CLI (Command-Line Interface)

Also: 命令列 · 命令行 · command line · command-line interface

Directing a computer by typing instead of clicking.

When you will meet it

CLI coding agents such as Claude Code and Codex live in the command line. You do not need to write code, but you do need to start them there, read their output, and tell when they are done.

An analogy

A GUI is an automatic gearbox: easy to start, limited in where it goes. A CLI is manual: you have to learn it, but it reaches places the automatic cannot, and the same sequence can be written down and repeated.

Minimal example

pwd          # 我現在在哪個資料夾
ls -la       # 這裡有什麼
cd notes     # 進到 notes 資料夾

Three lines to locate yourself, look around, and move. Put those same three lines in a file and you have a repeatable script — that is the real advantage.

What people get wrong

Assuming "uses a CLI" means "must know programming". Daily use needs a dozen commands; look the rest up as you go.

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CLI (Command-Line Interface)

When you will meet it

An analogy

Minimal example

What people get wrong

Related terms

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