A command interpreter is a program that allows the entry of commands and then executes those commands to the operating system. It is an essential part of the operating system. A Command Interpreter works as an interface between the user and the computer.
It is known as a command language interpreter, command processor, command-line shell, or command-line interpreter. Here, we’ll discuss what a Command Interpreter is and the purpose of a command line interpreter.
What is a Command Line Interpreter?
A command line interpreter is a program designed to input and execute commands on the operating system.
Unlike a graphical user interface with menus, buttons, and UI, a command line interpreter requires users to input text commands. These commands are then translated into functions the operating system can understand.
Various operating systems feature distinct CLI software. For example, on Windows, there is Command Prompt and Windows Shell, on macOS, there is Terminal, and on Linux, there is also the Terminal.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Command Line Interpreter
Like other tools, Command line interpreters come with advantages and disadvantages. Here are some:
Advantages of command-line interpreters:
- You can perform the task quickly.
- One can maintain previously executed commands for monitoring.
- A Command in CLI uses less RAM and CPU cycle.
- It comes with a range of commands and queries.
- One can combine commands to create a script that can run several operations.
Besides advantages, there are also some disadvantages. Here are some:
- The users need to remember several commands to perform the tasks.
- For new users, it is confusing and challenging to understand.
- It is complicated to remember the exact syntax for every command.
Purpose of a Command Line Interpreter
If a computer comes with an easy-to-use graphical interface, why would anyone choose to use a CLI? The benefit of using this interpreter is that one can have direct access to the operating system.
It comes with several commands and options. Therefore, it is essential for systems that do not have a built-in GUI. Consequently, the Command-line Interpreter is more useful in many cases than the GUI.
The purpose of a Command Interpreter is to convert commands into functions that the operating system can understand. Users can directly enter the command in the form of text lines.
It contains code to execute a command or uses a command to read an external file with code. Examples of the command interpreter include the Unix Shell and Windows Command Prompt.
Command Interpreters VS Graphical User Interface
Command Interpreters work on text-based interfaces where users can type their requests and queries as needed and obtain the desired results.
On the other hand, the Graphical User Interface (GUI) presents information in a visual form, where icons and buttons can be used to access and manipulate data.
Experienced users find command interpreters much faster for typing commands and getting results. Normal users prefer graphical user interfaces as they are in a graphic format and are easy to use.
Conclusion
However, newcomers don’t like this, as it is not that easy to use. While advanced users appreciate it because it provides powerful access to the operating system.
A Command-line interpreter (CLI) is a program that allows users to enter a command. It then reads and interprets the input and executes the command. Now, graphical user interfaces (GUI) and menu-driven interfaces have replaced command-line interpreters. However, it is more helpful than GUI in some cases.