A shell is a program that executes other programs in response to text commands. There are two types:

• Graphical user interface(GUI)

• Command line interface(CLI)

A command-line interface is a computer terminal that performs processes by text prompts from users. Unlike the GUI where users send prompts by interactions with the screen using the mouse/ touchpad, the command-line employs the use of the keyboard. The command-line is accessed via a shell.

Advantages of the command-line

• there’s more speed creating files.

• you have more control over your hardware.

• It can be used to search for files that are not available to the common user.

Downsides of the command-line

• In comparison to the GUI, the command-line is less user friendly.

• steeper learning curve associated with memorizing commands and complex syntax/arguments.

• different commands used in different shells.