Command-line interface

A user interface in which people enter text commands and receive text output. It commonly provides direct access to programs, files, and system operations.

Command-line interpreter: A program that reads text commands, interprets them, and runs requested operations. It is the component that turns entered commands into actions.
Command (computing): An instruction that directs a computer program or operating system to perform an operation. A command is the basic unit entered in a command-line interface.
Shell script: A text file containing commands interpreted by a shell. Scripts turn sequences of command-line actions into repeatable programs.
Graphical user interface: A user interface that uses visual elements such as windows, icons, and menus. It presents actions visually instead of requiring users to enter command text.
Shell (computing): A command interpreter that provides an interface to an operating system’s services. Shells are the most common command-line interfaces for operating systems.
Command syntax: The rules that determine how commands, options, and arguments are arranged and interpreted. Syntax determines whether a typed instruction is recognized and what it means.
Unix command: A program or shell instruction that performs an operation in a Unix-like system. Unix commands are routinely composed to inspect and manipulate system resources.
Natural-language interface: A user interface that accepts instructions expressed in human language. It replaces formal command syntax with language-oriented interaction.
Standard streams: The conventional input, output, and error channels used by computer programs. Command-line programs commonly read commands and display results through these streams.
File path: A string that identifies a file or directory within a file system. Many commands act on files by naming their paths.

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