What Is a Command-Line Interface?

Key takeaways

A command-line interface (CLI) is a text-based method for interacting with your computer and accessing its programs.

• Every operating system has a command-line interface. For example, Linux uses Bash while macOS runs Terminal.

• Although the command-line interface in each operating system has similar capabilities, each command-line interface contains differences in terms of syntax.

• You can use a command-line interface to access commands that are unavailable when using a graphical user interface.

Discover how a command-line interface differs from a graphical user interface and the advantages resulting from interacting directly with the command line. If you plan to begin a career in this field, enroll in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, where in as little as three months, you can learn about operating system administration, computer networking, professional development, and more.

What is command line interface?

A command-line interface (CLI) is a text-based way to communicate with your computer and access its programs. Typically, people who are not programmers interact with their computers through the graphical user interface or GUI. The GUI is the element that allows you to move your cursor over your screen and click on different buttons or items in a menu to navigate your programs. A GUI is easier for people with a non-technical background to use. However, a command-line interface offers programmers and developers faster and more powerful control of the computer.

Which is an example of a command line interface?

Every operating system has a command line. The three most popular operating systems and their command-line interface names are: 

• Windows: Command shell and PowerShell

• Linux: Bash (Bourne Again Shell) 

• macOS: Terminal

Read more: Linux vs. Windows: What’s the Difference?

Differences in command-line interfaces 

The command-line interface in each operating system has similar capabilities, but the syntaxes have differences. For example, if you wanted to copy a file, you would use the command “copy” in Windows Command Prompt, but you would use the command “Cp” in Linux.

What is the difference between a GUI and a CLI?

The average computer user can use a GUI to accomplish tasks with their machine, but a command-line interface gives programmers more tools to interact with their computer. To open a program using a GUI, you would likely move your cursor to a menu and navigate through a drop-down menu of options to find the desired program. In contrast, you only need a few keystrokes to accomplish the same task using a command-line interface. 

A command-line interface also allows a programmer to access commands that are inaccessible through a GUI, such as accessing system-protected files. A command-line interface also helps save time by automating tasks using a batch program, a sequence of commands that will run automatically. Another benefit of the command-line interface is that it doesn’t require as many computing resources as a GUI. 

Related terms

• GUI

• Operating system

• Command prompt

• Bash 

• Terminal

Keep up with trends and job opportunities in programming

Join Career Chat on LinkedIn to stay current regarding trends and job opportunities in the programming industry. You can also explore these other free resources:

• Watch on YouTube: Programmer Starter Pack

• Enhance leadership skills: How One Software Developer’s Leadership Aspirations Led Her to Graduate School

• Learn Python terminology: Python Glossary: Essential Terms and Definitions

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