Alphabet Inc.'s Google has unveiled a new artificial intelligence tool designed to simplify coding and enhance productivity for developers. Named Gemini CLI (Command Line Interface), the AI assistant helps programmers by enabling natural language interactions with their computers. This move is seen as part of Google's strategy to compete with AI tools like OpenAI’s Codex and Anthropic’s Claude Code.
The Gemini CLI is a globally available AI-powered command-line tool that allows developers to interact with their systems using everyday language. The tool simplifies traditional programming interfaces and helps users manage complex coding tasks with ease. According to Taylor Mullen, a senior staff software engineer at Google, Gemini CLI enables users to build sophisticated workflows by simply conversing with their computer.
Gemini CLI lets developers type natural language instructions rather than complex code. This makes it easier for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals alike to write code, automate tasks, and manage workflows.
While primarily designed as a coding assistant, Gemini CLI can also handle tasks beyond coding. Google states that developers can use it to generate video content, set up websites, and perform various terminal-based operations.
One of the standout features of Gemini CLI is that it is open source. This means developers can freely modify, redistribute, and contribute to the tool’s code. The open nature of the software aligns with Google’s aim to democratize AI coding and make the technology accessible to all.
Gemini CLI is not Google's first venture into open-source AI. The company has previously made its TensorFlow AI engine and several transformer-based models open to the public. Transformers are the foundation of today’s popular large language models (LLMs), including OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
In 2024, Google further demonstrated its open-source focus by introducing Gemma, a series of open large language models. Gemini CLI builds on this approach, signaling Google’s renewed commitment to collaborate with and support the developer community.
Developers can access Gemini CLI using any personal Google account. With this, users receive a free Gemini Code Assist license, providing access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, Google’s flagship AI model. The free tier offers:
60 requests per minute
1,000 requests per day
Those who opt for the paid standard version can make:
120 requests per minute
1,500 requests per day
For businesses, the enterprise version allows:
2,000 queries per day
Google’s vision for Gemini CLI extends beyond developers. As Ryan J. Salva, senior director of product at Google, noted, the tool is designed for everyone — from students and hobbyists to freelancers and professional developers. The goal is to ensure that all creators have equal access to cutting-edge AI technology.
Google believes AI assistants like Gemini CLI will redefine the way people work over the next decade. By simplifying programming and opening up possibilities for automation, tools like Gemini CLI could become an essential part of everyday workflows for coders and creators alike.