Gemini CLI extensions: Build a personalized, AI-powered terminal with an open ecosystem

Google launched Gemini CLI extensions, a new way to integrate external tools directly into the AI-powered Gemini CLI via installable packages with built-in playbooks. The open ecosystem includes major partners and a catalog for discovery, while extensions bundle MCP servers, context files, and custom commands to deliver smarter, context-aware interactions. Google also shipped numerous first-party extensions and encourages developers to build and share their own.

Key Points

• Gemini CLI extensions are installable integrations with built-in playbooks that let the AI use external tools immediately, reducing setup and context switching.
• The ecosystem is open: developers can discover, install, and build extensions, with a catalog at geminicli.com/extensions and a simple install command.
• Extensions package intelligence around MCP connections, bundling MCP servers, context files, excluded tools, and custom commands to enable smarter, personalized workflows.
• Launch partners include Dynatrace, Elastic, Figma, Harness, Postman, Shopify, Snyk, and Stripe, covering performance, search, design, CI/CD, APIs, commerce, security, and payments.
• Google released many first-party extensions (e.g., Cloud Run, GKE, gcloud, Observability, Code Review, Security, Maps, Flutter, Chrome DevTools, Firebase, Genkit, Looker, Data Cloud, Nano Banana, MCP Toolbox) to accelerate adoption.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment is mixed. While the technical concept is met with some interest and approval, substantial concerns are raised regarding security and trust for third-party extensions, the potential for developer overwhelm due to a proliferation of tools, and questions about the strategic prioritization of Google's own product integrations.

In Agreement

• The general concept of extending CLI functionality with AI is seen as "Cool" and appealing.
• The technical mechanism of using GitHub repositories with `gemini-extension.json` and `GEMINI.md` files for configuration is understood as a practical way to manage and deploy these extensions.

Opposed

• It is perceived as strange that Google did not prioritize starting with extensions for its own Google Workspace services like Drive, Docs, Sheets, or Chat.
• Significant security and trust challenges are highlighted, as Google explicitly states it does not vet, endorse, or guarantee third-party extensions, leading to an expectation of a high volume of attacks, especially given the high value of AI systems.
• The increasing number of different CLI and IDE tools and extension points could become "overwhelming" for developers.
• A clarifying question suggests a potential oversimplification of the core functionality, asking if it's merely a way to pull in more context/info about MCP servers via `.MD` files.