Automate Your Dev Workflow with Gemini (Free Guide)

https://testinprod.co - Get The Gemini CLI Master Guide

AI coding apps often have a brutal learning curve, and the terminal is still a scary place for many developers. In this video, I cut through the scattered, overly-technical documentation to bring you a "Master Functional Guide" for the Gemini CLI. The goal is simple: stop being intimidated by the command line and start using it as a high-speed conversation with your codebase.

I walk you through the essential setup, comparing the standard authentication against the API Key method that unlocks "Context Caching." We break down the core "Ask, Clarify, Act, Review" loop that makes the terminal feel natural, and I show you exactly how to save tokens and money using the @ command for targeted file context and /compress to manage your memory usage efficiently.

We also dive into the "Power User" features that turn Gemini into a true workspace manager. This includes setting up .gemini.md files for persistent Global and Project memory, navigating the three safety levels (from "Safe Mode" to the chaotic "YOLO Mode"), and installing Extensions and MCPs like "Critical Think" to catch hallucinations. If you are tired of guessing at CLI commands or breaking your build, this cheat sheet is your manual.

0:00 Intro: The "Scary Terminal" Problem
1:30 Auth: API Key vs. Standard (Context Caching)
2:40 The Core Loop: Ask, Clarify, Act, Review
4:08 The "@" Command (Targeting Files)
4:55 Slash Commands: Models & Compression
6:40 Project Setup: The /init Command
7:35 Tracking Usage with /stats
8:40 Memory: Global vs. Project Rules (.md files)
10:20 Safety Modes: Safe vs. YOLO Mode
11:55 Checkpointing & Sandboxing
13:25 The Built-in Toolbox (Shell, Search, CRUD)
14:55 Creating Custom Commands (e.g., /explain)
16:35 Installing MCPs (Model Context Protocols)
17:25 Extensions: Using "Critical Think"
18:45 Configuration & System Prompts