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.