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Part 3: Mastering Gemini CLI – Content Creation, Learning, and Multimodality

#gemini

Welcome to the finale of our Gemini CLI series!

In Part 1, we installed the CLI and set up our environment. In Part 2, we learned about coding workflows, data analysis and extensions in workspace.

Now, we are going to have some fun. We are moving beyond simple text and code. We are going to explore multimodality (handling images, audio, and PDFs) and turn your terminal into the ultimate Personal Tutor.

If you think the command line is just for boring text, this post will change your mind.

1. Content Creation with Extensions (The "NanoBanana" Workflow)

One of Gemini's greatest strengths is that it is multimodal—it understands code, text, images, and audio natively. But how do we harness this in a terminal?

We use extensions.

Google recently introduced a robust extensions framework that lets you plug almost anything into the CLI. A popular community extension for creative content generation is NanoBanana.

This tool connects your CLI to image generation models (like gemini-2.5-flash-image), allowing you to create placeholder assets, icons, or visual concepts without leaving your code editor.

How to Connect NanoBanana

Giving your CLI "eyes for images" takes just one command.

Step 1: Install the Extension
Run this command in your terminal to pull the extension from the repository:

gemini extensions install https://github.com/gemini-cli-extensions/nanobanana
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Step 2: Restart and Verify
Restart your CLI. You can now use specific slash commands like /generate or /icon.

Step 3: Generate Creative Assets
Let’s say you are building a mobile app and need a quick placeholder icon for a "Cyberpunk Todo List."

The Prompt:

"Using the NanoBanana extension, /generate an app icon for a productivity app with a cyberpunk neon aesthetic. Make it simple, vector style, on a black background."

Why this matters:
You are orchestrating creative workflows without leaving your coding environment. You become a "technical artist" straight from the command line, rapidly prototyping UI elements while you code the backend.

Instalando la extensión de nanobanana

Ready:

2. Gemini CLI as Your Personal Tutor

The most underrated feature of Gemini 3 Flash is its massive Context Window. It can read huge files—like entire books or long PDF research papers—in seconds.

This turns the CLI into a powerful study buddy that creates active learning materials for you.

Scenario: The University Student / Self-Learner

Imagine you have a 50-page PDF called Advanced_Algorithms.pdf and you have an exam tomorrow.

Step 1: The Summary
Don't read the whole thing linearly. Ask Gemini to break it down.

gemini "Read @Advanced_Algorithms.pdf. Summarize the key concepts by chapter. Use bullet points and simple language."
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Step 2: Active Recall (Flashcards)
Passive reading is inefficient. Force yourself to remember with AI-generated flashcards.

gemini "Based on @Advanced_Algorithms.pdf, generate 10 flashcards. Format them as: 'Front: [Question] | Back: [Answer]' so I can import them into Anki."
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Step 3: The Mock Exam
Test your knowledge immediately.

gemini "Act as a strict professor. Create a 5-question multiple-choice quiz based on Chapter 3 of the PDF. Don't give me the answers until I try to answer them."
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3. Grounding Your Knowledge with Web Search

Large Language Models (LLMs) can sometimes "hallucinate" (make things up) or rely on outdated training data. To fix this, Gemini CLI has a built-in Google Search tool (often referred to as "Grounding").

This is crucial when you are learning a new technology that came out yesterday.

Example: Learning a New Framework
If you ask standard AI about the very latest version of a library, it might give you old code.

The Prompt:

"I want to use the new features in React 19. Search the web for the official React 19 release notes and documentation. Then, explain the top 3 breaking changes and provide a code example for each."

Why this builds authority:
By ensuring the /google tool (or web search capability) is enabled in your /settings, you are proving that your code is up-to-date and fact-checked against the real world.

Conclusion: The "All-in-One" Developer

We have come a long way in this series.

  1. Installation & Basics: We learned to navigate the CLI.
  2. Workflow Automation: We connected to extensions, workspace and analyzed data.
  3. Mastery: We used Extensions like NanoBanana for creativity and transformed PDFs into interactive learning materials.

The Gemini CLI isn't just a tool; it's a layer of intelligence over your entire operating system. It allows you to build faster, learn quicker, and create more—all from the comfort of your terminal.

Now, it’s your turn.
Download the CLI, install an extension, and build something amazing. Don't forget to share your creations!

Special thanks to the DeepLearning.AI course "Gemini CLI" for the inspiration for this blogpost.

@leslysandra

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