The Gemini API is Google's service for calling Gemini and other Google models, such as Nano Banana and Lyria, from your own code.
In plain words
You get an API key, usually from Google AI Studio, and your program sends requests with it. The key is tied to a Google Cloud project, which is used for billing and usage limits. Google offers software kits for Python and JavaScript, and a plain web (REST) interface. Setting up billing raises your rate limits.
A quick example
Imagine a student project that turns lecture notes into quiz questions. The code reads a notes file, sends it to the Gemini API with the instruction to write five questions, and prints the questions the model returns.
Where you'll meet it
- Apps built on Gemini models.
- Prototypes that move from AI Studio into real code.
Related
Sources
- DocsGemini API, Google AI for Developers · read 2 Nov 2026
- DocsGemini API quickstart, Google AI for Developers · read 12 Nov 2026
- DocsUsing Gemini API keys, Google AI for Developers · read 2 Nov 2026
Checked by WhatIsAI against the sources above · 12 Nov 2026. Spotted an error? Report it.