Gemini CLI
Gemini CLI, developed by Google, is a standalone tool that offers extensive flexibility and power for developers working across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its support for large language models like Gemini 2.5 Pro and Gemini 2, combined with a massive context window of 1 million tokens, makes it a formidable choice for complex tasks requiring comprehensive context handling. The tool supports local inference, ensuring operations can be conducted offline, which enhances privacy and security. Gemini CLI offers full terminal access and enables agentic editing with multi-file capabilities, providing users with robust control over their coding environment. Additionally, its predictive edits feature aids developers by suggesting code improvements, streamlining workflow efficiency. It adheres to a standard privacy policy and holds a SOC2 Type II certification for enterprise-level security.
Pros
- ✓ Supports a wide range of operating systems.
- ✓ Large context window of 1 million tokens.
- ✓ Local inference capability.
- ✓ Full terminal access and agentic editing.
- ✓ Predictive edits feature.
Cons
- ✕ Limited to specific supported LLMs.
- ✕ No custom model integration.
RooCode
RooCode is a versatile plugin developed by Roo that integrates seamlessly with various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports an array of prominent large language models such as GPT-5, Claude 4.5, and Gemini 3.0, and even includes its custom model, The Coder. With a context window of 200k tokens, RooCode offers substantial capacity for processing large volumes of code. Like Gemini CLI, it supports local inference, ensuring privacy and security through offline processing. The tool also allows full terminal access and multi-file agentic editing, providing developers with comprehensive control over their coding tasks. However, unlike Gemini CLI, it does not offer predictive edits, which might be a consideration for those seeking automated code suggestions. RooCode is compliant with standard privacy policies and holds a SOC2 Type II certification, ensuring enterprise-level security.
Pros
- ✓ Integrates with multiple LLMs and custom model.
- ✓ Plugin architecture allows flexible integration.
- ✓ Local inference and full terminal access.
- ✓ Multi-file agentic editing.
Cons
- ✕ Smaller context window compared to Gemini CLI.
- ✕ Lacks predictive edits feature.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Gemini CLI | RooCode |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | plugin |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | Roo | |
| Supported Llms | Gemini 2.5 Pro, Gemini 2 | GPT-5, Claude 4.5, Gemini 3.0, Bedrock-Titan, Ollama-local |
| Custom Model | – | The Coder |
| Context Window | 1M tokens | 200k tokens |
| Agentic Editing | Yes, multi-file | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | Full | Full |
| Privacy Mode | Standard Privacy Policy | Standard Privacy Policy |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Free/Pro | Free/Pro |
| Config File | GEMINI.md | .roorc |
| Migration | Seamless | Seamless |
Conclusion
Both Gemini CLI and RooCode offer unique strengths for developers. Gemini CLI excels with its extensive context window and predictive editing capabilities, making it ideal for complex, context-heavy tasks. In contrast, RooCode’s integration with multiple language models and its plugin architecture offer versatility and customization, although it lacks predictive editing. Choosing between them depends on specific needs, such as context requirements and model flexibility.