/firebase-basics

Gemini CLI Setup

To get the most out of Firebase in the Gemini CLI, follow these steps to install the agent extension and the MCP server.

Recommended: Installing Extensions

The best way to get both the agent skills and the MCP server is via the Gemini extension.

1. Install and Verify Firebase Extension

Check if the extension is already installed before proceeding:

1. Check Existing Extensions: Run gemini extensions list. If the output includes firebase, the extension is already installed.

2. Install Extension: If not found, run the following command to install the Firebase agent skills and MCP server:

   gemini extensions install https://github.com/firebase/agent-skills

3. Verify Installation: Run the following checks to confirm installation:

   • gemini mcp list -> Output should include firebase-tools.
   • gemini skills list -> Output should include firebase-basic.

2. Restart and Verify Connection

1. Restart Gemini CLI: Instruct the user to restart the Gemini CLI if any new installation occurred. Stop and wait for their confirmation before proceeding.

Alternative: Manual MCP Configuration (Project Scope)

If the user only wants to use the MCP server for the current project:

1. Configure and Verify Firebase MCP Server

1. Check Existing Configuration: Run gemini mcp list. If the output includes firebase-tools, the MCP server is already configured.

2. Add the MCP Server: If not found, run the following command to configure the Firebase MCP Server:

   gemini mcp add -e IS_GEMINI_CLI_EXTENSION=true firebase npx -y firebase-tools@latest mcp

3. Verify Configuration: Re-run gemini mcp list to confirm firebase-tools is connected.

2. Restart and Verify Connection

1. Restart Gemini CLI: Instruct the user to restart the Gemini CLI. Stop and wait for their confirmation before proceeding.