Command line vs. GUI.
| Topic |
Command line |
GUI |
| Ease |
Because of the
memorization and familiarity needed to operate a command line
interface new users find it much more difficult to
successfully navigate and operate a command line interface. |
Although new
users may have a difficult at time learning to use the mouse
to operate and use a GUI most users pick up this interface
much easier when compared to a command line interface. |
| Control |
Users have much
more control of their file system and operating system in a
command line interface. For example, users can easily copy a
specific type of file from one location to another with a
one-line command. |
Although a GUI
offers plenty of control of a file system and operating system
often advance users or users who need to do specific task may
need to resort to a command line to complete that task. |
| Multitasking |
Although many
command line environments are capable of multitasking they do
not offer the same ease and ability to view multiple things at
once on one screen. |
GUI users have
windows that enable a user to easily view, control, and
manipulate multiple things at once and is commonly much faster
to do when compared to a command line. |
| Speed |
Because command
line users only need to use their keyboards to navigate a
command line interface and often only need to execute a few
lines to perform a task an advanced command line interface
user would be able to get something done faster then an
advance GUI user. |
A GUI may be
easier to use because of the mouse, however using a mouse
and/or keyboard to navigate and control your operating system
for many things is going to be much slower then someone who is
working in a command line environment. |
| Low resources |
A computer that
is only using the command line takes a lot less of the computers
resources. |
A GUI will
require a lot more system resources because of each of the
elements that need to be loaded such as icons, fonts, etc. In
addition video drivers, mouse drivers, and other drivers that
need to be loaded will also take additional resources. |
| Scripting |
A command line
interface enables a user to easily script a sequence of
commands to perform a task or execute a program. |
Although A GUI
enables a user to create shortcuts, tasks, or other similar
actions to complete a task or run a program it doesn't even
come close in comparison to what is available through a
command line. |
| Remote access |
Often when
accessing another computer or networking device over a network a
user will only be able to manipulate the device and/or its files
using a command line, CLI, or other text only manipulation. |
Although remote
graphical access is becoming popular and is possible. Not all
computers and especially not all network equipment will have
this ability. |
