# How to Use i-have-adhd with Gemini CLI: Command vs Extension Setup

> Learn how to use i-have-adhd with Gemini CLI. Integrate the custom command or set up the always-on extension for ADHD friendly interactions.

- Repository: [Ayoub Ghriss/i-have-adhd](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd)
- Tags: how-to-guide
- Published: 2026-08-02

---

**You can integrate i-have-adhd with Gemini CLI via an opt-in custom command (`/i-have-adhd`) for per-session use or as an always-on extension that applies ADHD-friendly rules to every interaction.**

The `ayghri/i-have-adhd` repository provides two distinct integration paths for Gemini CLI users. Both approaches leverage the same underlying skill definition in [`skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md), differing only in how and when the rules are activated. This guide covers the complete setup, verification, and management workflows for each method.

## Integration Modes: Command vs Extension

Choose your integration based on how frequently you need ADHD-optimized output:

| Mode | Activation | Best For |
|------|-----------|----------|
| **Custom command** | Type `/i-have-adhd` in a session | Occasional, on-demand use without permanent changes |
| **Extension** | Automatic on every session start | Daily use with consistent ADHD-friendly formatting |

The implementation details for both modes are documented in [`INSTALL.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/INSTALL.md) under the Gemini CLI section【/cache/repos/github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/main/INSTALL.md†L0113-L0150】.

## Architecture: How the Integration Works

The integration relies on three core files that wrap the skill definition:

1. **[`skills/i-have-adhd/agents/gemini.toml`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/skills/i-have-adhd/agents/gemini.toml)** — Defines the `/i-have-adhd` custom command, embedding the full prompt from [`GEMINI.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/GEMINI.md) directly in the TOML configuration【/cache/repos/github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/main/skills/i-have-adhd/agents/gemini.toml†L01-L25】

2. **[`gemini-extension.json`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/gemini-extension.json)** — Extension manifest pointing to [`GEMINI.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/GEMINI.md) as the context source【/cache/repos/github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/main/gemini‑extension.json†L01-L06】

3. **[`GEMINI.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/GEMINI.md)** — Imports `@./skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md` to load the complete rule set【/cache/repos/github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/main/GEMINI.md†L01-L06】

The actual behavior is defined in **[`SKILL.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/SKILL.md)**, which contains the formatting rules, cognitive load optimizations, and structure guidelines. Neither the TOML nor JSON files modify these rules—they simply route them to Gemini【/cache/repos/github.com/ayghri/i‑have‑adhd/main/skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md†L13-L40】.

## Installing the Opt-In Custom Command

For users who want ADHD-friendly output only when explicitly requested:

```bash
mkdir -p ~/.gemini/commands
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/main/skills/i-have-adhd/agents/gemini.toml \
  -o ~/.gemini/commands/i-have-adhd.toml

```

After installation, start any Gemini session and run:

```bash
gemini
/i-have-adhd

```

The skill remains active for that session only. Close the session, and Gemini returns to default behavior【/cache/repos/github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/main/INSTALL.md†L0181-L0245】.

## Installing the Always-On Extension

For persistent ADHD-optimized output across all sessions:

```bash
gemini extensions install https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd

```

The extension reads [`GEMINI.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/GEMINI.md) at session startup, automatically importing [`SKILL.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/SKILL.md). No manual activation is required—every response follows the ADHD-friendly format from the first message【/cache/repos/github.com/ayghri/i‑have‑adhd/main/INSTALL.md†L0326-L0332】.

## Verifying Your Installation

Confirm successful setup using the appropriate command for your chosen mode:

```bash

# For custom command installation

ls ~/.gemini/commands

# Expected output: i-have-adhd.toml

# For extension installation

gemini extensions list

# Expected output: i-have-adhd with version info

```

Both verification methods are detailed in the installation guide【/cache/repos/github.com/ayghri/i‑have‑adhd/main/INSTALL.md†L0334-L0340】.

## Updating and Uninstalling

Manage your installation lifecycle with these commands:

| Operation | Command Route | Extension Route |
|-----------|-------------|-----------------|
| Update | Re-run the `curl` command | `gemini extensions update i-have-adhd` |
| Uninstall | `rm ~/.gemini/commands/i-have-adhd.toml` | `gemini extensions uninstall i-have-adhd` |

Complete uninstall instructions appear in [`INSTALL.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/INSTALL.md)【/cache/repos/github.com/ayghri/i‑have‑adhd/main/INSTALL.md†L0443-L0055】.

## Complete Setup Walkthrough

```bash

# =================================================

# OPTION 1: Per-session command (opt-in)

# =================================================

# 1. Install the command definition

mkdir -p ~/.gemini/commands
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/main/skills/i-have-adhd/agents/gemini.toml \
  -o ~/.gemini/commands/i-have-adhd.toml

# 2. Use in any session

gemini
/i-have-adhd  # ADHD rules now active for this session only

# =================================================

# OPTION 2: Always-on extension

# =================================================

# Single command install

gemini extensions install https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd

# =================================================

# VERIFICATION (both routes)

# =================================================

ls ~/.gemini/commands           # Check command file

gemini extensions list          # Check extension status

# =================================================

# CLEANUP (when needed)

# =================================================

gemini extensions uninstall i-have-adhd
rm ~/.gemini/commands/i-have-adhd.toml

```

## Key Files Reference

| File | Purpose | Location in Repository |
|------|---------|------------------------|
| [`gemini.toml`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/gemini.toml) | Command definition with embedded prompt | [`skills/i-have-adhd/agents/gemini.toml`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/skills/i-have-adhd/agents/gemini.toml) |
| [`gemini-extension.json`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/gemini-extension.json) | Extension manifest | Repository root |
| [`GEMINI.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/GEMINI.md) | Extension entry point that imports skill | Repository root |
| [`SKILL.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/SKILL.md) | Core rule set for ADHD-optimized output | [`skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md) |
| [`INSTALL.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/INSTALL.md) | Full installation documentation | Repository root |

## Summary

- **Two integration modes**: Custom command (`/i-have-adhd`) for on-demand use, extension for automatic application
- **Single skill source**: Both modes ultimately load [`skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md), ensuring consistent behavior
- **Simple installation**: One `curl` command for the custom route, one `gemini extensions install` for the permanent route
- **Easy verification**: Check `~/.gemini/commands` or run `gemini extensions list` to confirm setup
- **Clean removal**: Delete the TOML file or use `gemini extensions uninstall` as appropriate

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can I use both the command and extension simultaneously?

**Yes, though the extension takes precedence.** If you install both, the extension loads [`SKILL.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/SKILL.md) automatically at session start. Running `/i-have-adhd` in the same session re-imports the same rules, causing no conflict but adding no benefit. Choose one approach based on your usage pattern.

### Does the custom command modify my Gemini configuration permanently?

**No.** The TOML file in `~/.gemini/commands/` only defines an available command. It does not alter global settings, and the ADHD rules activate only in sessions where you explicitly type `/i-have-adhd`. Remove the file to completely eliminate the option.

### How do I update to the latest version of i-have-adhd rules?

**Re-install using your original method.** For the command route, re-run the `curl` command to fetch the latest [`gemini.toml`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/gemini.toml). For the extension, run `gemini extensions update i-have-adhd`. Both pull the most recent version of the underlying [`SKILL.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/SKILL.md) from the repository.

### Will the ADHD formatting work with all Gemini CLI features?

**Yes.** Whether you use the command or extension, the rules in [`SKILL.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/SKILL.md) apply to all LLM outputs in the session. This includes code generation, explanation requests, and multi-turn conversations. The integration operates at the context level, not the feature level.