---
title: "CLI"
description: "The CLI, or Command-Line Interface, is a text-based interface used to interact with computer programs and operating systems through typed commands."
canonical: "https://motherduck.com/glossary/cli/"
related:
  - title: "Command reference | MotherDuck Docs"
    url: "https://motherduck.com/docs/sql-reference/motherduck-cli/"
  - title: "Why Use DuckDB for Analytics?"
    url: "https://motherduck.com/blog/six-reasons-duckdb-slaps/"
  - title: "Install and connect with the DuckDB CLI | MotherDuck Docs"
    url: "https://motherduck.com/docs/getting-started/interfaces/connect-query-from-duckdb-cli/"
---

# CLI

> The CLI, or Command-Line Interface, is a text-based interface used to interact with computer programs and operating systems through typed commands.

The CLI, or Command-Line Interface, is a text-based interface used to interact with computer programs and operating systems through typed commands. For data professionals, the CLI is an essential tool for efficient data manipulation, analysis, and system management. Many popular data tools, including [DuckDB](https://duckdb.org/), offer CLI versions that allow users to execute queries, manage databases, and perform various operations without the need for a graphical user interface. 

Using a CLI often provides faster performance and greater flexibility compared to GUI-based alternatives. It also enables easy automation of repetitive tasks through scripts and batch processing. For example, in DuckDB's CLI, you can execute SQL queries directly:

```sql
SELECT * FROM my_table LIMIT 5;
```

Or import data from a CSV file:

```sql
.import csv my_data.csv
```

Mastering the CLI is a valuable skill for data analysts and engineers, as it enhances productivity and provides deeper control over data processing tasks.