Image source: Google

October 8, 2025 — Google today announced the launch of the Genkit Extension for Gemini CLI, a new integration that brings deep understanding of Genkit’s architecture, SDKs, and development tools directly into Gemini CLI. This new extension allows developers to build, debug, and iterate on AI applications faster than ever — all from the command line.

The Genkit Extension is part of a broader ecosystem of Gemini CLI extensions launching today, designed to expand the AI-powered CLI’s capabilities across modern developer workflows.

Making AI Development More Seamless

The Genkit Extension for Gemini CLI provides developers with an AI assistant that understands Genkit’s unique patterns and frameworks. By combining Genkit’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) server with specialized context files, Gemini CLI gains a comprehensive understanding of how to work with Genkit SDKs — enabling it to deliver context-aware, intelligent guidance throughout the development process.

Developers can install the extension in seconds using the command:

gemini extensions install https://github.com/gemini-cli-extensions/genkit

Once installed, Gemini CLI automatically configures itself with Genkit-specific tools and knowledge.

Key Features and Capabilities

1. Deep Integration with Genkit MCP Tools

The extension introduces a suite of Genkit-specific MCP tools that enhance productivity and insight, including:

• get_usage_guide – Provides language-specific Genkit usage tips and implementation patterns.

• lookup_genkit_docs – Fetches the latest, language-aware Genkit documentation directly in the CLI.

• list_flows – Displays all flows defined in the current Genkit application.

• run_flow – Executes Genkit flows interactively for testing or debugging.

• get_trace – Analyzes OpenTelemetry traces to understand execution paths and performance.

These tools allow developers to explore and refine their AI flows without leaving their terminal environment.

2. Context-Aware AI Development Assistance

By understanding Genkit’s architecture and conventions, Gemini CLI can now:

• Generate AI features using established Genkit design patterns.

• Debug applications intelligently, identifying flow inconsistencies and suggesting fixes.

• Offer real-time best-practice recommendations that align with Genkit’s official guidance.

This means developers no longer need to reference multiple documentation sources — Gemini CLI, powered by the Genkit Extension, becomes the intelligent interface between their code and Genkit’s AI infrastructure.

3. Seamless Integration with Existing Workflows

The Genkit Extension integrates directly into developers’ existing setups, respecting their chosen providers and frameworks. It’s also optimized for Google Gen AI services and works seamlessly with the Genkit Developer UI for debugging, tracing, and visualization.

Getting Started

Prerequisites:

• Install the Gemini CLI.

Installation Command:

gemini extensions install https://github.com/gemini-cli-extensions/genkit

Once installed, Gemini CLI automatically detects Genkit projects and enables AI-assisted tools and commands.

Advancing AI-Assisted Development

With the Genkit Extension, Google continues its mission to make AI application development faster, more intelligent, and developer-friendly. The integration reflects Google’s broader vision of open, extensible AI tooling, empowering developers to focus on creativity and problem-solving instead of setup and debugging.

“The Genkit Extension for Gemini CLI gives developers a powerful, AI-aware assistant that understands their tools, their code, and their workflow,” said Chris Gill, Product Manager at Google. “It brings the intelligence of Gemini and the flexibility of Genkit together — right inside the terminal.”

Availability

The Genkit Extension for Gemini CLI is available today. Developers can explore it on the official Genkit Extension Repository and learn more through Google’s documentation on Gemini CLI Extensions.

About Gemini CLI

Gemini CLI is Google’s open-source, AI-powered command-line assistant that helps developers build, debug, and deploy code using natural language. With support for extensions and open protocols like MCP, Gemini CLI is redefining how developers interact with their tools — making AI an integral part of modern software development.