Directory / Gemini CLI
Gemini CLI
Verified
Google’s open-source terminal agent for Gemini models.
Gemini CLI is Google’s command-line coding agent. It reads a project, edits files, runs tools, and is Apache-licensed as a client. Inference is Gemini. It is the terminal counterpart to Gemini Code Assist and Jules, not a replacement for either.
- Model independence
- Locked
- Deployment
- Self-hosted
- Open source
- Yes
- License
- Apache-2.0 (CLI); Gemini API terms for inference
- Pricing model
- Mixed
- Added / updated
- 19 Aug 2026 / 19 Aug 2026
geminicli.com · Docs · Source
Editorial take
An open CLI that only wants Gemini is still a locked factory execution layer. The Apache client is useful — you can see the tool loop — and insufficient if you need to swap labs. Prefer this over a closed binary if Google is already the model vendor. Prefer Aider if it is not.
Strengths
- Public CLI source with a terminal workflow similar to Claude Code’s posture.
- First-party path for Gemini, including Google auth.
- Runnable in CI as a headless client.
Limitations
- Model-locked to Gemini.
- Open source stops at the client. The models and quota are Google’s.
- Not a sandbox or preview host.