How to Supercharge Your VS Code Workflow with Gemini CLI

Visual Studio Code is the go-to editor for millions of developers, prized for its flexibility and powerful integrated terminal. While you can always use Gemini CLI in a separate terminal window, the real productivity gains come from integrating it directly into your coding workflow.

This guide will show you how to use Gemini CLI within VS Code to create a seamless, AI-powered development experience.

The Foundation: Using the Integrated Terminal

The most straightforward way to use Gemini CLI is within VS Code's integrated terminal. You can open it by pressing Ctrl+` (Control + Backtick).

From here, you can use all the file-based features of the CLI without ever leaving your editor.

Use Case 1: Explain a Complex File

Inherited a legacy codebase or exploring a new library? Get a high-level explanation of any open file.

1. Open the file you want to understand (e.g., src/utils/complex-logic.js).
2. In the integrated terminal, run:

gemini -f src/utils/complex-logic.js "Provide a high-level summary of this file's purpose and its main functions."

Use Case 2: Refactor the Current File

Have a piece of code that works but feels messy? Let Gemini suggest improvements.

gemini -f src/components/old-component.jsx "Refactor this React component to use modern best practices, including hooks. Only output the raw, updated code."

You can then copy the output and replace your old code, or use VS Code's diff view to compare the changes.

The Ultimate Integration: VS Code Tasks

While running commands manually is useful, the true power move is to create custom VS Code "Tasks". This allows you to execute complex Gemini CLI commands on your currently active file with a single command or keyboard shortcut.

Step 1: Create Your tasks.json File

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+P to open the Command Palette.
2. Type "Tasks: Configure Task" and press Enter.
3. Select "Create tasks.json file from template".
4. Choose "Others".

This will create a .vscode/tasks.json file in your project's root directory.

Step 2: Define Your Gemini Tasks

Replace the contents of your new tasks.json file with the following configuration. This defines three useful tasks: gemini:explain, gemini:refactor, and gemini:docs.

{
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "tasks": [
    {
      "label": "gemini:explain",
      "type": "shell",
      "command": "gemini -f ${file} \"Explain this code to me. Focus on the core logic and any potential edge cases.\"",
      "problemMatcher": [],
      "presentation": {
        "reveal": "always",
        "panel": "new"
      },
      "group": "gemini"
    },
    {
      "label": "gemini:refactor",
      "type": "shell",
      "command": "gemini -f ${file} \"Refactor this code to improve readability, efficiency, and adherence to best practices. Only output the raw code.\"",
      "problemMatcher": [],
      "presentation": {
        "reveal": "always",
        "panel": "new"
      },
      "group": "gemini"
    },
    {
      "label": "gemini:docs",
      "type": "shell",
      "command": "gemini -f ${file} \"Generate professional documentation for this file in Markdown format. Include a description of the file's purpose, its functions/classes, their parameters, and what they return.\"",
      "problemMatcher": [],
      "presentation": {
        "reveal": "always",
        "panel": "new"
      },
      "group": "gemini"
    }
  ]
}

Key Magic: The ${file} variable is a special VS Code variable that automatically substitutes the path to the file you currently have open in the editor.

Step 3: Run Your Tasks

Now, with any code file open:

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+P to open the Command Palette.
2. Type "Tasks: Run Task" and press Enter.
3. You will see your three Gemini tasks: gemini:explain, gemini:refactor, and gemini:docs.
4. Select one. A new terminal panel will open and run the command on your active file!

Visual Guide: See It in Action

For a visual walkthrough of how to get the most out of your terminal in VS Code, check out this excellent tutorial:

For even faster access, you can assign a keyboard shortcut to each of these tasks.

By bringing Gemini CLI directly into your editor, you can create a powerful, customized, and deeply integrated AI assistant that adapts to your personal workflow. Creating VS Code Tasks is a great first step. The next level is to build standalone shell scripts for even more complex jobs. Learn how in our Ultimate Automation Guide: Using Gemini CLI in Your Scripts. This same principle can be extended even further, for instance, to automate your Google Workspace tasks right from your terminal.