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1. Command Line Interface (CLI) :
CLI stands for Command Line Input/Interface/Interpreter. Earlier it was the only way to interact with computers using computer terminals. It requires fewer resources and is concise and powerful.
2. Application Programming Interface (API) :
API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is a collection of communication protocols and subroutines used by various programs to communicate between them.
Differences between CLI and API :
| S.No. | CLI | API |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | A CLI is the text-driven command line used to access the operating system. | API helps the programmers with an efficient way to develop their software programs and to make program easier and simpler. |
| 2. | It plays a vital role in the management of cloud computing. | It plays a vital role in terms of security. |
| 3. | It takes input in the form of commands and it executes on the device. | It is an interface between the client and service. |
| 4. | CLI is easier for humans. | API is easier for machines. |
| 5. | Types of CLI – DOS (for Windows) and the bash shell (for Linux and OS X). | Types of API – WEB API, Local API, Program API. |
| 6. | It consumes low memory. | It consumes more memory. |
| 7. | CLI is known for quick one time changes and non-repeating tasks. | An API integration may be overkill. |
| 8. | CLI is arguably better for ad hoc tasks. | APIs make it possible to make and connect applications in a machine-language sense. |
| 9. | It is more human-readable. | It is less human-readable. |
| 10. | It is less used. | It is more used. |
Last Updated : 16 Dec, 2020
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