Gemini CLI tutorial — Will it replace Windsurf and Cursor?

Google has launched the Gemini CLI, an open-source AI tool, offering developers features similar to Cursor and Windsurf but with the advantage of being integrated directly into the terminal or VS Code, and at no cost. With its reason-and-act loop, Gemini CLI can perform tasks such as bug fixing, feature creation, and test coverage improvement, while also handling large codebases and complex operations like pull requests. It offers a significant cost advantage over competitors like Claude Code, with up to 1,000 free requests daily, and integrates seamlessly into existing workflows without needing a change in setup. Gemini CLI includes an agent mode with features like MCP integration and web connectivity, allowing developers to access tools and web content directly from the CLI. Despite its promising capabilities and cost benefits, it may not entirely replace existing tools like Cursor and Windsurf, which provide more comprehensive IDE features, but it presents a substantial alternative for those prioritizing affordability and integration with existing terminal setups.