A command-line interface (CLI) lets you operate your computer by typing commands instead of clicking icons and menus. A terminal is the application where you enter those commands. Both the CLI and a graphical user interface (GUI) communicate with the same operating system. section 1.5.1 section 1.5.2
yourname@MacBook-Air ~ %
A terminal prompt shows that it is ready for a command. In this example, `~` marks the home directory and `%` is the prompt symbol. Your prompt may look different; a `$` can indicate the Bash shell rather than Zsh. section 1.5.1
Type a command the shell recognizes, then read the text it returns. Unlike an AI prompt, a terminal prompt does not expect a request in everyday language. The shell interprets commands and uses PATH to find programs to run. section 1.5.1 section 1.9
Four commands are enough to start moving around your files:
- `pwd` shows your current location. section 1.9
- `ls` lists files and folders; `ls -la` adds long-format details and hidden files. section 1.9
- `cd` changes directories. section 1.9
- `mkdir` creates a folder. section 1.9
The CLI is useful for installing development tools, running Python scripts, starting the Ollama AI service, and launching a web application. Commands can be quick to repeat, precise about options, and saved together in a script for automation. If a command keeps running when you want it to stop, press Ctrl-C; treat error messages as feedback you can use. section 1.5.3 section 1.9
