A Visual Studio Code extension that provides better integration for Gemini CLI by opening it in a split terminal view on the right side of your editor.
Motivation
While Gemini is a powerful AI assistant, its integration with Visual Studio Code isn't optimal. This extension was created to improve the workflow by providing a dedicated toolbar button that opens Gemini CLI in a convenient split-view terminal, similar to how Claude Code works in VSCode.
Features
One-Click Launch: Click the Gemini icon in the editor toolbar to instantly launch Gemini CLI
Split Terminal View: Opens Gemini in a split terminal on the right side of your editor, keeping your code visible
Clean Interface: Automatically closes the bottom terminal panel to maintain a clean workspace
Always Accessible: The Gemini icon remains visible in the toolbar at all times, regardless of focus state
Auto-activation: The extension activates automatically when VSCode starts
Installation
From VSIX file
Download the .vsix file
Open VSCode
Press Ctrl+Shift+P (or Cmd+Shift+P on macOS) to open the Command Palette
Type "Install from VSIX" and select "Extensions: Install from VSIX..."
Select the downloaded .vsix file
Prerequisites
Visual Studio Code version 1.106.2 or higher
Gemini CLI must be installed and available in your system PATH
Usage
Open any file in VSCode
Look for the Gemini icon in the editor toolbar (top-right corner, below the close button)
Click the icon
A terminal with Gemini CLI will open on the right side of your editor
Start chatting with Gemini!
How It Works
When you click the Gemini icon, the extension:
Creates a new terminal instance named "Gemini CLI"
Moves the terminal to the editor area
Positions it on the right side of your current editor
Closes the bottom terminal panel to keep your workspace clean
Automatically executes the gemini command
Command
Command ID: vscode-hello.runGeminiCLI
Title: Gemini CLI: Run
You can also run this command from the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) by typing "Gemini CLI: Run".
Configuration
This extension works out of the box with no configuration required.
Contributing
Contributions are welcome! Feel free to submit issues or pull requests.
License
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
Acknowledgments
Inspired by Claude Code's terminal integration in VSCode
