Developers now have a powerful new ally right in their terminals. Google has introduced Gemini CLI, a tool that brings artificial intelligence directly into the command line, enabling coders to interact with their workspace using everyday language and transforming how they work.
An AI Assistant in the Terminal
Gemini CLI operates as a locally-run utility, placing Google’s advanced AI models at a developer’s beck and call. Through natural language conversations, users can instruct the tool to write new code, clarify confusing sections, or execute commands.
Its versatility extends beyond just coding; the tool can also generate videos using Google’s Veo model or compile research reports, making it valuable for a wide range of creative professionals.
This command-line assistant is built on the same foundation as Gemini Code Assist, which is already available in popular code editors like VS Code. This shared technology provides a consistent experience whether a developer is working within an integrated development environment or their terminal, ensuring accessibility for everyone from students to seasoned experts.
Also Read: Google’s new AI Search in India now answers your most complex questions
Fostering Growth with Open Access
Google is encouraging broad adoption by releasing Gemini CLI as an open-source project under the permissive Apache 2.0 license. This allows developers to freely examine, modify, and enhance the tool on GitHub, promoting transparency and building on Google’s history of open AI projects like TensorFlow and Gemma.
To further drive its use, Google is offering a remarkably generous free tier for individual developers. A personal Google account unlocks a Gemini Code Assist license, granting access to the Gemini 1.5 Pro model with up to 60 requests per minute and 1,000 requests daily. For professional teams needing more, paid plans increase these limits significantly.
Also Read: Anthropic wins on fair use but faces trial for pirate library
Navigating a Competitive Field
The launch of Gemini CLI places Google in direct competition with established AI tools from OpenAI and Anthropic. While these assistants are popular, many developers remain cautious about their reliability, as studies have shown that AI-generated code can sometimes contain errors or security flaws. By making Gemini CLI open-source and highly capable, Google aims to cultivate trust and build a direct relationship with the developer community.
