Gemini API Starter Guide: Build One Small Reliable Feature

Start with one low-risk feature: classify feedback, extract fields from a document, or create a draft summary. Define a schema before writing code, validate the response, and log failures.

Do not let a first API experiment send messages, delete records, or make purchases. Add tool access only after the basic input-output loop is tested. Google’s model documentation is the source of truth for current model names and supported capabilities.