Gemini CLI Reference
Quick reference for Gemini CLI commands and configuration.
Installation
| Method | Command |
|---|---|
| NPX (no install) | npx @google/gemini-cli |
| NPM | npm install -g @google/gemini-cli |
| Homebrew | brew install gemini-cli |
| MacPorts | sudo port install gemini-cli |
Authentication
| Method | Setup |
|---|---|
| Google OAuth | Run gemini and select "Login with Google" |
| API Key | Set GEMINI_API_KEY env var (get from aistudio.google.com/apikey) |
| Vertex AI | Set GOOGLE_API_KEY + GOOGLE_GENAI_USE_VERTEXAI=true |
Basic Commands
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
gemini | Start interactive REPL |
gemini "query" | Start REPL with initial prompt |
gemini -p "query" | One-shot query (pipe mode) |
Common Flags
| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
-p, --prompt <text> | One-shot query mode (pipe mode) |
-i, --prompt-interactive | Interactive prompt mode |
--input <text> | Input for the prompt |
-m, --model | Specify model |
-s, --sandbox | Enable sandbox mode |
--approval-mode | Set approval mode (default/auto_edit/plan/yolo) |
--output-format | Output format (text/json/stream-json) |
-d, --debug | Enable debug mode |
-r, --resume | Resume previous conversation |
--list-sessions | List available sessions |
--delete-session <id> | Delete a specific session |
--allowed-tools <list> | Specify tools that bypass confirmation |
-e, --extensions <names> | Specify extensions to use |
-l, --list-extensions | List available extensions |
--allowed-mcp-server-names | Configure MCP servers |
--screen-reader | Screen reader optimization |
--color / --no-color | Control colored output |
Slash Commands
| Category | Commands |
|---|---|
| Session | /chat, /clear, /resume, /rewind, /save, /quit |
| Config | /settings, /auth, /theme, /vim, /model |
| Tools | /tools, /mcp, /hooks, /skills, /extensions |
| Memory | /memory, /compress |
| Context | /directory, /restore |
| Workflow | /bug, /copy, /editor, /init, /setup-github, /export |
| Info | /help, /about, /docs, /stats, /privacy, /introspect, /version |
| Shell | /shells (or /bashes) |
| IDE | /ide, /terminal-setup, /policies |
Special Syntax
| Syntax | Description |
|---|---|
@path | Include file/directory in context |
!command | Execute shell command |
Configuration Files
| Location | Scope |
|---|---|
~/.gemini/settings.json | Global settings |
.gemini/settings.json | Project settings |
GEMINI.md | Project instructions |
Detailed References
- •commands.md - All slash, @ and ! commands
- •flags.md - All CLI flags by category
- •configuration.md - Settings, env vars, MCP config
- •examples.md - Common usage examples