Question 1

How do I set up custom slash commands in Gemini CLI?

Accepted Answer

Create TOML files in a commands directory under .gemini/, with prompt templates. For example, test/gen.toml defines /test:gen, allowing reusable shortcuts for tasks like generating unit tests, as detailed in the README.

Question 2

Is Gemini CLI better than using Cursor or GitHub Copilot?

Accepted Answer

Gemini CLI excels in terminal-based, agentic workflows with file editing and tool execution, while Cursor and Copilot are more integrated into IDEs. Choose based on whether you prefer CLI automation versus inline code assistance.

Question 3

Can I use Gemini CLI for free without an API key?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with a Google account, you get free access to Gemini 2.5 Pro with limits (e.g., 1,000 requests per day). For higher quotas or enterprise features, an API key is required, which may involve costs.

Question 4

How to integrate Gemini CLI with VS Code?

Accepted Answer

The guide mentions leveraging IDE integration for context and diffs, but setup involves configuring settings.json and potentially using extensions, which may require additional steps beyond basic installation.

Question 5

What happens if Gemini CLI modifies a file incorrectly?

Accepted Answer

Use checkpointing enabled with --checkpointing and the /restore command to rollback changes. The README explains this as an undo button, but it only covers file system changes, not external side effects.

Question 6

Does Gemini CLI support working with multiple directories at once?

Accepted Answer

Yes, via the --include-directories flag or multi-directory workspace mode, allowing access to files across separate folders, useful for projects split into frontend and backend repos.

Gemini CLI Tips by Addy Osmani

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