gemini-cli - 💡(How to fix) Fix CLI Crash and Infinite Error Loop on Large Text Paste [1 comments, 2 participants]

The Gemini CLI fails when a user pastes text longer than approximately 2,000 characters. Instead of processing the prompt, the CLI enters an infinite loop of error-checking or becomes completely unresponsive. This suggests a regression in the input buffer handling or a breakdown in the character-counting logic before the API call is even made. The cli will crash and stack into the loop of self error check. CPU Usage: During the infinite loop, CPU usage for the process spikes, indicating a "busy-wait" or recursive error-handling state. The application enters a "Check Error" loop that prevents any further interaction and requires a SIGINT (Ctrl+C) or SIGKILL to terminate.

TL;DR

The Gemini CLI likely needs an update to its input buffer handling to prevent infinite loops when pasting text longer than 2,000 characters.

Guidance

• Investigate the character-counting logic and input buffer handling in the Gemini CLI to identify the root cause of the regression.
• Verify that the issue is specific to pasting text and not typing, as this may indicate a problem with handling rapid input.
• Check the CLI's configuration and settings to see if there are any limits or thresholds set for input length that could be contributing to the issue.
• Consider implementing a temporary workaround, such as limiting the input length or adding a delay between input chunks, to prevent the infinite loop.

Example

No code snippet is provided as the issue does not include specific code details.

Notes

The issue may be specific to the Windows operating system (win32) and the Gemini Code Assist in Google One AI Pro tier, so any fixes or workarounds may need to be tailored to these environments.

Recommendation

Apply a workaround, such as limiting the input length or adding a delay between input chunks, to prevent the infinite loop, as the root cause of the issue is not yet fully understood and an update to the Gemini CLI may not be immediately available.