Gemini CLI

What is Gemini CLI?

Gemini CLI is a terminal tool that connects Gemini models to the files and commands in your project. You install it with npm install -g @google/gemini-cli, sign in, and then ask it to explain code, edit files, run shell commands, search the web or follow a task list. It reads project context and persistent memory, supports MCP servers, extensions, agent skills, hooks, checkpointing, headless mode for scripts, sandboxing and IDE integration. Usage is metered by daily request quotas that depend on how you sign in: a Google account on Gemini Code Assist for individuals allows 1,000 requests per user per day, while an unpaid Gemini API key allows 250 requests a day on Flash models only. Google AI Pro and Ultra subscriptions, Workspace Code Assist seats, or a pay-as-you-go API key or Vertex AI account raise the limits. The project's site now notes that Antigravity CLI has replaced Gemini CLI for unpaid-tier and Google One users since June 18th, 2026.

Use cases

• Explain and navigate a large codebase
• Edit files from a prompt in the terminal
• Run shell commands with AI assistance
• Script prompts in headless mode
• Plan complex changes with todos
• Connect MCP servers to extend the agent

Who it's for

• Developers
• DevOps engineers
• Terminal-first programmers
• Enterprise engineering teams

Why use Gemini CLI

• It works inside your terminal and project folder, so there is no editor lock-in.
• Several sign-in routes (Google account, API key, Vertex AI) let you match quota and billing to your situation.
• Headless mode and automation guides make it usable in scripts as well as interactive sessions.
• Pay-as-you-go API keys give uninterrupted access when fixed daily quotas run out.
• Extensions, MCP servers and hooks let teams shape how the agent behaves.

Gemini CLI features

• Terminal agent installed through npm
• File management and shell command execution
• Web search and fetch inside a session
• MCP server support and extensions
• Agent skills and subagents
• Plan mode for read-only planning
• Checkpointing and session rewind
• Headless mode for scripting
• Sandboxing to isolate tool execution
• IDE integration and hooks
• The /stats command for token usage and limits

Gemini CLI integrations

• Google AI Studio
• Vertex AI
• Gemini Code Assist
• Google Cloud
• Google Workspace
• Homebrew
• npm

How to get started with Gemini CLI

1. Install the package globally with npm install -g @google/gemini-cli, or use Homebrew.
2. Start gemini in a project directory and authenticate with a Google account, Gemini API key or Vertex AI.
3. Ask questions or give tasks; the agent reads files, proposes edits and runs approved commands.
4. Add MCP servers, extensions or agent skills to extend its capabilities.
5. Run /stats to check token use and your remaining quota, and upgrade or switch to pay-as-you-go if you hit limits.

Gemini CLI limitations

• Antigravity CLI replaced Gemini CLI for unpaid-tier and Google One users on June 18th, 2026
• Gemini CLI is not optimized for the Gemini 4 Argon model; the site points users to Antigravity for it
• The unpaid Gemini API key tier allows 250 requests per day and Flash models only
• Cached token counts show only for API key users, not Google account sign-in
• Using third-party tools to piggyback on Gemini CLI's OAuth sign-in violates Google's terms

Gemini CLI pricing

Gemini CLI is open source, so you can use and self-host it for free.

Gemini CLI plans

• Gemini Code Assist for individuals

  Free

  Log in with Google

  • 1,000 requests per user per day
  • Requests spread across the Gemini model family

• Gemini API key (unpaid)

  Free

  • 250 requests per user per day
  • Flash model only

• Google AI Pro

  Price on vendor site

  • 1,500 requests per user per day
  • Fixed-price subscription

• Google AI Ultra

  Price on vendor site

  • 2,000 requests per user per day
  • Fixed-price subscription

• Pay-as-you-go

  Varies

  Gemini API key or Vertex AI

  • Pay per token or call
  • Quota varies by pricing tier

Plans as listed on the official pricing page on 24 Oct 2026. Prices can change and may vary by country or exclude tax. Check the official pricing page.

Gemini CLI alternatives

The main Gemini CLI alternatives listed on Debuly are Claude Code, Aider, OpenCode, Qwen Code, Amp and Continue. The table compares pricing and platforms; order is A–Z.

1. Ai

   Aider

   Open-source AI pair programming tool that runs in your terminal and edits code in your local git repository using the LLM you choose.

   CodingDeveloper platforms
   Open sourceVisit Aider (official site)
2. 

   Amp

   Coding agent that runs in hosted cloud orbs or on your own machine, with a free Hobby tier and a $20 monthly plan.

   CodingAutomation and agentsDeveloper platforms
   FreemiumVisit Amp (official site)
3. 

   Claude Code

   Anthropic's coding agent that fixes bugs, writes tests and runs migrations from your terminal, IDE, desktop app, web or Slack.

   CodingAutomation and agentsDeveloper platforms
   PaidVisit Claude Code (official site)
4. 

   Continue

   Open-source AI coding assistant for VS Code and JetBrains with chat, agent, edit and autocomplete modes, now part of Cursor.

   CodingDeveloper platforms
   Open sourceVisit Continue (official site)
5. 

   OpenCode

   Open-source AI coding agent for terminal, desktop and IDE, with optional low-cost Go model subscriptions and a team Console

   CodingDeveloper platformsAutomation and agents
   FreemiumVisit OpenCode (official site)
6. 

   Qwen Code

   Free open-source coding agent from the Qwen team that runs in a terminal, IDE, desktop app or chat and works with many model providers.

   CodingDeveloper platformsAutomation and agents
   Open sourceVisit Qwen Code (official site)

Gemini CLI FAQ

Sources & verification

Facts on this page come from the official sources below, each with the date we read it. Written by Debuly; the vendor did not review this page.

Image credits

• Logo: from geminicli.com · fetched 23 Oct 2026 · Vendor trademark, used only to identify the product; removed on request
• Cover: none collected yet, so a generated tile is shown.

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