> getting started
Gemini CLI is Google's terminal agent, installed as the npm package @google/gemini-cli and run as the gemini binary. Launch it in a project folder and it becomes an agent that reads, edits, and runs code with your approval. Everything below assumes Node.js 20 or newer on your PATH.
// getting started
5 commands$ npm install -g @google/gemini-cli$ gemini$ gemini -m flash$ gemini --include-directories ../shared-lib,../api-types$ npm install -g @google/gemini-cli@latest// faq
How do I install Gemini CLI?
Install globally with npm install -g @google/gemini-cli, or use brew install gemini-cli on macOS and Linux. To run it once without installing, use npx @google/gemini-cli. All paths require Node.js 20+; verify with node --version.
Is Gemini CLI free to use?
Yes, with a personal Google account. Signing in with Google gives a free tier of 60 requests per minute and 1,000 requests per day. Heavier or enterprise use moves to a Gemini API key or Vertex AI billing.
What model does Gemini CLI use by default?
The default is the auto alias, which routes each turn between a Pro and a Flash model based on task complexity. Override it per session with -m (for example -m pro or -m gemini-2.5-pro) or permanently with the GEMINI_MODEL environment variable.
How do I update Gemini CLI to the latest version?
Reinstall with npm install -g @google/gemini-cli@latest for stable, @preview for early features, or @nightly for daily builds from main. Check your current version with gemini --version.