# Gemini CLI Setup

> This guide explains how to install and use planning-with-files with Gemini CLI.

- Skill: `tools-only/gemini-cli-setup` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tools-only/gemini-cli-setup`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tools-only/gemini-cli-setup/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector CAUTION)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tools-only (https://skillmd.com/u/tools-only)
- Updated: 2026-09-29
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tools-only/gemini-cli-setup

---

# Gemini CLI Setup

This guide explains how to install and use planning-with-files with [Gemini CLI](https://geminicli.com/).

## Prerequisites

- Gemini CLI v0.23 or later
- Agent Skills enabled in settings

## Enable Agent Skills

Agent Skills is an experimental feature. Enable it first:

```bash
# Open settings
gemini /settings

# Search for "Skills" → Toggle "Agent Skills" to true → Press Esc to save
```

Or edit `~/.gemini/settings.json`:

```json
{
  "experimental": {
    "skills": true
  }
}
```

## Installation Methods

### Method 1: Install from GitHub (Recommended)

```bash
gemini skills install https://github.com/OthmanAdi/planning-with-files --path .gemini/skills/planning-with-files
```

### Method 2: Manual Installation (User-level)

```bash
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/OthmanAdi/planning-with-files.git

# Copy to Gemini skills folder
cp -r planning-with-files/.gemini/skills/planning-with-files ~/.gemini/skills/
```

### Method 3: Manual Installation (Workspace-level)

For project-specific installation:

```bash
# In your project directory
mkdir -p .gemini/skills

# Copy skill
cp -r /path/to/planning-with-files/.gemini/skills/planning-with-files .gemini/skills/
```

## Verify Installation

```bash
# List all skills
gemini skills list

# Should show:
# - planning-with-files: Implements Manus-style file-based planning...
```

Or in an interactive session:

```
/skills list
```

## Skill Discovery Tiers

Skills are loaded from three locations with this precedence:

| Tier | Location | Scope |
|------|----------|-------|
| Workspace | `.gemini/skills/` | Project-specific (highest priority) |
| User | `~/.gemini/skills/` | All projects |
| Extension | Bundled with extensions | Lowest priority |

Higher-precedence locations override lower ones when names conflict.

## Usage

### Automatic Activation

Gemini will automatically detect when to use this skill based on the task description. For complex multi-step tasks, it will prompt you:

```
Gemini wants to activate skill: planning-with-files
Purpose: Implements Manus-style file-based planning for complex tasks
Allow? [y/n]
```

### Manual Activation

You can also manually enable/disable skills:

```
/skills enable planning-with-files
/skills disable planning-with-files
/skills reload
```

## How It Works

1. **Session Start**: Gemini loads skill names and descriptions
2. **Task Detection**: When you describe a complex task, Gemini matches it to the skill
3. **Activation Prompt**: You approve the skill activation
4. **Instructions Loaded**: Full SKILL.md content is added to context
5. **Execution**: Gemini follows the planning workflow

## Skill Structure

```
.gemini/skills/planning-with-files/
├── SKILL.md              # Main skill instructions
├── templates/
│   ├── task_plan.md      # Phase tracking template
│   ├── findings.md       # Research storage template
│   └── progress.md       # Session logging template
├── scripts/
│   ├── init-session.sh   # Initialize planning files
│   ├── check-complete.sh # Verify completion
│   ├── init-session.ps1  # Windows PowerShell version
│   └── check-complete.ps1
└── references/
    ├── reference.md      # Manus principles
    └── examples.md       # Real-world examples
```

## Sharing Skills with Claude Code

If you use both Gemini CLI and Claude Code, you can share skills:

```bash
# Create symlink (Linux/macOS)
ln -s ~/.claude/skills ~/.gemini/skills

# Or copy between them
cp -r ~/.claude/skills/planning-with-files ~/.gemini/skills/
```

## Troubleshooting

### Skill not appearing

1. Check skills are enabled: `gemini /settings` → Search "Skills"
2. Verify installation: `gemini skills list`
3. Reload skills: `/skills reload`

### Skill not activating

- Make sure your task description matches the skill's purpose
- Try manually enabling: `/skills enable planning-with-files`

### Path issues on Windows

Use PowerShell:

```powershell
# Copy to user skills
Copy-Item -Recurse -Path ".\.gemini\skills\planning-with-files" -Destination "$env:USERPROFILE\.gemini\skills\"
```

## Resources

- [Gemini CLI Documentation](https://geminicli.com/docs/)
- [Agent Skills Guide](https://geminicli.com/docs/cli/skills/)
- [Skills Tutorial](https://geminicli.com/docs/cli/tutorials/skills-getting-started/)