Command line interface
A Command Line Interface (CLI) is a text-based user interface that allows users to interact with a computer system or software by typing commands. Unlike graphical user interfaces that rely on icons and menus, a CLI accepts text input and provides text-based output. It is widely used by developers, system administrators, and advanced users for efficient control of operating systems, applications, and servers.
A CLI provides direct access to functions and configurations that may not be available through graphical tools. It enables faster execution of tasks such as file manipulation, network configuration, software installation, and process management. CLIs are often built into operating systems like Linux, Windows, and macOS, as well as cloud platforms and development environments.
Advanced
A CLI interprets user commands through a command-line interpreter or shell. Common shells include Bash, Zsh, and PowerShell. Commands usually follow a syntax that includes the command name, options, and arguments. Scripts can be written to automate repetitive tasks, making the CLI a powerful tool for scalability and efficiency.
Use cases include managing remote servers, executing API calls, controlling cloud infrastructure with tools such as AWS CLI or Azure CLI, and integrating with CI/CD pipelines. CLIs also support piping and chaining of commands, enabling complex operations to be executed in a single line.
Relevance
Applications
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Issues
Example
A DevOps engineer uses the AWS CLI to deploy infrastructure in multiple regions. Instead of clicking through a web console, the engineer executes a single script that provisions servers, configures networking, and deploys applications. This saves time, reduces human error, and ensures consistency across environments.