Linked by Greg Afinogenov on Wed 3rd Sep 2003 07:19 UTC
It is not fashionable nowadays to speak of the merits of the command line, in an age where things like streaming video and Aqua are an integral part of our daily life. However, I do not think that typed-in commands must necessarily be consigned to the dustbin of computer history. Of course, I am not suggesting that we all drop X and Windows and pretend like we are living in the early eighties. The command line interface still has much to offer us, and many of its benefits simply cannot physically be emulated or even replaced by graphical ones.
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> Perhaps it's time to move beyond the CLI versus GUI
> debate and start building systems that don't need the CLI.
I couldn't agree more. CLI is fine (I use it a lot), but for Linux to make a firm stand in the desktop market, GUI (for administration) is a must have. But just GUI is not enough.
When targeting the desktop market, one must take into account, that most of users in this market are computer illiterate. For them even GUI is a scary monster, that they fear, and won't go near. A simple, wizard driven GUI interface is what is needed for them.
Of course this doesn't mean that there is no room for CLI in Linux (or any OS). CLI is and should always be an integral part of any OS. But it should be a tool for power users and sysadmins, and not a requirement for the inexperienced.
Evolution is a naturally occurring process that aims to improve things and make the better. I do realize that not all change is for the better, but it's still better then no change at all. Look at humans, from caves to houses, which make for a much more comfortable living, from rocks to hi-tech tools that make as more productive. But despite all that, you can still live in a cave and use rocks if you wish, it's a matter of choice and that is from what I understand the power of OSS, the freedom to choose.
I hope I didn't get too carried away.
BTW: CLI and GUI refer to (CLI|GUI) administration tools.