Difference Between GUI and CLI

The main difference between GUI and CLI is that the Graphical User Interface (GUI) allows the user to interact with the system using graphical elements such as windows, icons, menus while the Command Line Interface (CLI) allows the user to interact with the system using commands. 

An operating system is an interface between the user and the hardware components. It performs different tasks. An operating system provides GUI or CLI for the user to perform tasks. Some operating systems only provide CLI while others provide both GUI and CLI. A GUI consists of controls or widgets to interact with the computer. On the other hand, when using the CLI, the user should enter commands to perform the tasks. Overall, GUI is more user-friendly, but the execution speed is higher in CLI.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is GUI
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is CLI
     – Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between GUI and CLI
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

GUI, CLI, Operating System

What is GUI

GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. It takes the advantage of computer graphics. It allows the user to interact with the computer using components such as windows, icons, labels, text boxes, and radio buttons. It is easy for the user to perform tasks using GUI as it does not require remembering commands. He can easily click on icons, drag and drop objects using the mouse.

Figure 1: Windows GUI

There are various GUI components. The window is the complete visible screen to the user. It has a rectangular shape and it can overlap with the area of other windows. A text box is a component for the user to enter input data. A menu provides a list of options for the user to select an option. A button allows selecting one particular option. A radio button appears as a group and the user can select one option at a time. Moreover, checkbox is a graphical element that allows the user to select an option out of multiple alternatives.  

Operating Systems such as Windows and Linux provide GUI. They contain windows, icons, search boxes, menus, drop down lists and many graphical elements. There is also application software designed for specific business requirements such as Human Resource Management systems, Library Management Systems, etc. They consist of GUIs to accomplish necessary tasks. Overall, a GUI is a user-friendly mechanism to interact with the system.

What is CLI

CLI stands for Command Line Interface. CLI is also called Command Language Interpreter, Console User Interface or Character User Interface. It allows the users to enter commands to the terminal to perform the task. When the user enters a command and presses “enter” key, the terminal or the shell will interpret that command and will display the response back to the terminal. Likewise, the user can communicate with the operating system.

Figure 2: Linux Command Line Interface

The user should have a good understanding to use the CLI. He should thoroughly know the correct syntax to issue effective commands. Operating systems such as UNIX contains a CLI while OS such as Windows and Linux contains both CLI and GUI. Overall, CLI is memory efficient and faster in execution than the GUI.

Difference Between GUI and CLI

Definition

A GUI is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators. A CLI is an interface for the user to issue commands in the form of successive lines of text or command lines to perform the tasks.

Stands for

GUI stands for Graphical User Interface whereas CLI stands for Command Line Interface.

Usability

It is easy to use the GUI. It is not necessary to have a vast knowledge to operate the system using the GUI. Even a beginner can easily handle the tasks using the GUI. On the other hand, CLI is complex. The user should have good knowledge of the commands. Misspelt commands are of no use.  

Memory Requirement

GUI requires more memory as it contains a lot of graphical components. CLI is a command interface, and it does not require more memory. 

Speed

GUI is slower but the CLI is fast.

Customizability

The user can change the appearance of the GUI. There are customizable options to change the appearance. It is not possible to change the CLI. 

Flexibility

GUI is more flexible whereas CLI is not much flexible.

Conclusion

The difference between GUI and CLI is that the GUI allows the user to interact with the system using graphical elements such as windows, icons, menus while the CLI allows the user to interact with the system using commands.  In brief, GUI is more user-friendly, and CLI is more advanced and powerful.

Reference:

1. Pakuwal, Bivek. “Graphical User Interface.” LinkedIn SlideShare, 17 Apr. 2015, Available here.
2. “Command-Line Interface.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 July 2018, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Screenshots (26) of Windows 7 Beta (Build 7000)” by okubax (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Telegram CLI Linux” By DesdeLinux (telegram-cli from Github) (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia