CLI
Also written: Command Line, Shell, CLIs, Gcloud CLI, gcloud, CLI args, command-line arguments, CLI parameters
A text-based way to control computer programs and operating systems using typed commands.
A Command Line Interface, or CLI, is a way to interact with a computer by typing commands. Instead of clicking on icons or menus, you type specific instructions. The computer then follows those instructions.
Think of it like giving orders to a very literal assistant. If you want to open a file, you might type a command like 'open document.txt'. The CLI is a powerful tool for developers and power users because it allows for precise control and automation of tasks.
A Command Line Interface (CLI) is a text-based application used to run programs, manage computer systems, and perform tasks by entering commands. It parses commands entered by the user and passes them to the operating system or application to execute.
CLIs are fundamental in software development and system administration, enabling scripting, automation, and efficient interaction with complex systems. They offer a direct channel to system resources, often providing more granular control than graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
Command line interfaces are frequently mentioned as AI models like OpenAI's Codex and Google's Gemini are updated. These updates often focus on improving how developers interact with AI tools through text commands, making coding and AI application building more efficient.
- Gemini 4 Argon in AntigravityGoogle · Google for Developers on YouTube ·
- Gemini 4 Argon in GitHub CopilotMicrosoft · GitHub Changelog: Copilot ·
- How to make AI coding agents better at using your technologyMicrosoft · Microsoft Source ·
- Introducing the Agent Experience (AX) Practitioner PlaybookMicrosoft · Microsoft for Developers ·
- Meet the New Codex CLIOpenAI · OpenAI on YouTube ·
- OpenAI COOKEDOpenAI · Matthew Berman ·
- OpenAI gives Codex reusable cloud environments that work across devicesOpenAI · TechCrunch AI ·
- Same Flaw Found in Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI and GitHub CopilotAnthropic · The Information ·
- Enterprise-ready Vibe Coding with Rayfin | Data ExposedMicrosoft · Microsoft Developer on YouTube ·
- Marketing ops as code: Automating events from planning to follow-up on GitHubMicrosoft · GitHub Blog: Copilot ·
- Cognition helps Devin test its own work with GPT‑6 AstraOpenAI · OpenAI News ·
- GitHub Copilot weekly releases — September 7Microsoft · GitHub Changelog: Copilot ·
- Supercharge your coding agent with the Google Cloud Developer PluginGoogle · Google Cloud Tech on YouTube ·
- Introducing ChatGPT Images 2.5OpenAI · Simon Willison ·
- Codex blog postsOpenAI · OpenAI Developers Blog ·
- Meta Muse Code & Muse Spark Course – Build AI Agents, APIs, and Full-Stack AppsAnthropic · freeCodeCamp ·
- How to build apps and automate tasks with Google Antigravity 2.0Google · Google on YouTube ·
- How the GitHub legal team used Copilot CLI to streamline their workflowsMicrosoft · GitHub Blog: Copilot ·
- How to test agent experience changes without shipping themMicrosoft · Microsoft for Developers ·
- Don’t rewrite your CLI for agentsMicrosoft · Microsoft for Developers ·
- Anthropic acquires StainlessAnthropic · Anthropic News ·
- Building a safe, effective sandbox to enable Codex on WindowsOpenAI · OpenAI News ·
- Introducing Ads CLIMeta · Meta for Developers Blog ·
- LWiAI Podcast #236 - GPT 5.4, Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite, Supply Chain RiskGoogle · Last Week in AI ·
- OpenAI to acquire PromptfooOpenAI · OpenAI News ·
- Google Gemini
- Google Gemini's updates often involve improvements to its command line interface for developers.
- Microsoft Copilot
- Microsoft Copilot and GitHub Copilot are being enhanced to work better with AI coding agents, which can be controlled via command line.
- OpenAI ChatGPT
- OpenAI has recently updated its Codex CLI, aiming to provide a smoother experience for users interacting with AI coding tools in their terminal.
The concept of a command-line interface emerged in the early days of computing with teletype terminals and batch processing. Early operating systems like CTSS and Multics developed command languages, leading to the widespread adoption of CLIs in systems like Unix. Source ↗
Open your computer's terminal application (like Terminal on macOS/Linux or Command Prompt/PowerShell on Windows). Try typing a simple command like 'ls' (on macOS/Linux) or 'dir' (on Windows) and press Enter. You'll see a list of files and folders in your current directory, demonstrating basic CLI interaction.
The Playbook: reusable how-tos, prompts, configs and tips pulled out of the news.
- Skill or agent configMuse Code CLI Workflows and Custom SkillsConfigure and use the Muse Code CLI for advanced developer workflows. · 180 min
- ToolGoogle Antigravity 2.0 for autonomous AI agentsStandalone desktop command center to run autonomous AI agents in parallel for complex workflows. · 10 min
- ToolMeta Muse Models and Muse Code for AI AgentsBuild AI agents and full-stack apps with Meta's Muse models and Muse Code tools. · 120 min
- PromptRole-play a student struggling with math for AI tutor simulationSimulate a student's math struggles and uncertainty for AI tutor evaluation. · 5 min
- TemplateReusable workflow templates for healthcare teamsTeams can create and share templates for common workflows like documentation or prior authorizations. · 15 min
Questions people ask
- Is a CLI the same as a terminal?
- No, a terminal is the application window where you type commands, and the CLI is the system or program that interprets those commands.
- Why would I use a CLI instead of a graphical interface?
- CLIs are often faster for complex tasks, allow for automation through scripting, and provide more precise control over software and system operations.
First seen on Subvolts Mar 9, 2026. Updated Oct 16, 2026. Written by an AI model from the items above and reviewed against them weekly; report an error.