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A command line interface (CLI) allows users to control computers via text commands, rather than mouse clicks. CLI systems are faster and require less memory than GUI systems, but have a learning curve. CLI is commonly used by professionals for increased efficiency.
A command line interface (CLI) is a computer tool that allows users to control computers via a text command, or command line, rather than a mouse click. While there are many ways to control a computer, the command-line interface is generally thought of as the opposite of the graphical user interface (GUI). The CLI requires less system memory and no graphics need to be loaded, so it is usually faster than a GUI system. Professionals most commonly use the CLI, because it can be easier to execute functions and open files if you know all the commands.
When someone uses a command line interface computer, they have to enter text commands to interact with the computer. Unlike GUI systems, where commands are typically entered via mouse clicks, a command must be typed with a CLI. For example, to create a file in the GUI, the user can click an application to open it and then click the “Save” button. The same operation via a CLI can look like this: “pico text_file.txt” to create a text document. There is usually a learning curve associated with the CLI but, once the user learns the commands, it may be easier to use.
Many people think of GUI and command line systems as opposites. GUI systems depend on graphics and mouse clicks, and typically use many different images for folders, files, applications, wallpapers, and just about everything else. CLI systems have little or no graphics, mouse clicks are rare, and are usually blank screens with text. Both GUI and CLI systems commonly use keyboard shortcuts to execute commands.
While there is a learning curve and the command line interface doesn’t have the same aesthetically pleasing look as GUI systems, the CLI does have a functional edge. To load and use all that graphics, GUI systems have to use a lot of memory just to keep up appearances. CLI systems don’t use these graphics, so all that memory is used to speed up functions and increase responsiveness.
Most casual computer users don’t use the command-line interface, but many computer professionals and enthusiasts do run CLI systems. Aside from improved speed and responsiveness, a power user can typically perform functions with much better efficiency. For example, the user might be able to execute three or four commands in the time it takes for GUI systems to perform a single function. If the user is unfamiliar with the commands, this benefit may decrease.
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