Google Cloud has recently launched the open-source AI agent Gemini CLI, a powerful tool that seamlessly integrates Gemini’s features into developers’ terminal environments. By logging in with a Google account, individual users can access Gemini Code Assist for free, enjoying a context length of one million tokens with Gemini 2.5 Pro.
Gemini CLI offers developers a streamlined gateway to access Gemini, enabling users to send prompts directly to the model. This tool showcases exceptional coding abilities while also featuring multifunctional aspects to help users manage a variety of tasks such as content generation, problem-solving, in-depth research, and task management. It seamlessly integrates with Google AI’s coding assistant, Gemini Code Assist, allowing developers—whether using the free, standard, or enterprise version—to share an AI-driven coding experience in both VS Code and Gemini CLI.
Gemini CLI comes equipped with a variety of powerful tools, including real-time access to external web content through integration with Google Search, offering the latest external information for models. It employs a built-in context protocol or extensions to achieve high scalability. Users can also customize prompts and descriptions, making Gemini more aligned with specific needs and workflows. Additionally, it supports non-interactive calls within scripts, enabling workflow automation.
For professional developers who need to operate multiple agents or prefer a variety of models, they can opt for pay-as-you-go billing through Google AI Studio or Vertex AI keys. They also have the choice to obtain either the standard or enterprise version of Gemini Code Assist.
Gemini Code Assist and Gemini CLI are built on the same core technology. Users can enter any prompt in the chat window of VS Code, and Code Assist will help write tests, fix bugs, build features, and even migrate code. This assistant can create multi-step execution plans and automatically fix issues when executions fail, also providing suggestions for solutions.
Regardless of whether you’re using the free, standard, or enterprise version, all users can access the proxy mode in Gemini Code Assist for free through the Insiders channel. Plus, the free plan boasts the highest usage limits available on the market, with a setup process that takes less than a minute.
As an open-source project based on the Apache 2.0 license, developers can review the source code to gain a deeper understanding of how it operates and to verify its security. Google Cloud encourages the global developer community to participate in enhancing this project by reporting bugs, suggesting features, improving security measures, and submitting code enhancements.
