A command line interface refers to a computer operating system user interface or an application that uses visual prompts to execute tasks by typing in a command on a specified line. The graphical user interface, on the other hand, is a human-computer user interface that uses icons, windows, and menus that can be controlled using a mouse or a keyboard to execute commands. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are accentuated by Microsoft Windows while command-line interfaces (CLIs) are exemplified by the UNIX command Language. It is less complicated for a beginner to use a GUI than a CLI since a CLI calls for special skills to operate (Bell, 2005). In terms of ease of use, users may find it hard to learn how to navigate the mouse when using a GUI, but it is less complex to learn compared to command line interface. CLI, on the other hand, requires proper memorization and familiarity to use. The novice users find it more hectic in terms of successfully operating a CLI (Markus, 2014).
Users have much control over the storage and operating systems when using the command line interface. For example, they can copy specific files from one section to the other using a single line command with ease while GUI users are provided with more control, but often users may often resolve to use a command line to complete the same tasks (Computer Hope, 2014).A command line enables one to process several commands at the same time by making the processing of one command conditional to the success of other commands through integration of the ‘pipe’ concept. A command line has powerful capabilities that can compare to programming language, but requires little effort to operate (Eriksson, n.d.).
Many command line environments possess the ability of multitasking, but they do not present the same visual multiplicity on the same screen. They provide them in the terminals found in the desktop environment e.g. GNOME that gives room for multitasking through use of many terminal windows. GUI users, however, have windows that enhance easy view, control, and operation of multiple tasks spontaneously (Computer Hope, 2014).
Another difference that stands out when comparing and contrasting GUIs and CLIs is their different appearances. CLIs have no alterations in their appearances that explains why once users become familiar with the interface or command there is no need to familiarize every time the appearance changes. That contrasts with GUIs that have particular programs changing depending on the latest versions released. Users are thus compelled to invest over and over every time the GUIs are altered to familiarize themselves with the latest appearance (Markus, n.d.).
The GUIs and the CLIs also differ in terms of processing speeds and time needed to complete various tasks. Since the command line users also require execution of a few lines to accomplish tasks it can, thus execute tasks faster than an advanced GUI user. The GUI users may find it easier to use the mouse in navigation. However, using the keyboard and mouse to control a multitasking operating system is much slower compared to someone working using command lines (Bezroukov, 2014).
The resources required in the execution of tasks using CLIs and GUIs vary greatly. A computer that solely engages the use of command lines requires fewer computer resources and no installation of the graphic layer that saves a lot of storage space (Computer Hope, 2014). The GUI, however, requires more system resources since it requires the loading of more elements such as fonts and icons. Additionally, it necessitates addition of various drivers that prompt the need for additional resources. GUI also uses too much CPU storage and memory (Bezroukov, 2014).
In terms of scripting, a CLI eases the scripting sequencing commands in executing the command. For a GUI to finish a task or process a program, it uses shortcuts and other actions yet it cannot compare to what can get accomplished through use of the command line. One simply needs to perform a task in the GUI and after that refer to the log to make out the syntax, consequently making scripting more simple. When logging onto CLI’s, one may use actual user-id rather than admin. The change highlights the mix up brought up by logging onto the GUI as say John, but then logging into a similar CLI session as admin (Vandewerdt, 2011).
There is also a notable variation in terms of remote access features of the two interfaces. CLIs enable users to control and operate devices through the use of a CLI when accessing a different computer or a networking device over a network. On the other hand, not all computers with GUIs possess this capability of access over a network, but gaining popularity and are practicable (Markus, n.d.).
Graphic authority tools may seem to be the most viable choice for scripting in a GUI.Yet at times when scripts or CLIs would be very handy e.g. a case where one has constructed drawings from rectangles and wants to thicken the rectangular borders, one would need to individually select the lines making the task more involving. A vivid illustration of the incompetence of GUIs (Bell, 2005).
The two interfaces also vary in terms of diversity. After a user familiarizes himself with the intricacies of navigation and use of the command line, it does not change much even if new commands get introduced. On the other hand, each GUI involves different designs and forms that require different skills to manipulate (Computer Hope, 2014).
References
Bell, D. 2005. Software Engineering for Students: A Programming Approach. 4th ed. Essex, England: Pearson Education.
Bezroukov, N. 2014. GUI vs. Command line interface. Available at: <http://www.softpanorama.org/OFM/gui_vs_command_line.shtml> [Accessed 3 December 2014].
Computer Hope, 2014. Command Line vs. GUI. Available at: <http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000619.htm> [Accessed 3 December 2014].
Eriksson, M. n.d.Advantages of command line over GUI. Available at: <www.aswedeingermany.de/50SoftwareDevelopment/50ShellVsGUI.html> [Accessed 3 December 2014].
Markus, G., 2014. CLI vs. GUI. Available at: <http://www.markus-gattol.name/ws/cli_vs_gui.html> [Accessed 3 December 2014].
Vandewerdt, A. 2011. GUI vs. CLI - Sharing the Love.Available at: <https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/community/blogs/anthonyv/entry/gui_vs_cli_sharing_the_love?lang=en> [Accessed 3 December 2014].
