How to Install and Use Google Gemini CLI

What is Gemini CLI?

In May 2024, Google launched Gemini CLI — a powerful, open-source AI agent for developers.

Unlike browser-based chatbots, Gemini CLI works directly inside your terminal, allowing you to use Google’s AI to understand, refactor, and build code — inside your real local project folder.

It’s built using Google’s open-source AI agent architecture and offers:

• Natural language AI assistant (like ChatGPT but on terminal)
• Project context awareness (reads your actual files)
• One-command setup
• Support for Python, TypeScript, Go, and more
• Customizable agent logic (for advanced devs)

Let’s set it up 👇

Prerequisites

Before we install Gemini CLI, make sure you have:

• Python 3.10 or newer
• pip (Python package manager)
• A working terminal (Linux/macOS/Windows WSL)
• Git installed
• (Optional) An existing project folder (to see the magic)

⚙Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Install Gemini CLI

Open your terminal and run:

pip install -U gemini-cli

Done. Yes, it’s that simple.

Now test if it’s working:

gemini

This will open the Gemini shell in your terminal.

2. Move to Your Code Project Folder

The real power of Gemini CLI comes when it understands your files.

cd your-project-folder/
gemini

Now the agent can read your files, structure, and help you intelligently.

3. Start Talking to Gemini!

Once inside the Gemini prompt (>>>), you can type natural language commands.

Examples:

>>> Summarize this repo
>>> Refactor login.py to use async functions
>>> Explain the error in utils.ts
>>> Generate unit tests for payment.py
>>> Improve the folder structure for a TypeScript monorepo

Gemini CLI uses Google’s Gemini API under the hood. It understands file relationships and can suggest improvements beyond just code.

Behind the Scenes: What Makes It Powerful?

• Context awareness: Reads your actual file structure.
• Command-driven: Runs within any terminal. No web needed.
• Open source: Built by Google, powered by openagent.
• Extendable: You can build your own plugins and memory system using Python.

Gemini CLI is designed to be a “starter agent” for devs building more custom AI tooling on top of local or cloud environments.

Why Is Gemini CLI Better Than Traditional Chatbots?

It’s designed for builders, not casual users.

Pro Tips for Usage

• Use inside real project folders to get smart, contextual help
• Save frequently used commands in a .gemini_config
• Use with version control so you can test Gemini's changes safely
• Combine it with build tools (e.g., Docker, Makefile) to auto-generate build scripts or configs

Update or Uninstall Gemini CLI

Update:

pip install -U gemini-cli

Uninstall:

pip uninstall gemini-cli

Final Thoughts

If you’re a developer, student, or indie builder, Gemini CLI is your next best productivity hack.

• No switching windows
• No prompt copying
• No context loss

Just AI + Code + Terminal in perfect sync.

Need Help or Examples?

Explore the full docs and source here:

👉 Gemini CLI GitHub

​