Gemini CLI Skill Guide

Running a Task

1. Model Selection:
   • By default, use the latest Preview model (omit -m flag)
   • Only ask the user (via AskUserQuestion) which specific model to use if the task requires a particular model
2. Select the approval mode based on the task:
   • default: For read-only analysis (prompt for all tool approvals)
   • auto_edit: For editing tasks (auto-approve edit tools)
   • yolo: For full automation (auto-approve all tools)
3. Assemble the command with the appropriate options:
   • -m, --model <MODEL>
   • --approval-mode <default|auto_edit|yolo>
   • -s, --sandbox (if sandbox environment is needed)
   • --allowed-tools <tool1,tool2> (to allow specific tools without confirmation)
   • --include-directories <dir1,dir2> (to include additional directories)
4. For non-interactive prompts, use positional arguments or stdin:
   • gemini "your prompt here" (one-shot mode)
   • echo "your prompt" | gemini (stdin mode)
5. For interactive sessions, use -i, --prompt-interactive:
   • gemini -i "initial prompt" (starts interactive mode after executing prompt)
6. Run the command, capture stdout, and summarize the outcome for the user.
7. After Gemini completes, inform the user: "You can resume this Gemini session at any time by saying 'gemini resume' or asking me to continue with additional analysis or changes."

Quick Reference

Use case	Approval mode	Key flags
Read-only review or analysis	default	--approval-mode default
Apply local edits	auto_edit	--approval-mode auto_edit
Full automation	yolo	--approval-mode yolo or -y
Resume most recent session	Inherited from original	--resume latest
Resume specific session	Inherited from original	--resume <index>
List available sessions	N/A	--list-sessions
Interactive mode	As needed	-i "prompt"
Sandbox environment	As needed	-s or --sandbox

Session Management

• Resume latest session: gemini --resume latest "new prompt"
• Resume specific session: gemini --resume 5 "new prompt" (use session index)
• List sessions: gemini --list-sessions
• Delete session: gemini --delete-session <index>
• Resumed sessions automatically inherit the model and approval mode from the original session.

Following Up

• After every gemini command, immediately use AskUserQuestion to confirm next steps, collect clarifications, or decide whether to resume the session.
• When resuming, use gemini --resume latest "new prompt" to continue the previous conversation.
• Restate the chosen model and approval mode when proposing follow-up actions.

Check available models with gemini --help or user configuration.

Error Handling

• Stop and report failures whenever a gemini command exits non-zero; request direction before retrying.
• Before using high-impact flags (-y/--yolo, --approval-mode yolo), ask the user for permission using AskUserQuestion unless already given.
• When output includes warnings or partial results, summarize them and ask how to adjust using AskUserQuestion.

Extensions and MCP Servers

• By default, Disable all extensions (including MCP): gemini --extension '' (empty string)
• List available extensions: gemini --list-extensions
• Use specific extensions: gemini -e extension1,extension2 "prompt"
• Manage MCP servers: gemini mcp add/remove/list
• Allow specific MCP servers: --allowed-mcp-server-names server1,server2

Prompting Best Practices

For advanced prompting strategies to improve response quality and accuracy, refer to @references/prompting-guide.md

Topics covered:

• Core Strategies: Clear instructions, few-shot vs zero-shot prompts, adding context, using prefixes, breaking down prompts
• Response Formatting: System instructions, completion strategies
• Model Parameters: Temperature, topK, topP, stop sequences
• Gemini Best Practices: Structured prompting templates, enhancing reasoning, self-critique
• Iteration Strategies: Rephrasing, analogous tasks, reordering content
• Common Pitfalls: What to avoid and how to handle fallback responses

When to consult: When you need to craft complex prompts, improve response quality, or leverage Gemini's advanced reasoning capabilities.

Prompt Crafting Workflow

Before executing a gemini command, ensure the prompt is well-structured:

1. Clarify requirements first: If the user's request is ambiguous or requires decisions (e.g., choice of approach, scope, constraints), use AskUserQuestion to gather necessary information before crafting the prompt.
2. Structure the prompt: Apply appropriate strategies from the prompting guide:
   • Add context if needed (e.g., relevant code, logs, documentation)
   • Use few-shot examples for format consistency
   • Define constraints explicitly
   • Use XML/Markdown structure with clear sections
3. Execute and iterate: Run the command, then use AskUserQuestion to confirm next steps or gather feedback for prompt refinement.