Gemini CLI

Terminal coding agent from Google with stable, preview, and nightly channels.

Type: CLI

Best for: Backup vendor terminal workflows

Official docs: https://geminicli.com/docs/get-started/installation/

Last verified: 2026-07-12

Status: Confirmed

Quick Start

gemini

Installation

macOS

brew install gemini-cli

Windows

npm install -g @google/gemini-cli

Linux

npm install -g @google/gemini-cli

WSL

npm install -g @google/gemini-cli

Authentication

Use the supported account or API-key flow from the official docs.

Basic Commands

gemini --version
gemini

Intermediate Commands

  • use npx @google/gemini-cli for no-install runs

Advanced Commands

gemini --sandbox -y -p "your prompt here"

Project Configuration

Instruction Files

  • team-defined conventions only

Models and Versions

  • stable, preview, and nightly channels are documented

Permissions and Security

  • use sandboxing when command execution risk matters

MCP / Integrations

Tool-dependent.

Common Workflows

  • backup provider path
  • terminal coding

Team Best Practices

  • keep stable as team default

Troubleshooting

  • verify Node and npm environment

When to Use

  • second-vendor CLI strategy

When Not to Use

  • when the team wants a single IDE-first standard

Sources