with real, useful answers.
According to Google, this tool is meant to be a “fundamental upgrade” for developers, especially those who live in the terminal.
What Makes Gemini CLI Stand Out
Here’s what’s packed into this lightweight tool:
- It runs on Gemini 2.5 Pro, Google’s latest reasoning model
- Supports up to 1 million tokens — so it can keep up with long, detailed conversations
- Comes with Gemini Code Assist built in
- Has support for Google Search and Model Context Protocol (MCP)
- Can even create images and videos using Google’s Veo and Imagen tools
So, yeah — it’s more than just a coder’s tool. You can use it for brainstorming, content creation, planning, and even visual projects.
It’s Free (For Now), and You Get a Lot
Gemini CLI is available in preview starting today, and Google is offering it for free if you sign up with a personal Google account.
Here’s what you get with the free license:
- 60 requests per minute
- Up to 1,000 requests per day
That’s pretty generous compared to other AI tools out there like GitHub Copilot, Claude, or Microsoft’s AI in Windows Terminal. Google even says it’s the largest free allowance in the market right now.
Any Limits?
Right now, the tool is free — but Google hasn’t said whether it’ll stay that way once it leaves preview. There’s also no info yet about what happens if you go over the daily or per-minute limits. So for now, enjoy the freedom while it lasts.
Why This Matters
Gemini CLI is part of a bigger shift we’re seeing: developers want smarter tools that blend into their workflows without getting in the way. Instead of switching between apps or copying and pasting code into a browser-based chatbot, you can now get help right where you work — the terminal.
It’s fast. It’s flexible. And it’s actually fun to use.
Quick Recap
- Gemini CLI is Google’s new AI agent built for the command line
- Helps with coding, debugging, research, writing, and even image/video generation
- Runs on Gemini 2.5 Pro, with deep context capabilities
- Includes built-in tools like Gemini Code Assist, Google Search, and MCP
- Free to use during preview with a generous daily/monthly usage cap
Final Thought
Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just someone who enjoys the command line, Gemini CLI is worth checking out. It brings AI closer to your workflow — with fewer clicks and more brainpower.
And best of all? It’s free to try, starting today.