CLI means Command Line Interface. It’s a way of using your computer by typing commands into a text-based window, instead of clicking around with your mouse. It might look a bit plain, but it’s a powerful tool once you get the hang of it.
When you open a CLI, you see a blank screen with a blinking cursor. That’s where you type your commands. For example, if you want to see a list of files, you might type ls or dir, depending on your system. If you want to move into a folder, you type cd folder-name. Everything happens through typing. There are no icons or buttons, just text.
The CLI is used for all kinds of tasks. You can copy or delete files, install software, run programs, check system information, or even connect to other computers. Many tools used in programming and web development are designed to be run from the CLI. It can also be automated through scripts, which makes it useful for repetitive work.
It’s not always beginner-friendly. You need to know what to type and how the system responds. If you miss a space or make a small typo, the command might fail or do something unexpected. That’s why many people avoid it at first. But once you understand the basics, it can actually save you time.
Most computers already come with a CLI. On Windows, it’s called Command Prompt or PowerShell. On macOS and Linux, it’s usually called Terminal. Each system has its own commands, but many of them are similar once you learn the patterns.
The CLI isn’t just for experts. With a little practice, anyone can use it to get more control over their system, work faster, and learn how things work behind the scenes.
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