CLI Basics Guide

Welcome to the CLI Basics Guide! Here, you'll learn the fundamentals of using the command line interface (CLI) efficiently. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, this guide will help you get started.

What is CLI?
Why Use CLI?
Getting Started
Common Commands
Advanced Tips

What is CLI?

The Command Line Interface (CLI) is a text-based interface used to interact with an operating system or software. It allows users to execute commands and perform various tasks directly through the terminal or command prompt.

Why Use CLI?

Efficiency: CLI offers a faster way to perform tasks compared to graphical user interfaces (GUI).
Automation: You can automate repetitive tasks using scripts.
Remote Access: CLI is useful for remote server management and scripting.

For more information on the benefits of CLI, check out our CLI vs GUI comparison guide.

Getting Started

Before diving into the commands, ensure you have a terminal or command prompt open. Here's a basic setup guide for different operating systems:

Windows: Open PowerShell or Command Prompt.
macOS/Linux: Open Terminal.

Common Commands

Here are some essential CLI commands you should know:

ls: List files and directories.
cd: Change directory.
cp: Copy files and directories.
mv: Move files and directories.
rm: Remove files and directories.

For more detailed information on these commands, visit our CLI Commands guide.

Advanced Tips

Tab Completion: Use the Tab key to complete commands and file paths.
Pipe (|): Use the pipe symbol to pass the output of one command as input to another.
Alias: Create aliases for frequently used commands to save time.

For advanced CLI tips and tricks, explore our Advanced CLI Techniques article.