GUI vs CLI: What They Are and How They Differ
If you use a computer, you probably interact with it through a user interface (UI). A UI is a way for users to communicate with a system or software. There are two main types of UI: graphical user interface (GUI) and command-line interface (CLI). In this article, you will learn what GUI and CLI are, how they work, and what are their advantages and disadvantages.
1. What is GUI?
GUI stands for graphical user interface. It is a UI that uses graphics and visual elements to allow users to interact with a system or software. For example, when you use a web browser, a word processor, or a video game, you are using a GUI. A GUI usually provides windows, menus, buttons, icons, images, and other graphical elements that you can click, drag, or type on. A GUI also displays information in various forms, such as text, video, audio, or animation.
GUI is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. You do not need to memorize or type any commands to use a GUI. You can simply use a mouse, a keyboard, a touchscreen, or other input devices to navigate and operate a GUI. A GUI also makes it easy to see and access multiple programs or windows at once.
Some examples of operating systems that use GUI are Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Some popular GUI desktop environments for Linux are GNOME, KDE, and MATE.
2. What is CLI?
CLI stands for command-line interface. It is a UI that uses text and commands to allow users to interact with a system or software. For example, when you use a terminal, a console, or a shell, you are using a CLI. A CLI usually provides a prompt, where you can type commands and get responses from the system. A CLI also displays information in plain text and files.
CLI is designed to be efficient and precise. You need to know and type the correct commands and syntax to use a CLI. You can use a keyboard to enter and execute commands in a CLI. A CLI also makes it possible to script and automate tasks, as well as to control system variables and parameters.
Some examples of operating systems that use CLI are DOS, Linux, FreeBSD, and Cisco IOS. Some popular CLI shells for Linux are Bash, Zsh, and Fish.
3. What are the differences between GUI and CLI?
GUI and CLI are two different ways to interact with a system or software. They have different features, advantages, and disadvantages. Here are some of the main differences between GUI and CLI:
- Ease of use: GUI is easier to use than CLI, especially for beginners. GUI does not require any prior knowledge or memorization of commands. GUI provides visual feedback and guidance to users. CLI is harder to use than GUI, especially for novices. CLI requires more knowledge and skill of commands and syntax. CLI provides less feedback and assistance to users.
- Memory and performance: CLI consumes less memory and resources than GUI. CLI is faster and more responsive than GUI. CLI can run on low-end or old devices. GUI consumes more memory and resources than GUI. GUI is slower and less responsive than CLI. GUI requires higher-end or newer devices.
- Precision and flexibility: CLI offers more precision and flexibility than GUI. CLI allows users to enter exact and complex commands. CLI also supports scripting, piping, and variable control. CLI can perform tasks that GUI cannot. GUI offers less precision and flexibility than CLI. GUI limits users to predefined and simple commands. GUI does not support scripting, piping, or variable control. GUI cannot perform tasks that CLI can.
- Appearance and customization: GUI has a better appearance and customization than CLI. GUI uses graphics and colors to make the UI more attractive and appealing. GUI also allows users to change the theme, layout, or font of the UI. CLI has a worse appearance and customization than GUI. CLI uses plain text and files to make the UI more simple and plain. CLI does not allow users to change the theme, layout, or font of the UI.
4. Conclusion
GUI and CLI are two different types of user interface that allow users to interact with a system or software. GUI uses graphics and visual elements, while CLI uses text and commands. GUI is easier to use, but consumes more memory and resources. CLI is harder to use, but consumes less memory and resources. GUI offers less precision and flexibility, but has a better appearance and customization. CLI offers more precision and flexibility, but has a worse appearance and customization. Both GUI and CLI have their own pros and cons, and their suitability depends on the user’s needs and preferences. ***
FAQ
What are the benefits of using GUI?
Some of the benefits of using GUI are:
- It is easy to use and learn, especially for beginners and non-technical users.
- It provides visual feedback and guidance to users, such as error messages, tooltips, and help menus.
- It allows users to multitask and switch between different programs or windows easily.
- It makes the system or software more attractive and appealing, as well as customizable.
What are the drawbacks of using GUI?
Some of the drawbacks of using GUI are:
- It consumes more memory and resources than CLI, which can affect the system performance and speed.
- It offers less precision and flexibility than CLI, which can limit the user’s control and functionality.
- It may not support some advanced or complex tasks that CLI can perform, such as scripting, piping, or variable control.
- It may be more prone to errors or bugs than CLI, which can affect the system reliability and security.
What are the benefits of using CLI?
Some of the benefits of using CLI are:
- It consumes less memory and resources than GUI, which can improve the system performance and speed.
- It offers more precision and flexibility than GUI, which can enhance the user’s control and functionality.
- It supports some advanced or complex tasks that GUI cannot perform, such as scripting, piping, or variable control.
- It has a higher level of accuracy and reliability than GUI, which can improve the system security and stability.
What are the drawbacks of using CLI?
Some of the drawbacks of using CLI are:
- It is harder to use and learn, especially for novices and non-technical users.
- It provides less feedback and assistance to users, such as error messages, tooltips, and help menus.
- It requires users to memorize and type the correct commands and syntax, which can be time-consuming and error-prone.
- It makes the system or software more simple and plain, as well as less customizable.
How to switch between GUI and CLI in Windows?
To switch between GUI and CLI in Windows, you can use the following methods:
- To open a CLI window, such as Command Prompt or PowerShell, you can press the Windows key + R, type cmd or powershell, and press Enter. Alternatively, you can search for cmd or powershell in the Start menu and click on the corresponding icon.
- To close a CLI window, you can type exit and press Enter, or click on the X button on the top right corner of the window.
- To open a GUI window, such as File Explorer or Control Panel, you can press the Windows key + E, or search for the program name in the Start menu and click on the corresponding icon.
- To close a GUI window, you can click on the X button on the top right corner of the window, or press Alt + F4.
How to switch between GUI and CLI in Linux?
To switch between GUI and CLI in Linux, you can use the following methods:
- To open a CLI window, such as Terminal or Shell, you can press Ctrl + Alt + T, or search for the program name in the application menu and click on the corresponding icon.
- To close a CLI window, you can type exit and press Enter, or click on the X button on the top right corner of the window.
- To open a GUI window, such as File Manager or System Settings, you can search for the program name in the application menu and click on the corresponding icon, or use the keyboard shortcuts for the specific desktop environment.
- To close a GUI window, you can click on the X button on the top right corner of the window, or press Alt + F4.
- To switch between GUI and CLI modes, you can press Ctrl + Alt + F1 to F6 for CLI, and Ctrl + Alt + F7 for GUI.
What are some examples of GUI and CLI applications?
Some examples of GUI applications are:
- Web browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
- Word processors, such as Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer, or Google Docs.
- Video games, such as Minecraft, Fortnite, or Among Us.
- Image editors, such as Photoshop, GIMP, or Paint.
Some examples of CLI applications are:
- Text editors, such as Vim, Emacs, or Nano.
- File managers, such as Midnight Commander, Ranger, or Nnn.
- Programming languages, such as Python, Ruby, or Java.
- Network tools, such as Ping, Traceroute, or Nmap.
What are some common GUI and CLI commands?
Some common GUI commands are:
- Click: To select or activate an item, such as a button, a link, or an icon, by pressing the left mouse button once.
- Double-click: To open or execute an item, such as a file, a folder, or a program, by pressing the left mouse button twice quickly.
- Right-click: To display a context menu or additional options for an item, such as a file, a folder, or a program, by pressing the right mouse button once.
- Drag and drop: To move or copy an item, such as a file, a folder, or a program, by pressing and holding the left mouse button on the item, moving it to the desired location, and releasing the button.
Some common CLI commands are:
- cd: To change the current working directory, such as cd /home/user or cd Documents.
- ls: To list the contents of the current or specified directory, such as ls or ls -l.
- cp: To copy a file or a directory, such as cp file1 file2 or cp -r dir1 dir2.
- mv: To move or rename a file or a directory, such as mv file1 file2 or mv dir1 dir2.
What are some tips and tricks for using GUI and CLI?
Some tips and tricks for using GUI are:
- Use keyboard shortcuts to perform common tasks faster, such as Ctrl + C for copy, Ctrl + V for paste, or Ctrl + Z for undo.
- Use the search function to find files, programs, or settings quickly, such as Windows key + S for Windows Search, or Super key for Linux Search.
- Use the taskbar or the dock to access frequently used programs or windows easily, such as clicking on the icons or using the Alt + Tab or Super + Tab keys.
- Use the right-click menu to access more options or functions for an item, such as cut, copy, paste, delete, rename, or properties.
Some tips and tricks for using CLI are:
- Use the Tab key to autocomplete commands, filenames, or directories, such as typing cd Do and pressing Tab to complete cd Documents.
- Use the arrow keys to navigate through the command history, such as pressing the up arrow key to recall the previous command, or the down arrow key to recall the next command.
- Use the Ctrl + C key to interrupt or cancel a running command, such as pressing Ctrl + C to stop a ping or a traceroute command.
- Use the man or help command to get more information or assistance for a command, such as typing man ls or ls --help to get the manual or the help page for the ls command.