What Gemini Can Do: Built-In Tools in Action
You're starting your programming journey and want to learn about Python before diving into coding. You could:
- Open multiple browser tabs
- Search through scattered articles
- Find reliable sources
- Read and compare information
- Synthesize what you've learned
Or you could just ask Gemini:
What is Python and what is it used for in 2025?
Within seconds, Gemini searches the web, finds reliable sources, and gives you a current answer with citations. This is the power of built-in tools - your AI doesn't just answer from memory, it actively reaches out to get current information, read your files, and execute commands.
In this lesson, you'll learn what Gemini can actually do for you as you learn to code.
Tools Activate Automatically
Here's the key insight that changes everything: You don't invoke tools manually. You ask naturally, and Gemini decides which tool to use.
When you ask Gemini a question, it analyzes what you need:
- Current information from the web? → Google Search tool activates
- Read a file in your project? → File operations tool activates
- Run a terminal command? → Shell integration activates
- Fetch a specific webpage? → Web fetch tool activates
You'll know a tool is active when you see visual indicators:
- 🔍 Searching the web...
- 📁 Reading file...
- ⚡ Running command...
- 🌐 Fetching webpage...
Let's see each tool in action.
Tool 1: Google Search — Getting Current Information
When Gemini uses this: You need current information from across the web, and you don't know which specific site has it.
Example: Learning About Python
You ask Gemini:
What is Python and what is it used for in 2025?
What you'll see:
> What is Python and what is it used for in 2025?
🔍 Searching the web...
Python is one of the most popular programming languages today, used for:
**Web Development:**
- Building websites with frameworks like Django and Flask
- Example: Instagram, Spotify, and Pinterest use Python
**Data Science and AI:**
- Analyzing large datasets
- Building machine learning models
- Libraries like NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow are industry-standard
**Automation:**
- Writing scripts to automate repetitive tasks
- Helpful for managing files, systems, and workflows
**Scientific Computing:**
- Universities use Python for research
- Physics, biology, chemistry simulations
**Why Python is Popular for Beginners:**
- Readable syntax (looks like English)
- Huge community with tons of tutorials
- Runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux
- In high demand for jobs
**Next Steps in Your Learning:**
You'll learn Python starting in Chapter 17 of this book after mastering Bash and Git basics.
Sources:
- python.org (official website)
- Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2024
- GitHub Octoverse Report 2024
What happened: Gemini recognized you needed current information about Python adoption and use cases, activated Google Search, found reliable sources, and synthesized the answer in beginner-friendly language.
Example: Understanding Tools Before Learning Them
You ask Gemini:
What is Git and why do developers use it?
What you'll see:
> What is Git and why do developers use it?
🔍 Searching the web...
Git is a version control system - a tool that tracks changes to your code.
**What It Does:**
- Saves a history of every change you make to your files
- Lets you go back to previous versions if something breaks
- Allows multiple people to work on the same project without conflicts
- Creates backups of your work
**Real-World Example:**
Imagine you have a document:
- Version 1: "Draft 1"
- Version 2: "Added chapter 3"
- Version 3: "Fixed typos"
Instead of saving "Draft1_final_real_v2.docx", Git automatically tracks all these versions.
**Why Developers Care:**
- Never lose work (every version is saved)
- Collaborate with teammates safely
- Experiment without fear (easy to revert changes)
- Professional standard (most tech jobs require Git)
**You'll Learn Git In:**
Chapter 10 of this book - we'll teach you Bash first (Chapter 7) so you're ready.
Sources:
- git-scm.com (official Git documentation)
- GitHub Learning Lab
- Atlassian Git Tutorials
What happened: Gemini explained Git concepts for a beginner learning Bash in Chapter 7, helping you understand "what to expect next" before diving into commands.
When Google Search Activates
Gemini uses Google Search when you ask about:
- Concepts you're learning: "What is REST API?" or "What is MongoDB?"
- Prerequisite knowledge: "What should I learn before Python?"
- Career information: "What programming languages have the most jobs in 2025?"
- Tool comparisons: "What's the difference between VS Code and PyCharm?"
- Learning resources: "What are the best free Python tutorials for beginners?"
Tool 2: File Operations — Reading Your Files
When Gemini uses this: You need Gemini to read or analyze text files in your current directory.
Example: Reading Your Learning Plan
You ask Gemini:
Read my learning-plan.md and tell me what topics I'm studying this week
What you'll see:
> Read my learning-plan.md and tell me what topics I'm studying this week
📁 Reading learning-plan.md...
Your learning plan for this week covers:
**Chapter 6: Gemini CLI (Current)**
- Lesson 1: Installation and setup (completed)
- Lesson 2: Using Gemini for questions (completed)
- Lesson 3: Built-in tools (you're here!)
- Lesson 4: Conversation context (next)
**Chapter 7: Bash Essentials (Next week)**
- Basic commands: pwd, ls, cd
- File operations: mkdir, cp, rm
- Understanding the terminal
**Chapter 10: Git Basics (Following week)**
- Repository creation
- Commits and branches
- Collaborative workflows
**Your Progress:**
You've completed 2 of 4 lessons in Chapter 6. After Gemini CLI, you'll be ready for Bash and Git!
Would you like help preparing for Chapter 7 Bash topics?
What happened: Gemini read your learning-plan.md file, summarized your progress, and offered supportive guidance aligned with your learning journey.
Example: Reading Course Notes
You ask Gemini:
Read my chapter-6-notes.md and summarize the main concepts I've learned so far
What you'll see:
> Read my chapter-6-notes.md and summarize the main concepts I've learned so far
📁 Reading chapter-6-notes.md...
From your Chapter 6 notes, you've learned:
**Key Concepts:**
1. Gemini CLI is an AI assistant that runs in your terminal
2. You ask questions naturally (no special syntax needed)
3. Gemini has 4 built-in tools that activate automatically:
- Google Search for current information
- File Operations for reading local files
- Shell Integration for running commands
- Web Fetch for specific URLs
**How It Helps Learning:**
- Instead of searching multiple websites, ask Gemini one question
- Gemini finds current information from reliable sources
- Cites where information comes from
**What You're Ready For:**
- ✅ Understanding Bash concepts before coding
- ✅ Learning Git fundamentals
- ✅ Reading documentation with AI help
- ✅ Researching programming topics independently
Your notes show solid foundational understanding. You're ready to move to the next lesson!
What happened: Gemini read your notes file, identified key learning points, and gave you feedback on readiness for the next chapter.
When File Operations Activate
Gemini reads files when you ask about:
- Your notes: "Read my study-notes.md and quiz me on key concepts"
- Documentation: "Read the README.md file and explain what this project does"
- Lists and plans: "Read my TODO.txt and help me prioritize tasks"
- Configuration examples: "Read the .gitignore template and explain what each line means"
- Course materials: "Read chapter-7-overview.md and prepare me for Bash"
Tool 3: Shell Integration — Running Terminal Commands
When Gemini uses this: You need to execute basic terminal commands and get the results.
Example: Checking Your Current Directory
You ask Gemini:
What directory am I currently in? Show me what files are here.
What you'll see:
> What directory am I currently in? Show me what files are here.
⚡ Running: pwd
Current directory: /Users/alex/Documents/learning
⚡ Running: ls
Files and folders in your current directory:
- learning-plan.md
- chapter-6-notes.md
- chapter-7-prep.md
- README.md
- images/ (folder)
You're in your learning directory with organized study materials. Would you like me to:
- Read any of these files?
- Help you organize your study materials?
- Create a new file for upcoming lessons?
What happened: Gemini ran the pwd command to show your location and ls to list files, helping you understand your file organization.
Example: Checking System Information
You ask Gemini:
What is today's date? Show me the current time.
What you'll see:
> What is today's date? Show me the current time.
⚡ Running: date
Current date and time:
Monday, January 17, 2025 - 2:30 PM EST
This helps you:
- Know when you started learning today
- Track your progress this week
- Plan your next learning session
You've been learning about Gemini CLI for about 2 hours now - time for a break!
What happened: Gemini ran the date command to show current time and used it to give you helpful context.
Example: Seeing What Shell You're Using (Prep for Bash)
You ask Gemini:
What shell am I using? Is it Bash?
What you'll see:
> What shell am I using? Is it Bash?
⚡ Running: echo $SHELL
Your current shell: /bin/bash
Great! You're using Bash, which is what you'll learn in Chapter 7.
**What This Means:**
- Bash is the most common shell for beginners
- When you start Chapter 7 (Bash Essentials), you already have it installed
- You'll learn to use commands like: pwd, ls, mkdir, cp, rm
This puts you in a great position to learn Bash fundamentals!
What happened: Gemini checked your shell environment and connected it to your upcoming learning in Chapter 7, showing how this tool helps you prepare.
When Shell Integration Activates
Gemini runs commands when you ask about:
- System info: "What's my current directory?" or "What shell am I using?"
- File listings: "Show me what files are in this folder"
- Checking setup: "Is Python installed on my computer?"
- Getting information: "What's today's date?" or "Who am I logged in as?"
- Preparation: "Check what tools I have before learning Chapter 7"
Tool 4: Web Fetch — Retrieving Specific Pages
When Gemini uses this: You know the exact URL and want Gemini to fetch and analyze that specific page.
Example: Learning Python Fundamentals from Official Docs
You ask Gemini:
Fetch the Python.org getting started page and explain what Python can do
What you'll see:
> Fetch the Python.org getting started page and explain what Python can do
🌐 Fetching https://www.python.org/about/...
What is Python?
Python is a programming language that lets you:
**Easy to Learn:**
- Simple, readable syntax (looks like English)
- Great for beginners
- Large community with tons of tutorials
**Powerful & Versatile:**
- Web development (Django, Flask)
- Data science and analysis (NumPy, Pandas)
- Machine learning (TensorFlow, Scikit-learn)
- Automation and scripting
- Scientific computing
**In High Demand:**
- Top 3 most popular programming languages
- Strong job market for Python developers
- Used by companies: Google, Netflix, Spotify, Instagram
**Why Start With Python?**
- Beginner-friendly syntax
- Can build real projects quickly
- Skills transfer to other languages
- Active community means lots of help available
You'll learn Python starting in Chapter 17 of this book!
Source: python.org (Official Python Website)
What happened: Gemini fetched Python's official website, extracted beginner-friendly information, and connected it to your learning journey.
Example: Understanding Bash Before You Learn It
You ask Gemini:
Fetch the Bash introduction from the GNU Bash manual and explain why it matters for learners
What you'll see:
> Fetch the Bash introduction from the GNU Bash manual and explain why it matters for learners
🌐 Fetching https://www.gnu.org/software/bash/manual/html_node/What-is-Bash_003f...
What is Bash?
Bash is a command interpreter and shell - your interface to communicate with your computer.
**What You'll Do With Bash:**
- Navigate folders (pwd, ls, cd)
- Create and delete files (touch, rm)
- Run programs and scripts
- Automate repetitive tasks
- Manage your development environment
**Why Programmers Care:**
- Universal across Mac, Linux, and most systems
- Professional standard (used in all tech jobs)
- Foundation for understanding systems
- Essential for using Git and development tools
**Your Learning Path:**
- Chapter 7: Bash Essentials (basic commands)
- Chapter 10: Git (uses Bash commands)
- Chapters 9+: All use Bash for tools and automation
**Pro Tip:**
Once you understand Bash, learning Git becomes much easier because Git uses Bash commands!
Source: GNU Bash Manual (Official Documentation)
What happened: Gemini fetched official Bash documentation, extracted relevant concepts for a beginner, and showed how it connects to your learning path.
When Web Fetch Activates
Gemini fetches specific pages when you ask about:
- Official documentation: "Fetch Python.org to learn about Python"
- Official tutorials: "Get the Git official tutorial from git-scm.com"
- Release notes: "Fetch the latest Python release notes"
- Official guides: "Get the Bash user guide from the GNU website"
- Course materials: "Fetch the official Markdown guide from commonmark.org"
How Gemini Decides Which Tool to Use
Understanding the decision logic helps you craft better queries:
| Your Need | Tool Gemini Uses | Example Query |
|---|---|---|
| Current information/concepts | 🔍 Google Search | "What is Python used for?" |
| Read your learning notes | 📁 File Operations | "Read my learning-plan.md" |
| Check system information | ⚡ Shell Integration | "What directory am I in?" |
| Official documentation | 🌐 Web Fetch | "Fetch Python.org getting started page" |
| Learning resources | 🔍 Google Search | "What are best free tutorials for Bash?" |
| Your study notes | 📁 File Operations | "Read chapter-6-notes.md and quiz me" |
| Check your setup | ⚡ Shell Integration | "What shell am I using?" |
| Official guides | 🌐 Web Fetch | "Get Git guide from git-scm.com" |
The Pattern:
- Learning concepts/comparisons/current info → Google Search
- Your notes/plans/local files → File Operations
- System commands/directory info → Shell Integration
- Official documentation/specific URLs → Web Fetch
Recognizing When Tools Are Active
As you use Gemini, watch for these indicators:
Visual Indicators
Status messages appear before results:
🔍 Searching the web...
📁 Reading package.json...
⚡ Running: git status
🌐 Fetching https://docs.python.org/3.13/...
Source Citations
When Gemini uses tools, it cites sources:
Sources:
- nodejs.org (official release page)
- GitHub nodejs/node releases
- Retrieved: January 17, 2025
Structured Output
Tool responses often have clear structure:
Your project has 8 dependencies:
Production Dependencies:
- react: ^18.2.0
- next: ^14.0.4
Development Dependencies:
- typescript: ^5.3.3
Command Echo
Shell integration shows the exact command run:
⚡ Running: node --version
v20.10.0
Why this matters: Knowing which tool activated helps you verify Gemini did what you expected and learn when each tool is appropriate.
Real-World Learning Scenarios
Here's how tools work together in your learning journey:
Scenario 1: Starting Your Learning Journey
You: "I'm new to programming. What should I learn first, and how does it connect to what I'm learning now?"
Gemini:
🔍 Searching the web...
Your Learning Path (Beginner-Friendly):
**Part 1-4: Foundations (No Coding Yet)**
✓ Chapter 1-4: AI Development concepts (you completed these)
✓ Chapter 5: Claude Code basics (you completed this)
→ Chapter 6: Gemini CLI (you're here!)
**Part 2: Developer Fundamentals (Next)**
→ Chapter 7: Bash Essentials (terminal commands)
→ Chapter 10: Git Basics (version control)
→ Chapters 11-11: Documentation (Markdown, Prompts, Context)
**Part 3: Programming Starts Here**
→ Chapter 17-17: Python Fundamentals (your first programming language)
→ Chapters 18+: Advanced Python and beyond
**Why This Order?**
1. Learn concepts before code (less overwhelming)
2. Master terminal before programming (essential skill)
3. Learn version control early (professional practice)
4. Start with Python (beginner-friendly language)
**Next Steps:**
Finish Chapter 6, then Chapter 7 teaches you terminal basics before Chapter 17 coding!
Sources:
- Educational programming standards
- Stack Overflow Learning Path reports
Tools used: Google Search (learning paths), conceptual understanding
Scenario 2: Understanding What You're About to Learn
You: "Read my chapter-7-prep.md and tell me what I should expect from Bash"
Gemini:
📁 Reading chapter-7-prep.md...
Based on your preparation notes, here's what Chapter 7 will teach:
**Chapter 7: Bash Essentials Overview**
**What You'll Learn:**
1. Navigating directories (pwd, ls, cd)
2. Working with files (touch, mkdir, cp, rm)
3. Understanding the file system structure
4. Reading file contents (cat, less)
5. Basic text manipulation (echo, grep)
**Why This Matters:**
- Bash is the foundation for all terminal work
- Essential for using Git (Chapter 10)
- Required for Python development (Chapter 17+)
- Professional standard across all tech jobs
**You're Ready When:**
- You can navigate your file system
- You understand what "current directory" means
- You can create and delete files and folders
- You feel comfortable with terminal basics
**Your Current Status:**
You have Bash installed and ready (verified in Chapter 6)!
**Confidence Check:**
After Chapter 7, you'll have the skills needed for Chapter 10 (Git).
Would you like me to quiz you on any Chapter 6 concepts before moving forward?
Tools used: File Operations (your prep notes), contextual learning support
Scenario 3: Researching Tools Before Learning Them
You: "What is Git? Why is it important before I learn programming?"
Gemini:
🔍 Searching the web...
Why Git Matters for Every Programmer:
**What Is Git?**
Git is a version control system - it tracks every change you make to code.
**Real Analogy:**
- Google Docs auto-saves versions? Git does that for code
- Git tracks who changed what, when, and why
- You can go back to any previous version anytime
**Why Learn Git Before Programming?**
1. **Professional Standard**: Every programming job uses Git
2. **Collaboration**: Work with teams safely
3. **Backup**: Never lose your code
4. **Experimentation**: Try ideas without fear
5. **Understanding History**: See how projects evolved
**The Professional Workflow:**
1. Write code (Chapter 17+)
2. Save version with Git (Chapter 10 skills)
3. Push to GitHub for backup
4. Collaborate with teammates
5. Review code before merging
**Your Timeline:**
- Chapter 7: Master Bash (terminal skills)
- Chapter 10: Learn Git (version control)
- Chapter 17: Start coding (now Git skills matter!)
- Chapters 13+: Git becomes daily tool
**Key Insight:**
Bash and Git are the "infrastructure" skills that all programmers need before coding. You're learning in the right order!
Sources:
- GitHub Learning resources
- Stack Overflow Developer Survey
- Professional development standards
Tools used: Google Search (Git importance), learning pathway context
Scenario 4: Verifying Your Setup for Next Chapter
You: "Check what files I have for Chapter 7 preparation. List what's in my current directory."
Gemini:
⚡ Running: pwd
Current directory: /Users/alex/learning/ai-dev
⚡ Running: ls
Your preparation files:
- chapter-6-notes.md (completed Chapter 6 notes)
- chapter-7-prep.md (Chapter 7 preparation guide)
- learning-plan.md (overall learning roadmap)
- README.md (project overview)
- bash-cheatsheet.md (Bash command reference - ready for Chapter 7!)
**Your Setup Status:**
✅ You're organized and ready for Chapter 7!
✅ You have preparation materials for Bash
✅ Your notes show good progress
**What to Do Next:**
1. Review chapter-7-prep.md one more time
2. Start Chapter 7 when ready
3. Keep bash-cheatsheet.md handy while learning
🔍 Quick check - should we verify what Bash version you have installed before Chapter 7?
Tools used: Shell Integration (verify setup), File Operations (review your files)
Scenario 5: Getting Official Documentation Before Starting
You: "Fetch the official Python tutorial from python.org so I know what to expect when I reach Chapter 17"
Gemini:
🌐 Fetching https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/index.html...
Python Tutorial Overview (What You'll Learn Eventually):
**Chapter 1: Whetting Your Appetite**
- What Python can do
- Why it's great for beginners
**Chapter 2: Using Python (Chapter 7-type concepts)**
- Running Python interpreter
- Using command-line arguments
- Understanding the environment
**Chapters 3-5: Basic Concepts (Chapter 17-15 will cover)**
- Variables and data types
- Control flow (if/while/for)
- Functions
**Chapters 6-10: Advanced Topics (Chapters 16+)**
- Classes and objects
- Modules and packages
- File handling
- Error handling
**Why This Preview Helps:**
- You know what concepts are coming
- You understand the progression
- Python has a gentle learning curve
- You're already building foundational skills (Bash, Git, terminal)
**Your Position:**
You're in Chapter 6 of a 83-chapter learning journey. You're building skills in the right order to be successful with Python starting in Chapter 17!
Source: python.org Official Tutorial
Tools used: Web Fetch (official documentation), learning pathway visualization
Try With AI
Let's practice using Gemini's built-in tools (Google Search, File Reading, Shell Execution) through hands-on exploration.
🔍 Explore Web Search Integration:
"What is Bash and why do I need to learn it before Python? Research current best practices and explain the connection between terminal skills and programming."
📁 Practice File Operations:
"Read my [filename.md] file and tell me what I should focus on for the next week. Analyze my current progress and suggest specific, actionable next steps based on what you see in the file."
⚙️ Test Shell Integration:
"What directory am I currently in? Show me what files I have in this directory and explain which ones are relevant for my learning. If you see configuration files (.env, package.json, pyproject.toml), explain what they're for."
🚀 Combine Multiple Tools:
"I'm working on [describe your project or learning goal]. Use Google Search to find current best practices, read my project files to understand what I've done so far, and execute shell commands to verify my environment setup. Then give me a comprehensive assessment with recommended next steps."