Linux Operating System | CLI (Command Line Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface)
Last Updated :
03 May, 2019
Linux actually means the kernel of the system, which is the sole controller of whatever happens on the computer system. When we talk or say that x “runs Linux” we usually refer to the system kernel and set of the tools that are used with it. Each of the present components will be checked so that we understand exactly what functions each does.
The Linux based kernel can run a wide variety of software across many different hardware-based platforms. A computer can act as a server, which means it primarily handles data on other’s behalf or can act like a desktop, which means a user will be interacting with it directly. The system can run software or it can be used as a development PC in the process of creating any software. Linux can perform multiple roles as there is no special allocation to Linux about the role of the system; it’s only a matter of configuring the present applications and how do they execute.
Command Line Interface (CLI):
The Command Line Interface (CLI), is a non-graphical, text-based interface to the computer system, where the user types in a command and the computer then successfully executes it. The Terminal is the platform or the IDE that provides the command line interface (CLI) environment to the user.
The CLI terminal accepts the commands that the user types and passes to a shell. The shell then receives and interprets what the user has typed into the instructions that can be executed by the OS (Operating System). If the output is produced by the specific command, then this text is displayed in the terminal. If any of the problems with the commands are found, then some error message is displayed.
Graphical and the non-Graphic Interface:
Linux has two approaches: graphically and non-graphically. In graphical mode, The actual applications live in windows that we can resize and move around according to our needs. we have the menu and tools to help us find what we’re looking for. This is the point where we’ll use a required web browser, our graphics editing tools, and our emails. Here we can see some example of the graphical desktop, with a menu bar of popular applications to the left.
In Graphical Mode (GUI), we can have many shells open, it is a good thing when we are performing some tasks on multiple/remote computers. We can even log in with our username/id and password/keys through the GUI.
After successfully logging in, we are taken to the OS desktop where we can use the installed applications.
Non-graphical mode actually starts off with a text-based login, As shown below. We are generally prompted for our username/ID and after entering that, we are then prompted for our password. If the login is successful, then we are taken straight to an execution shell.
In command line interface or the CLI, there are none of the windows present to move around. Even though we have specific text editors, dedicated web browsers, and email clients, they are basically just texts. This is how UNIX got its start before the graphical environments became the norm. Most servers will be running in command line mode (CLI) too because a GUI is a waste of resources and dataspace. For example:
Similar Reads
What is Command Line Interface (CLI)?
Command Line Interface is used to communicate with a computer program, you can input text into a by typing command lines. In this article, we will understand the workings of the command line interface, features of the command line interface, and more. What is the Command Line Interface?Command line
6 min read
What is Graphical User Interface (GUI)?
The common and useful component of electronics such as computers, tablets, and smartphones is a visual interface called a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The graphical user interface (GUI) shows useful items that indicate actions the user can perform and transmit information as per requirement. When
5 min read
Interactive Operating System
Interactive operating systems are computers that accept human inputs. Users give commands or some data to the computers by typing or by gestures. Some examples of interactive systems include MS Word and Spreadsheets, etc. They facilitate interactive behavior. Mac and Windows OS are some examples of
5 min read
Multi-User Operating System
An operating system is software that acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware which does multiple functions such as memory management; file management and processor management. The operating system should have to meet the requirements of all its users in a balanced way so that
5 min read
What is Character User Interface(CUI)?
CUI stands for Character User Interface. This is a user interface where the user interacts with a computer using only a keyboard. In this article, we will understand the use of CUI, some examples of CUI, and more in detail. What is Character User Interface(CUI)?Character User Interface(CUI), also kn
6 min read
Different Operating Systems
An operating system is an interface between the user and the hardware. It is a program that helps to utilize system hardware so it is also known as a resource manager. There are different types of operating systems based on different system architectures. , each with its own features and uses. Windo
15+ min read
Difference Between User Mode and Kernel Mode
User mode and kernel mode are two working states inside a laptop's working system that determine the level of access and control, a technique can have over machine resources. Understanding the differences among these modes is critical to knowing how modern working systems manage safety and resource
5 min read
Single-User Operating System
Single user operating system is also known as a single-tasking operating system, and a single-user operating system is designed especially for home computers. A single user can access the computer at a particular time. The single-user operating system allows permission to access your personal comput
3 min read
History of Operating System
An operating system is a type of software that acts as an interface between the user and the hardware. It is responsible for handling various critical functions of the computer and utilizing resources very efficiently so the operating system is also known as a resource manager. The operating system
8 min read
What is an Operating System?
An Operating System is a System software that manages all the resources of the computing device. Acts as an interface between the software and different parts of the computer or the computer hardware. Manages the overall resources and operations of the computer. Controls and monitors the execution o
9 min read