CLI vs. GUI

Command-line interfaces(CLI) and graphic user interfaces(GUI) are user interfaces. An operating system provides GUI or CLI for the user to perform tasks. Some only provide CLI while others provide both GUI and CLI.

Here are a few differences between CLI and GUI:

Command-line interface Graphic-user interface
Easy for beginners Requires good knowledge of commands
Interaction with the system is done using commands Interaction with the system is done using graphical elements
Faster and more accurate Slower and less accurate
Only the keyboard is required for the input Both keyboard and mouse can be used for input
Less memory required for storage More memory required as visual components are involved
Appearance remains the same over time Structure and design can change with updates

Both CLI and GUI are used according to user requirement, and so they have their own advantages and disadvantages. The GUI provides a higher degree of multitasking and efficiency; whereas, CLI provides more control, precision, and repeatability.