Getting a Gemini API key is an exercise in frustration
a day ago
- #Developer Experience
- #Google Cloud
- #Gemini API
- The author describes their frustrating experience trying to obtain a Gemini API key for Gemini 3 Pro.
- Google's Gemini branding is confusing, with multiple products and services sharing the same name.
- Unlike competitors like Anthropic and OpenAI, Google lacks a straightforward payment process for individual developers.
- Setting up billing for Gemini API involves multiple steps, including identity verification and waiting periods.
- The author encountered multiple errors and bureaucratic hurdles before finally gaining access to Gemini 3 Pro.
- The process is designed for large organizations rather than individual developers, making it cumbersome and inefficient.
- Despite the difficulties, the author eventually got Gemini 3 Pro working but remains skeptical about its long-term usability.