Google¡¯s Gemini CLI is here: Everything you need to know about the free AI tool for developers

Google has released a new tool called Gemini CLI that brings Gemini AI directly into developer terminals. The command line tool gives developers fast and easy access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, making it simple to write code, fix bugs and run tasks using natural language.

It is free to use and works on Windows, Mac and Linux. Developers just need a Google account and a free Gemini Code Assist license to get started. Once set up, they get 60 model requests per minute and up to 1,000 requests every day at no cost.

What can Gemini CLI do?

Finally! Google has just released Gemini CLI an AI agent that brings Gemini directly into your terminal

¡ú 1,000 free requests PER DAY
¡ú Open source

You can use it as a coding agent, automate tasks, use MCPs, generate videos & images, etc.

Steps to install and use it: pic.twitter.com/unauuwMXJh

¡ª Paul Couvert (@itsPaulAi) June 25, 2025

Gemini CLI is more than just a coding assistant. It can also help with writing content, researching topics, managing tasks and even creating images or videos by connecting to tools like Imagen and Veo. The tool supports Google¡¯s Model Context Protocol, which allows it to fetch real-time data from the web when needed.

It can be used for:

• Code generation and debugging
• Running commands in natural language
• Automating workflows
• Extending support using plugins and custom prompts

Built for terminals and open-source

Gemini CLI is fully open source, so developers can explore how it works and even contribute improvements. Google hopes the open nature of the project will lead to global support from the developer community. The tool also supports custom settings for both personal and team use.

Here's how you can use the Gemini CLI provider in Cline:

1. Run the following in your terminal:

npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
gemini

2. Follow the prompts to log in with your personal Google account

3. Select the "Gemini CLI" provider in Cline's settings pic.twitter.com/E54Tx6hi4g

¡ª Cline (@cline) June 26, 2025

It is designed to work smoothly with Gemini Code Assist, Google¡¯s AI assistant built for IDEs like VS Code. Developers using both tools can enjoy a connected and powerful AI experience, whether they are inside a code editor or the terminal.

Easy to install and use

To use Gemini CLI, developers can download it from the official page and sign in with their Google account. The setup takes less than a minute. Once installed, they can begin typing natural language commands directly into their terminal and watch Gemini respond in real time.

Google says this is just the start. The company plans to improve Gemini CLI further with community feedback and new updates. For developers looking to bring AI into their daily workflow without paying, Gemini CLI offers one of the easiest ways to get started.