Gemini CLI Overview
Gemini CLI is a standalone application developed by Google, compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. It supports the advanced Gemini 2.5 Pro and Gemini 2 language models. One of its standout features is a substantial context window of 1 million tokens, allowing for extensive data processing. Users can enjoy full terminal access and make use of multi-file agentic editing capabilities. Additionally, Gemini CLI offers predictive edits, enhancing the efficiency of code development. It also supports local inference, providing flexibility for developers working offline. The tool is available for free with an optional Pro tier, and it boasts a seamless migration process.
Pros
- ✓ Supports a large context window of 1 million tokens.
- ✓ Local inference capability.
- ✓ Full terminal access and multi-file agentic editing.
- ✓ Predictive edits for enhanced efficiency.
- ✓ Available for free with a Pro tier option.
Cons
- ✕ Limited to Gemini language models.
- ✕ Standard privacy mode may not suffice for all users.
SWE-agent Overview
SWE-agent is a cloud-based tool developed by SWE, designed for use on Ubuntu 24.04 and 24.10 systems. It is compatible with a variety of language models including Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Claude 4, GPT-4o, GPT-5, and Gemini 1.0, offering greater flexibility in model usage. However, it features a smaller context window of 200k tokens compared to Gemini CLI. SWE-agent does not support local inference, necessitating a constant internet connection for operation. Full terminal access and multi-file agentic editing are also available. The tool does not offer a free tier, and users are required to contact sales for pricing. Migration involves a setup process, which might be cumbersome for some users.
Pros
- ✓ Supports a wide range of language models.
- ✓ Full terminal access and multi-file agentic editing.
- ✓ Cloud-based architecture ensures updates and maintenance are handled by SWE.
Cons
- ✕ No local inference capability.
- ✕ Smaller context window of 200k tokens.
- ✕ No free tier available; pricing requires contacting sales.
- ✕ Migration requires setup.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Gemini CLI | SWE-agent |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | cloud |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Ubuntu 24.04, Ubuntu 24.10 |
| Developer | SWE | |
| Supported Llms | Gemini 2.5 Pro, Gemini 2 | Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Claude 4, GPT-4o, GPT-5, Gemini 1.0 |
| 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 | Contact Sales |
| Config File | GEMINI.md | .sweagentrc |
| Migration | Seamless | Requires setup |
Conclusion
Both Gemini CLI and SWE-agent present unique strengths and limitations. Gemini CLI is ideal for users seeking a standalone tool with local inference and predictive edits, while SWE-agent is better suited for those needing cloud-based solutions with broader model support. The choice between these tools will largely depend on the specific needs and operating environments of the end-user.