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What does "CLI" mean in programming?
CLI is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.
Definition
Command-Line Interface. A text-based interface for interacting with software by typing commands in a terminal, rather than using a graphical user interface. CLIs are preferred by developers for automation and scripting. Most developer tools (Git, npm, Docker, kubectl) are CLIs.
Example
"Install the package with the CLI: run npm install and then npm run dev to start the development server."
Related terms
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