What Does 'CLI (Command-Line Interface)' Mean?
A command-line interface (CLI) is a text-based interface that allows users to interact with a computer by typing commands and receiving output. The CLI is an alternative to the graphical user interface (GUI), which is the more common type of interface that we use today. The GUI typically uses a mouse and icons to access programs and perform tasks, while the CLI requires users to type commands using a keyboard.
Usually, the CLI allows users to perform tasks more quickly and efficiently than if they were using a GUI.
This is because the CLI has the capability of executing multiple commands at once and of performing tasks in the background without having to interact with a visual interface.
Additionally, the CLI can be used to automate tasks by using scripts or batch files, which can save time and reduce the chance of errors.
The CLI can be accessed through a terminal emulator, which is a program that provides a text-based interface to a computer’s operating system. The terminal emulator can be opened on a desktop computer by clicking on the terminal icon, or on a mobile device by using a terminal app.
Once the terminal emulator is open, users can type commands into the terminal window and press enter to execute them.
There are many different commands that can be used in the CLI, and they vary depending on the operating system and the programs that are installed on the computer.
Some common commands include “ls” to list the files in a directory, “cd” to change directories, and “rm” to delete a file. There are also many more advanced commands that can be used to perform complex tasks, such as “grep” to search for a specific string of text within a file or “awk” to manipulate data in a text file.
On top of the built-in commands that are available with the operating system, users can also install and use third-party programs and tools in the CLI. These programs can be accessed by typing the name of the program and any necessary arguments into the terminal window.
To summarize, the CLI is a powerful and efficient way to interact with a computer and perform tasks. It is an alternative to the GUI and allows users to execute commands and automate tasks using a keyboard. While it may take some time to learn the various commands and become proficient in using the CLI, the effort can pay off in the form of increased productivity and the ability to perform tasks more quickly and accurately.
More information
The term “console” is often used to refer to the command-line interface, especially in the context of system administration or programming. The console is typically a black screen with white text, and it allows users to enter commands and see the output of those commands.
The term “terminal window” is also used to refer to the command-line interface. The terminal window is a program that allows users to interact with the operating system using text commands.
To open it, either double-click the terminal icon on a desktop computer or launch the terminal app on a mobile device. The terminal window allows users to enter commands and see the output of those commands, just like the console.
Generally speaking, the terms “console,” “terminal,” and “command line interface” are used interchangeably to refer to the text-based interface that allows users to enter commands and receive output.
