Your First Session with Gemini CLI

This guide shows you what to do after you install Gemini CLI. A session is one conversation with Gemini CLI. It starts when you type gemini and ends when you quit.

Go to your project folder

Gemini CLI works on the files in the folder where you start it. Use a test folder first, not a folder with important files. Folders in the terminal shows how to make a folder and go into it with cd.

Start Gemini CLI

$ gemini

Type your first request

Type /help and press Enter to see the commands. Then describe what you want in plain words. For example:

Explain what the files in this folder do.

Answer a permission question

When Gemini wants to change files or run a command, it stops and asks you. Google's example: you ask Gemini to rename photos, Gemini asks for permission, and you select Allow once. Read the action before you allow it. If you are not sure, refuse and ask Gemini to explain.

You can also start Gemini in a different approval mode with --approval-mode. The choices are default (asks you), auto_edit, yolo (approves everything) and plan (read-only planning). Keep default until you know the tool well. Never use yolo in a folder with important files.

If you turn on the trusted folders setting, Gemini asks once per folder whether you trust it. In a folder you do not trust, Gemini works in a restricted safe mode.

Cancel a request

Press Ctrl + C to cancel the current request. When the prompt is empty, Ctrl + C quits Gemini CLI. Esc closes a dialog.

Quit the session

Type /quit (or /exit) and press Enter.

Useful commands inside a session

Next, give Gemini a superpower: install a skill.