Gemini CLI
Google’s open-source AI agent for the terminal.
- Stars
- 107.4K
- Forks
- 14.7K
- Open issues
- 745
- Last commit
- 2026-10-14
Live from the GitHub API · updated 2026-10-15
What is Gemini CLI?
Gemini CLI brings Gemini models into the terminal for coding, research and automation, with a large context window, built-in tools (file, shell, web search) and MCP support.
Key features
- Large context window
- Built-in file, shell and search tools
- MCP servers
- Generous free tier with a Google account
System requirements
- Platforms
- macOS · Linux · Windows
- Notes
- Node.js 20+.
How to install Gemini CLI
Summarized from the project’s README. Projects change quickly — check the GitHub page for the latest instructions.
npm
- 1Install and run, then sign in with Google.
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli gemini
Strengths
- Free tier
- Huge context
Limitations
- Gemini models only
Gemini CLI alternatives compared
| Software | Stars | License | Platforms | VRAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gemini CLI Google’s open-source AI agent for the terminal. | 107.4K | Apache-2.0 | — | |
| Codex CLI OpenAI’s lightweight coding agent for your terminal. | 129.3K | Apache-2.0 | — | |
| Aider AI pair programming in your terminal, with automatic git commits. | 49.6K | Apache-2.0 | — | |
| opencode Open-source AI coding agent built for the terminal. | 213.6K | MIT | — | |
| Continue Open-source AI code assistant for VS Code and JetBrains. | 36.2K | Apache-2.0 | — | |
| Cline Autonomous coding agent inside VS Code that asks before it acts. | 70.3K | Apache-2.0 | — |
FAQ
Is Gemini CLI free?
Yes — Gemini CLI is open-source software released under the Apache-2.0 license. Check the license (and any model weight licenses) before commercial use.
Does Gemini CLI run on Windows, Mac and Linux?
Gemini CLI supports: macOS, Linux, Windows.
How do I install Gemini CLI?
1. Install and run, then sign in with Google.
What are the best Gemini CLI alternatives?
Popular alternatives include Codex CLI, Aider, opencode, Continue. See the comparison table on this page.