GUI vs CLI
Difference between GUI and CLI
Any device’s operating system is nothing but an interface between the user and the
hardware components of that device. The operating system offers a GUI vs CLI user
interface to interact with an electronic device. Some operating systems provide GUI and
CLI, while others offer only CLI. GUI is a Graphical user interface, while CLI is the
command line interface. As the name suggests, one has to write commands to perform
a certain CLI system task. On the other hand, GUI offers graphics that consist of icons
and images that enable users to do a task directly. CLI requires command expertise to
perform a certain task, while a beginner can operate GUI.
For its working, GUI uses computer graphics. One can click on the icon; drag the object
with the help of a mouse. There is no need to remember commands in this. GUI comes
with numerous components. With the help of a textbox editor, one can enter input data
in this. A menu offers a list of options to choose from. Buttons enable the user to select
a particular option. The checkbox element allows the user to choose an option from
multiple alternatives. Linux and Windows use a Graphical User Interface. It comprises
icons, search boxes, windows, menus, and other graphical elements.
Command language interpreter, Character User Interface, and console user interface are
different command-line interface names. In this system, first, the user enters the
commands and presses enter to execute that command. In this way, the user can
interact with the device. It is important to have correct knowledge of syntax to give
effective commands. An operating system like UNIX has CLI, While an operating
system like Linux and Windows have both CLI and GUI.
Key Differences between GUI and CLI
Below are the lists of points that describe the key differences between GUI vs CLI:
User-friendly
Command Line Interface requires commands to be memorized, thus becoming
challenging for beginners. Professionals often prefer CLI. GUI is more user-friendly than
CLI and can be used by beginners and experienced professionals.
Multitasking
Multitasking may or may not be involved in the command-line interface. On the other
hand, In GUI, one can easily multitask. For example- MS word, chrome has multitasking
ability to perform tasks.
Handling Complex Tasks
Command Line Interface is best for handling complex tasks. One can take a complex
task by writing a few commands, while GUI requires some steps to follow to work.
Resource Handling
Only the keyboard and system are used while interacting; conversely, GUI has extra
resources to interact with the user.
Performance
Graphical User Interface is slow as compared to the Command Line Interface. It required
more time to perform tasks. On the other hand, CLI has better performance. One can
script a series of instructions to carry out the task, while GUI does not provide this
facility.
Networking
Graphical User Interface connects with another computer remotely to gain access, while
on the other hand connecting with CLI is quite difficult. Professionals are required to get
access to another electronic device.
Interface
In Command Line Interface, the interface is consistent all the time. In GUI, the interface
changes with the update of the software.
Interaction
There is less color strain in the eyes in the Command Line Interface. In GUI, the color
strain is more. CLI offers more control over the system through a command-line
interface. GUI has a few limitations in accessing folders and performing certain tasks.
Basis of GUI CLI
comparison
Basic This user interface enables This user interface enables a user to
the user to interact with give a command to interact with an
electronic devices with the electronic device.
help of graphical icons and
visual indicators.
Ease of understating The graphical user interface Due to the need to remember
is visually intuitive. It is easy commands, it isn’t easy to handle and
to understand for requires expertise.
beginners.
Memory It requires more memory as It requires less memory as compared
Requirement it consists of a lot of to GUI.
graphical components.
Speed It generally uses a mouse to Because the keyboard is used to
execute commands. The execute the commands, the speed of
speed of GUI is Slower than the CLI is Faster than GUI.
CLI.
Appearance One can change the It is not possible to change the
appearance with a appearance.
customizable option.
Flexibility More flexible than CLI Less flexible than GUI
GUI vs CLI Comparison Table
Below is the topmost comparison between GUI vs CLI
Advantages of GUI over CLI
One can edit the configuration manually.
One can memorize tasks easily, as in CLI; one has to type commands in the terminal,
which may be difficult for most beginners.
It enables average computer users to interact with the computer. No need to have
expertise in the computer
The main feature of any software is its ease of use. The customer often preferred
software that offered a user-friendly interface. As GUI provides the same, it is beneficial
in increasing the selling of the software.
Benefits of CLI over GUI
Whether you are writing code or giving instructions to the computer CLI provides better
control to the user.
Navigating through different icons makes the GUI slow. Thus CLI offers better speed as
commands are directly given to the computer. So many professionals preferred CLI
because of its speed and performance.
Sometimes professionals are required to work in more than two languages. CLI is a great
option for professionals who work on more programming languages.
Conclusion
In the GUI vs CLI article, we have come up with some important points regarding the
Graphic user interface and command-line interface. This article explains the key
difference between GUI vs CLI and its comparison.
To conclude, the main difference between GUI vs CLI is how it enables users to interact
with the system. GUI is more user-friendly, while CLI is more advanced and powerful.
