The Command Line

Basic introduction to command-line interfaces

Introduction to basic usage, common examples, and aliases for improved workflow.

Command-Line Interfaces (CLI)

A Command-Line Interface (CLI) is a text-based way to interact with your computer. Instead of clicking through menus, you type commands into a terminal to navigate directories, manage files, run programs, and more. While it may seem intimidating at first, the CLI is powerful for automation, customization, and efficiency.

Why use CLI

  • Efficiency: Perform tasks faster than through graphical interfaces.

  • Automation: Combine commands into scripts for repeatable workflows.

  • Control: Access deeper system functionality and options.

  • Remote Work: SSH into servers and manage systems without a GUI.

Common CLIs include bash, zsh, and PowerShell. On macOS and Linux, bash or zsh are standard; on Windows, PowerShell is the default.

The Shell

The shell is the program that interprets commands you type and executes them.

Popular shells:

  • Bash: Common on Linux

  • Zsh: Default on macOS

  • PowerShell: Default on Windows

The shell supports built-in commands and lets you run programs, pipe outputs, and customize your environment.

Aliases

An alias is a shortcut for commands.

Optimize your workflow by:

  • Shortening commands

  • Reduce errors from mistyping

  • Customize common CLI commands

What is an alias?

An alias is a shortcut for commands.

alias ll='ls -lah'
Why use aliases?
  • Save time by shortening commands
  • Reduce errors from mistyping
  • Customize your CLI workflow
Make it permanent

Add to your shell configuration:

echo "alias ll='ls -lah'" >> ~/.zshrc && source ~/.zshrc
Multiple Aliases 
alias gs='git status'
alias gp='git pull'
alias gpush='git push origin main'
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