Using Google's Gemini CLI with Igniter.js for AI-Powered Development

Google's Gemini models can be powerful allies in your development workflow, especially when accessed through a command-line interface (CLI). By integrating a Gemini CLI with an AI-friendly framework like Igniter.js, you can automate tasks, generate code, and query your codebase directly from the terminal. This guide shows you how to provide the best context to the Gemini CLI for maximum accuracy and efficiency.

Training Gemini to be an Igniter.js Expert

To get high-quality, accurate results from the Gemini CLI, you need to provide it with the right context. Igniter.js is designed to make this easy. The most effective way to do this is by "piping" your context directly into the CLI prompt.

Method 1: Use an Official Igniter.js Template (The Easy Way)

The easiest and most effective way to use the Gemini CLI is with a project started from an official Igniter.js template. These templates are pre-configured with a detailed AGENT.md file that acts as a perfect, project-specific instruction manual for the AI.

You can use a simple terminal command to feed this local context directly to Gemini.

Example Prompt for a Templated Project:

# Use `cat` to pipe the project-specific AGENT.md file as context
cat AGENT.md | gemini "Based on the provided project instructions, generate a new Vitest test file for the `igniter.router.ts` file, ensuring it covers the basic functionality."

Recommended Project Templates

Our templates come ready with everything you need to start building, including the AGENT.md file you can pipe into the Gemini CLI.

Next.js Full-Stack App

A full-featured application with end-to-end type safety.

TanStack Start App

A modern full-stack application with type-safe routing.

Bun + React Full-Stack App

A full-stack, type-safe application with Bun and React.

Express REST API

A robust REST API built with Express.js.

Method 2: Training on the Global Igniter.js Framework

For existing projects that don't have an AGENT.md file, you can train the Gemini CLI on the entire Igniter.js framework by providing it with our official llms.txt file. This single file contains all our documentation and is the perfect source of truth.

You can use curl to fetch the llms.txt content and pipe it directly to the Gemini CLI as context.

Example Initial Prompt:

# Fetch the llms.txt content and pipe it to the Gemini CLI as context
curl -s https://igniterjs.com/llms.txt | gemini "You are an expert developer specializing in Igniter.js. Use the text I've provided as your primary source of knowledge. All your future responses must be based on the best practices and patterns found in that document. Now, help me create a new feature."