AI coding assistants are powerful but have limitations—training data cuts off at a specific date, missing new API features and changes. Without access to Gemini-specific documentation, agents may suggest generic patterns instead of optimized approaches.
The Gemini API development skill addresses these gaps by giving your coding agent direct access to the latest Gemini API documentation, integration patterns, and best practices. This ensures your agent can offer more accurate and specific code examples and guidance. By leveraging this skill, your coding assistant stays current with the evolving Gemini API and its recommended usage.
What the skill provides
The Gemini API development skill (gemini-api-dev):
- Points your coding agent to official Gemini API documentation
- Provides best practices for building Gemini-powered applications
- Includes recommended patterns for common integrations
The following sections describe the installation methods based on your preferred skill management ecosystem. Both install the same skill—run these commands in your terminal from any directory.
- skills.sh: Recommended. The open standard for portable agent behaviors.
- Context7: Supported for users already utilizing the Context7 ecosystem.
Install with skills.sh
# List available skills
npx skills add google-gemini/gemini-skills --list
# Install the gemini-api-dev skill globally
npx skills add google-gemini/gemini-skills --skill gemini-api-dev --global
Install with Context7
# Interactively browse and install skills
npx ctx7 skills install /google-gemini/gemini-skills
# Install a specific skill directly
npx ctx7 skills install /google-gemini/gemini-skills gemini-api-dev
Verify installation
After installing, confirm that your coding agent has indexed the skill and can access the live Gemini API documentation.
1. Verify agent behavior
The most reliable way to verify is to ask your agent a technical question about Gemini API.
Prompt: "How do I use context caching with the Gemini API?"
A successful installation will:
- Reference specific Gemini methods like
cacheContentorcachedContents.create. - Show an indicator that it is "Using skill: gemini-api-dev".
Verify manifest
If the agent gives a generic answer, use the specific "discovery" command for your environment to verify the skill is loaded.
| Environment | Verification method |
|---|---|
| Claude Code | Type /skills in the terminal to list all active manifests. |
| Cursor | Open Settings > Rules. Verify gemini-api-dev appears under "Agent Decides." |
| Antigravity | Type /skills list or check the Customizations > Rules sidebar. |
| Gemini CLI | Run gemini skills list or use the /skills slash command in-session. |
| Copilot | Type @gemini /skills (or just /skills) to view active extensions. |
Troubleshooting
If your agent provides only general information or fails to recognize Gemini-specific methods, check the following:
Agent didn't discover the skill
Most agents index skills only on startup.
Fix: Completely restart your IDE (Cursor/VS Code) or exit and re-open your terminal-based agent (Claude Code).
Global vs. local conflict
If you installed with the --global flag, your agent might be ignoring it in
favor of project-specific rules.
Fix: Try installing the skill directly into your project root without the global flag:
npx skills add google-gemini/gemini-skills --skill gemini-api-dev