Google's official open-source terminal agent
Gemini CLI is Google's official open-source terminal AI agent (Apache-2.0). It reads repos, runs commands, has built-in Google Search and MCP — with a generous free tier, the best second knife beside Claude Code.
Updated 2026-09-04. Same-day snapshot of the official repo.
How to Get Started with Gemini CLI
3 steps to launch Google's official terminal agent.
Install
Install globally via npm, or use npx without installing.
npm install -g @google/gemini-cliAuthenticate
First run guides you through Google sign-in, or attach an API key.
geminiWork in your repo
Run `gemini` in your repo and assign tasks in the terminal.
geminiPitfalls
Daily free-tier caps
The free tier has daily caps. Attach an API key early if you plan heavy use, so it doesn't cut out mid-task.
Different CLI grammar
Coming from Claude Code, the slash commands, config and auth differ — don't expect muscle memory to carry over.
MCP config and permissions
Watch permission scope when wiring MCP tools. Like any coding agent it runs commands in your workspace — sandbox it in production.
Beside Claude Code & Cursor
Based on official public docs and licenses. Gemini CLI suits teams who want the Google ecosystem, a free tier and built-in search in a terminal agent.
| Tool | License | Surface | Positioning | Extensibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gemini CLI | Apache-2.0 | Terminal CLI | Google official, open-source, free tier + built-in search | MCP + plugin config |
| Claude Code | Proprietary / Closed | Terminal CLI | Anthropic official, fully managed | Skills / hooks / MCP; core closed |
| Cursor | Proprietary / Closed | AI-native IDE | Completion + chat + agent in one | Model choice + editor extensions |
Official Directory
Official
- Official site (geminicli.com)
Official site and installer.
- GitHub repository
Source, README and issues. Apache-2.0.
Docs & Install
- Documentation
Installation, auth, MCP and advanced usage.
- npm (@google/gemini-cli)
Install globally via npm.
Community
- Discord
Official Discord for discussion and feedback.
Related
- Gemini (Google)
Google's multimodal assistant, same brand as the CLI.
Latest Updates
2026-09-04 · GitHub · google-gemini/gemini-cli
Gemini CLI keeps shipping — built-in Google Search and MCPGoogle's official open-source terminal agent, Apache-2.0, with a free tier, built-in search and MCP — 100k+ stars.
LaoJin's Pick
FAQ
- What is Gemini CLI?
- Gemini CLI is Google's official open-source terminal AI agent (Apache-2.0) that brings Gemini straight into your shell. It reads repos, runs commands, has built-in Google Search and MCP support.
- How do I install Gemini CLI?
- Recommended: `npm install -g @google/gemini-cli`, or `npx @google/gemini-cli` without a global install. Homebrew, MacPorts and Anaconda also work. Then run `gemini`.
- Is Gemini CLI free?
- There's a free tier with daily caps, fine for light use. Heavy use should attach an API key from Google AI Studio or a Cloud project.
- Gemini CLI vs Claude Code?
- Claude Code is Anthropic's closed, fully-managed product with the richest ecosystem; Gemini CLI is open-source with a generous free tier and built-in search. Keep both, use whichever fits.
Need to deploy a team-level Agent system?
Open-source frameworks are free, but turning a runtime into an enterprise asset requires access control, RBAC sandboxes, and private RAG integrations. Laojin Global provides commercial-grade architecture and deployment support.
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How this hub stays current
Version and links live in src/content/gemini-cli.ts; star snapshots sync via GitHub API.