Token optimization (Gemini CLI)

July 20, 2026 · View on GitHub

This extension adds the token-optimizer MCP server. Its tools cut context/token usage 60–90% via caching, diffing, and compression. Prefer them:

  • smart_read instead of reading a file directly when the file is large (>~400 lines / >25 KB) or already read this session — re-reads return a diff.
  • smart_glob instead of a content grep on a big/unknown tree — returns paths only; read only what you need.
  • smart_edit on large files — returns a compact diff, not the whole file.
  • optimize_session when context fills up; get_session_stats for savings.
  • get_optimization_report to show the user total tokens saved with a full breakdown by action/hook/server (returns a ready-to-display formatted summary).
  • optimize_text to stash bulky text out-of-context under a key. compress_text is at-rest byte compression only — its base64 output usually costs more tokens, so never put it back into context.
  • count_tokens to measure a chunk first.

Small files / one-off reads: built-in reading is fine — don't add overhead.