Gemini CLI: A Comprehensive Standalone Solution
Gemini CLI, developed by Google, is a robust standalone tool designed for developers seeking a versatile command-line interface. Supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux, this tool is compatible with advanced language models like Gemini 2.5 Pro and Gemini 2. With a generous context window of 1 million tokens, Gemini CLI offers local inference capabilities, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer offline processing. It provides full terminal access and supports multi-file agentic editing, ensuring a seamless workflow for complex projects. Predictive edits further streamline the coding process, enhancing productivity. While the standard privacy policy ensures data security, enterprise users benefit from SOC2 Type II certification. Gemini CLI is available in both free and pro versions, with seamless migration for users upgrading from previous versions.
Pros
- ✓ Standalone architecture for offline use
- ✓ Supports a wide range of operating systems
- ✓ Large context window of 1 million tokens
- ✓ Full terminal access
- ✓ Predictive edits and multi-file editing
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certification for enterprise
Cons
- ✕ Standard privacy policy
- ✕ Limited to Gemini-specific language models
Windsurf (Cascade Agent): A Cloud-Based Powerhouse
Windsurf (Cascade Agent) is a cutting-edge cloud-based tool developed by Windsurf, catering to developers who require powerful language model support. Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, it supports SWE-1.5, SWE-1, and GPT-5 models, with the ability to customize SWE-1.5. Although it offers a smaller context window of 200,000 tokens, its cloud-based nature allows for seamless updates and scalability. Users benefit from full terminal access and multi-file agentic editing, while predictive edits enhance coding efficiency. With a zero data retention privacy mode, Windsurf ensures complete data security. Certified with SOC2 Type II for enterprise clients, it offers a flexible pricing model starting from free to $60+ per user per month. Migration requires initial setup, but the robust features make it a compelling choice for cloud-based operations.
Pros
- ✓ Cloud-based architecture for scalability
- ✓ Supports multiple advanced language models
- ✓ Zero data retention privacy mode
- ✓ Full terminal access and predictive edits
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certification for enterprise
Cons
- ✕ Smaller context window compared to Gemini CLI
- ✕ Requires setup for migration
- ✕ Pricing can be higher for premium features
Comparison Table
| Feature | Gemini CLI | Windsurf (Cascade Agent) |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | cloud |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | Windsurf | |
| Supported Llms | Gemini 2.5 Pro, Gemini 2 | SWE-1.5, SWE-1, GPT-5 |
| Custom Model | – | SWE-1.5 |
| Context Window | 1M tokens | 200k tokens |
| Agentic Editing | Yes, multi-file | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | Full | Full |
| Privacy Mode | Standard Privacy Policy | Zero Data Retention (ZDR) |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Free/Pro | Free – $60+/user/mo |
| Config File | GEMINI.md | .windsurfrc |
| Migration | Seamless | Requires setup |
Conclusion
Both Gemini CLI and Windsurf (Cascade Agent) offer robust solutions for developers, each with unique strengths. Gemini CLI excels in offline capabilities and extensive token support, while Windsurf offers cloud scalability and advanced privacy features. The choice between them depends on specific needs, such as offline processing versus cloud-based advantages.