Welcome to the companion guide for NetworkChuck's "AI in the Terminal" video! This repository contains everything you need to follow along and master AI tools in the terminal.
This guide covers how to:
- Break free from browser-based AI limitations
- Use Gemini CLI, Claude Code, Codex, and opencode in your terminal
- Maintain persistent context across sessions with context files
- Deploy AI agents for specialized tasks
- Run multiple AI tools simultaneously on the same project
- Sync context files across different AI tools
- Build custom workflows for maximum productivity
Browser AI problems:
- Lost context after scrolling too far
- Multiple scattered chats across different platforms
- No file system access
- Copy/paste hell
- Limited control over your work
Terminal AI advantages:
- ✅ Persistent context - Your work lives in files, not chat windows
- ✅ File system access - Read and write files directly
- ✅ Multiple AI tools working together on the same project
- ✅ Complete control - Everything stored locally on your hard drive
- ✅ Professional workflows - Build custom agents and automation
- ✅ 10x faster - No more context switching or copy/paste
- Prerequisites - What you need before starting
- Quick Start - Get up and running in 5 minutes
- Gemini CLI Guide - Google's free terminal AI
- Claude Code Guide - The most powerful terminal AI
- Codex Guide - ChatGPT in your terminal
- opencode Guide - Open-source with local model support
- Context Files Explained - Master persistent context
- Multi-Tool Workflow - Use all tools simultaneously
- AI Agents Deep Dive - Deploy specialized AI workers
- Output Styles & Customization - Make AI work YOUR way
- Productivity Workflows - Writing, research, planning
- Development Workflows - Coding and debugging
- Homelab & IT Workflows - Sysadmin tasks
- Command Cheat Sheet - Quick reference for all commands
- Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions
- FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Each section of this guide corresponds to a segment in the video:
- 0:00-1:26 - The Problem → Prerequisites
- 1:27-4:14 - Gemini CLI Demo → Gemini CLI Guide
- 8:44-14:26 - Claude Code → Claude Code Guide
- 18:03-19:25 - Multi-Tool Workflow → Multi-Tool Workflow
- 20:31-24:48 - Real Workflow Demo → Productivity Workflows
- 26:32-30:00 - opencode → opencode Guide
Want to start right now? Here's the fastest path:
# Install Gemini CLI (FREE)
npm install -g @google/generative-ai-cli
# Create a test project
mkdir my-ai-project
cd my-ai-project
# Launch Gemini
gemini
# Try your first command
# Ask: "Create a plan for learning Python"Continue to full Quick Start guide →
| Tool | Free Tier | Paid Option | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gemini CLI | ✅ Generous free tier | Google One AI Premium ($20/mo) | Getting started, research |
| Claude Code | ❌ No free tier | Claude Pro ($20/mo) | Professional work, agents |
| Codex | Limited free | ChatGPT Plus ($20/mo) | Analysis, high-level thinking |
| opencode | ✅ Free (Grok/local models) | Provider subscription | Flexibility, experimentation |
Chuck's Recommendation: Start with Gemini CLI (free), then get Claude Pro if you can only choose one paid subscription.
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Created by: NetworkChuck Video: AI in the Terminal Guide Maintained by: NetworkChuck community
Found an error? Want to add a workflow? Submit a pull request or open an issue!
This guide is provided as a free companion to the NetworkChuck video. Feel free to use, share, and modify for personal and educational use.
Ready to get started? → Prerequisites
Have questions? → FAQ
Need help? → Troubleshooting