====== Command-Line Interface (CLI) ======

[[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:start|Go up to Terms and Definitions]]

===== Discussion =====

A Command-Line Interface (CLI) provides a text-based interface through which a person or automated process invokes software operations by supplying commands, options, arguments, and input values.

A CLI can receive input from:

  * An interactive terminal session
  * A shell script
  * A [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:w:workflow|Workflow]]
  * A [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:c:ci_cd_pipeline|CI/CD Pipeline]]
  * Another software process

A CLI can produce:

  * Command output
  * Operation status
  * Diagnostic information
  * Error information
  * Structured output
  * Process exit status

Within Crucible documentation, a CLI provides one possible interface for invoking noninteractive operations within a [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:w:workspace|Workspace]] or automated Workflow.

===== Definition =====

//text-based interface through which a person or automated process invokes software operations by supplying commands, options, arguments, and input values//

===== Source =====

DIDO-controlled term adapted from established operating-system, shell, and software-interface practices.

===== Note =====

The acronym **CLI** means **Command-Line Interface**.

A Command-Line Interface differs from a command line. A command line is the textual command and associated arguments supplied through the interface.

A CLI can support interactive or noninteractive execution.

The existence of a CLI does not require an operation to prompt for user input. Automated processes can invoke a CLI using predefined commands, arguments, configuration, environment variables, or input files.

A CLI differs from a graphical user interface and an application programming interface, although software can provide more than one interface to the same operation.

===== Example =====

A CI/CD Pipeline invokes the Crucible CLI with a Workspace location, selected Baselines, operation parameters, and an output location. Crucible performs the requested operation without prompting for interactive input and returns an exit status and execution result.

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