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Introduction
Everyone loves a graphical user interface (GUI) — that is, until they master the command-line interface (CLI). Why? Because GUIs are generally intuitive. If someone hands you an unfamiliar GUI, you can poke around and figure out a lot without much trouble. But when faced with a CLI prompt, it’s a different story.
A CLI might have a steeper learning curve, but once you master it, you’ll discover it’s faster and more efficient. Think about something as simple as checking your IP address. In a GUI, you’d have to click around your desktop. With a CLI, all you need is a quick command — no mouse required. And when you need to recheck your IP address? Just run the same command again. No additional effort.
So, why use a CLI? Here are a few key advantages:
- Lower Resource Usage: CLIs demand fewer system resources than GUIs, meaning they can run smoothly on older hardware or systems with limited memory. If you’re working in the cloud, this also translates to lower costs.
- Automation: While GUI tasks can be automated, it’s far easier to create a batch file or script that runs repetitive commands.
- Remote Management: CLI shines for remote system management via SSH, particularly when managing servers, routers, or IoT devices. It’s fast and doesn’t require much bandwidth.
