Gemini-Specific Behaviors in the i-have-adhd Repository: Extension Integration Guide

The i-have-adhd repository implements Gemini-specific behaviors through a wrapper file (GEMINI.md) and an extension manifest (gemini-extension.json) that imports the canonical skill rules from skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md, enabling both always-on and opt-in usage modes.

The i-have-adhd project standardizes ADHD-friendly response formatting across AI assistant runtimes including Claude, Codex, and Gemini. For Google's Gemini CLI specifically, the repository maintains dedicated integration files that handle extension registration and skill loading without duplicating the core logic stored in the canonical skill definition.

How Gemini-Specific Behaviors Are Implemented

The repository implements Gemini-specific behaviors through a three-file architecture that separates runtime configuration from the canonical skill definitions.

The Extension Manifest (gemini-extension.json)

The gemini-extension.json file serves as the extension manifest that Gemini CLI reads during installation. Located in the repository root, this JSON file declares the extension's metadata including name, version, and description. Crucially, the contextFileName field points Gemini to GEMINI.md, establishing the entry point for skill loading.

When a user executes gemini extension install i-have-adhd, Gemini parses this manifest to register the extension and determine which file contains the skill instructions.

The Wrapper File (GEMINI.md)

The GEMINI.md file acts as a lightweight wrapper that imports the canonical skill definition. Rather than duplicating the ADHD-friendly formatting rules, this file contains only a header and an import directive referencing @./skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md.

This @ import syntax tells Gemini to resolve and inline the content from the canonical skill file at runtime. The wrapper pattern ensures that Gemini-specific behaviors remain synchronized with the master skill definition used by other AI runtimes.

The Canonical Skill Source (SKILL.md)

The actual ADHD-friendly response rules live in skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md, the repository's source of truth. This file defines the formatting requirements including leading with next actions, using numbered steps, and avoiding tangents. All Gemini-specific integration files ultimately resolve to this canonical document.

Gemini CLI Installation Modes

The repository documentation in INSTALL.md describes two distinct integration strategies for Gemini users, reflecting the CLI's lack of a centralized plugin marketplace.

Always-On Extension Mode

Installing the skill as a global extension activates ADHD-friendly formatting for every Gemini session. In this mode, Gemini loads the rules automatically without requiring explicit invocation.

# Register the extension globally

gemini extension install i-have-adhd

# Verify registration

gemini extension list

Once installed, every Gemini response follows the ADHD-friendly structure defined in SKILL.md until the extension is uninstalled.

Custom Command Mode (Opt-In)

Users preferring selective application can invoke the skill as a custom command without global installation. This opt-in approach applies the formatting only when explicitly requested.

# Invoke the skill for a single query

gemini run i-have-adhd "Explain how to start a pomodoro timer"

In this mode, Gemini resolves the @./skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md import on-the-fly, applying the formatting rules to that specific response only.

Managing Gemini-Specific Behaviors

Control over the extension follows standard Gemini CLI patterns. To remove the always-on behavior:

gemini extension uninstall i-have-adhd

This command removes the extension manifest registration, preventing automatic skill loading. Users can still access the skill via the gemini run custom command approach if needed.

Key Integration Files

The following files collectively define the Gemini-specific behaviors:

File	Path	Purpose
gemini-extension.json	Repository root	Extension manifest declaring metadata and contextFileName pointer
GEMINI.md	Repository root	Wrapper importing the canonical skill via @./skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md
SKILL.md	skills/i-have-adhd/	Canonical ADHD-friendly response rules

Summary

• The i-have-adhd repository uses a wrapper pattern (GEMINI.md) to import canonical skill rules without duplication.
• gemini-extension.json provides the extension manifest required for Gemini CLI registration.
• Users choose between always-on extension mode (global install) or opt-in custom commands (per-query invocation).
• All runtime-specific files resolve to skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md, ensuring consistent ADHD-friendly formatting across AI platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of GEMINI.md in the i-have-adhd repository?

The GEMINI.md file serves as a minimal wrapper that imports the canonical skill definition using the @./skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md directive. This pattern allows Gemini CLI to load the ADHD-friendly formatting rules while maintaining a single source of truth for behavior definitions across all supported AI runtimes.

How does gemini-extension.json differ from other runtime configurations?

Unlike other runtime configurations that may embed skill rules directly, gemini-extension.json functions strictly as an extension manifest for Gemini CLI. It contains metadata fields such as contextFileName that point to GEMINI.md, but does not store the actual formatting rules, unlike platform-specific implementations for Claude or other assistants.

Can I use the i-have-adhd skill without installing it as an extension?

Yes. The repository supports custom command mode, allowing users to invoke gemini run i-have-adhd followed by their query. This opt-in approach loads the skill definition on-the-fly without registering a global extension, making it ideal for users who want ADHD-friendly formatting only for specific tasks.

Why does the repository use a wrapper pattern instead of duplicating the skill content?

The wrapper pattern prevents configuration drift by ensuring all AI runtimes consume the same skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md source of truth. When the ADHD-friendly formatting rules update, changes propagate automatically to Gemini, Claude, Codex, and other supported assistants without requiring manual synchronization across multiple files.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "instagit": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "instagit@latest"]
    }
  }
}