Gemini CLI and Smol Developer: Transforming the Developer Experience with Advanced Terminal-Based AI Tools

The rise of terminal-native AI agents is revolutionizing the way developers code. After weeks of rigorous testing, two tools have emerged as clear leaders—Gemini CLI and Smol Developer. Their exceptional performance is not a result of hype but of practical utility and efficiency. Let's dive into why these tools are making waves in 2025 and how they can benefit developers of all levels. To provide some context, I used to dread working with the terminal. My coding journey began with Visual Studio .NET in 2010, drawn to its comprehensive IDE and user-friendly interface. The terminal, with its stark, text-only environment, felt like a throwback to an earlier era—cold, intimidating, and something you only resorted to when running Git commands or installing packages. However, my perspective shifted dramatically this year. In 2025, terminal-based AI agents have evolved to become highly effective tools. After evaluating over ten different options, Gemini CLI and Smol Developer caught my attention for their ability to streamline complex tasks and save time. These tools are so efficient that they often made me pause mid-task and marvel at how much time and effort they saved. Gemini CLI Gemini CLI is an advanced terminal-based AI agent designed to assist developers in a variety of tasks. It integrates seamlessly with popular version control systems like Git, and supports a wide range of programming languages. Here are some standout features: Code Autocompletion: Gemini CLI uses sophisticated machine learning algorithms to predict and complete code snippets. This feature is particularly useful for repetitive tasks, such as writing boilerplate code or handling common functions. Error Detection and Debugging: The tool excels at identifying syntax errors and providing immediate suggestions for corrections. It can also help trace logical errors by suggesting potential causes and solutions. Documentation and Learning: If you're working with a new library or framework, Gemini CLI can generate concise, relevant documentation on the fly. It can even provide examples and best practices, accelerating the learning curve. Task Automation: Gemini CLI can automate routine tasks, such as setting up project environments, managing dependencies, and running tests. This reduces the cognitive load and allows developers to focus on more complex problems. Smol Developer Smol Developer is another standout tool that has significantly enhanced my productivity in the terminal. While it shares some similarities with Gemini CLI, it offers unique features that set it apart: Lightweight Design: As the name suggests, Smol Developer is lightweight and fast. It doesn't hog system resources, ensuring that your development environment remains responsive even during resource-intensive operations. Contextual Coding Assistance: Smol Developer provides context-specific suggestions based on the project you are working on. For example, if you are developing a web application, it will offer web-specific tips and code snippets. Interactive Code Review: One of the most innovative features of Smol Developer is its interactive code review process. It can simulate a peer code review, offering comments and suggestions that mimick real human feedback, helping you improve your coding practices. Integration with Development Workflows: Smol Developer integrates smoothly with existing development workflows and tools, such as Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines. This makes it easy to adopt without disrupting your current setup. Why Every Developer Should Try Them Both Gemini CLI and Smol Developer offer compelling reasons for developers to give them a try: Time Efficiency: These tools can significantly reduce the time spent on mundane tasks, allowing you to focus more on creative problem-solving and innovation. Error Reduction: With built-in error detection and debugging, you can catch and fix issues faster, improving the overall quality of your code. Learning Assistance: Whether you are a seasoned developer or just starting out, the dynamic documentation and learning aids provided by these tools can help you stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices. Seamless Integration: They integrate well with existing IDEs and development pipelines, making adoption straightforward and minimizing the learning curve. In summary, the landscape of terminal-based AI development tools is rapidly evolving, and Gemini CLI and Smol Developer are at the forefront. Their practical features and seamless integration make them invaluable additions to any developer's toolkit, regardless of experience level. Give them a try, and you might find yourself wondering how you ever coded without them.