Google has introduced Gemini CLI as part of its latest effort to integrate AI into everyday workflows. This open-source utility sends its Gemini 2.5 Pro model directly to the terminal.
The utility claims to assist developers in writing, debugging, and even deploying code, without leaving their Windows or Linux platforms. It’s quick, free (at least for now), and designed to fit where many developers spend the majority of their time: the command line.
But can it go beyond initial hype to become a central part of the developer toolchain?
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AI That Works In The Shell
Gemini CLI operates within the terminal on macOS, Linux, and Windows. It can be prompted by developers to create code, debug issues, or execute shell commands. It takes natural language requests and acts on them based on the files and context present in the local environment.
What distinguishes it is its large context window, which can span up to one million tokens. This enables the model to scan complete projects or big documentation files without getting lost.
And it’s not only code. Gemini CLI integrates with other Google services such as Imagen and Veo, allowing users to create images or short videos with a single command. This makes it more than a coder’s sidekick; it’s a multimodal creative tool in its own right.
Open Source, Broad Access
Google has made the tool open source under the Apache 2.0 license. It allows developers to examine the code, fork it, or create bespoke integrations. It allows extensions via Google’s Model Context Protocol (MCP), so teams can add internal systems, APIs, or private search layers.
Currently, access is complimentary. Anyone with a Google account and a Gemini Code Assist license can make:
- A maximum of 60 requests per minute
- Up to 1,000 requests per day
That’s a generous allowance compared to tools like GitHub Copilot or OpenAI’s CLI models.
A Tool With Potential, And Problems
Early adopters have mixed views. Some say the experience feels seamless and powerful. They appreciate that they can stay inside the terminal and still receive AI assistance with coding, deployment, or content creation.
But others raise shortfalls. The model slows down at times. Prompts do not always yield expected outputs. Currently, it lacks solid ‘agentic’ capabilities, i.e., it can’t yet plan or carry out long, multi-step tasks on its own.
Some of its developers on forums accused the release of being hasty. Others called the tool ‘promising but incomplete.’
Why Google’s Strategy Matters
Google is playing a long game. By providing developers with a strong, free, open-source AI agent within their day-to-day workflow, it aims to create habits and loyalty.
This isn’t merely a product. It’s a platform play. Just as Chrome provided Google with a browser beachhead, Gemini CLI is designed to be the AI layer within every developer’s toolkit.
The terminal is where professional developers reside. That’s where automation, scripting, and deployment take place. If Gemini becomes useful there, Google may develop a gigantic advantage, not only over Copilot, but over competitors such as OpenDevin or Claude Code.
The CLI also integrates with Google’s broader ecosystem, including Gemini models, Workspace, Cloud, and even creative tools. It’s a low-key lock-in.
What Lies Ahead
Gemini CLI isn’t flawless. It’s new, still rough around the edges. But it’s also ambitious.
By placing AI in the terminal and making it open and accessible, Google is rethinking developer workflow. It’s not inviting them to change platforms. It’s coming to them where they already are.
The question isn’t whether AI has a place in the terminal. It’s which one will be there first, and remain.
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