Gemini CLI
Terminal coding agent for Gemini that reads codebases, edits files, runs shell commands and connects MCP servers.
Query and edit codebases from the command line, now aimed at Code Assist enterprise users.
Gemini CLI is an open-source terminal agent from Google. Its README now says it is maintained for organisations with Gemini Code Assist Standard or Enterprise, and that free and Google AI plan users moved to Antigravity CLI.
What it is
You run `gemini` in a project directory and chat in the terminal to query, debug and edit code, using built-in file, shell and web fetch tools. It supports MCP servers, custom slash commands, GEMINI.md context files, checkpointing, sandboxing, trusted folders and a non-interactive mode with JSON output for scripts.
Who it's for
Suits developers at companies that already pay for Gemini Code Assist or use Vertex or a paid API key. Individuals hoping for a free tier should read the README notice first, because that access moved to another product.
Key features
GEMINI.md context files
Give the agent persistent project instructions in a context file.
MCP server support
Add tools such as GitHub or a database through ~/.gemini/settings.json.
Headless scripting
`gemini -p` runs non-interactively, with json and stream-json output formats.
Checkpointing and sessions
Save and resume conversations.
Sandboxing and trusted folders
Control where commands can run and which folders it may act in.
Three auth routes
Sign in with Google for Code Assist licences, use a Gemini API key, or use Vertex AI.
Up and running in 3 steps
Our honest verdict
What's great
- Apache-2.0 code with weekly stable, preview and daily nightly npm channels, so you can pick how new a build you run.
- Headless mode with structured JSON and streaming output makes it scriptable in CI and automation.
- Custom commands, extensions and MCP servers can be shared and extended.
- It installs several ways: npx, npm, Homebrew, MacPorts or Anaconda.
Where it falls short
- The README's important notice says it is designed for Gemini Code Assist Standard or Enterprise on Google Cloud, so a typical solo developer may not be eligible.
- The same notice says free individual access and Google AI Pro or Ultra moved to Antigravity CLI on June 18, 2026.
- It is not tuned for the Gemini 4 series and the README says not to use it to benchmark Gemini models.
- Every request uses a paid Gemini model through a licence, API key or Vertex billing, so running costs scale with use.
Pricing & license
The Gemini CLI code is Apache-2.0 and free to install. Using it requires a paid Gemini Code Assist Standard or Enterprise licence, a Gemini API key with usage billing, or Vertex AI; the README states free individual access moved to Antigravity CLI. The README shows no prices for these, so check Google's own pages.
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Alternatives
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Use it, or have us set it up
FAQ
Is Gemini CLI still free?
Not for individuals, according to the README: free access and Google AI Pro or Ultra moved to Antigravity CLI on June 18, 2026. Gemini CLI now targets Code Assist Standard or Enterprise, plus legacy paid API or Vertex keys.
Can I use it in scripts?
Yes. `gemini -p` runs non-interactively and `--output-format json` or `stream-json` gives structured output.
Can I connect other tools?
Yes, through MCP servers configured in ~/.gemini/settings.json, and through extensions.
