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Command line: meaning, definitions and examples

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command line

 

[ ˈkəˌmænd ˌlaɪn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

computing

A command-line interface (CLI) is a means of interacting with a computer program where the user issues commands to the program in the form of successive lines of text (command lines).

Synonyms

CLI, terminal, text-based interface.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
command line

General reference to a text-based user interface where users type commands to interact with the computer.

  • You can use the command line to navigate through your directories.
  • The command line is very powerful for automating tasks.
CLI

Abbreviation for Command Line Interface, often used in technical documentation or by developers.

  • The new software version has a more user-friendly CLI.
  • Experienced users prefer using the CLI for faster operations.
text-based interface

A broader term that refers to any interface where users primarily interact through text, can include command line interfaces and others.

  • Old video games often used a text-based interface for player interactions.
  • A text-based interface can be less demanding on system resources compared to a graphical one.
terminal

Refers specifically to the application or environment where the command line can be accessed. Often used in Unix-based systems.

  • You need to open the terminal to execute this script.
  • The terminal emulator allows you to run multiple shell sessions.

Examples of usage

  • I prefer using the command line for quick tasks.
  • The command line allows for more precise control over the system.
  • To access the advanced settings, you need to use the command line.
  • Many programmers are proficient in using the command line efficiently.
  • Learning to navigate the command line is an essential skill for IT professionals.

Translations

Translations of the word "command line" in other languages:

🇵🇹 linha de comando

🇮🇳 कमांड लाइन

🇩🇪 Befehlszeile

🇮🇩 baris perintah

🇺🇦 командний рядок

🇵🇱 wiersz poleceń

🇯🇵 コマンドライン

🇫🇷 ligne de commande

🇪🇸 línea de comandos

🇹🇷 komut satırı

🇰🇷 명령 줄

🇸🇦 سطر الأوامر

🇨🇿 příkazový řádek

🇸🇰 príkazový riadok

🇨🇳 命令行

🇸🇮 ukazna vrstica

🇮🇸 skipanalína

🇰🇿 командалық жол

🇬🇪 საკომანდო ხაზი

🇦🇿 əmr sətri

🇲🇽 línea de comandos

Etymology

The concept of a command line goes back to the early days of computing when computers were operated using text-based commands. The command line interface remains popular among developers and IT professionals due to its efficiency and flexibility in managing systems and executing tasks. Over the years, the command line has evolved with various enhancements and features to meet the needs of modern computing environments.