Difference between GUI and CUI

There are several ways to interact with the computer and make it perform the required task. Different new techniques have been developed according to the user’s need to ensure that the communication between the machine and the human is as real as possible. There are two important user interfaces in a computer: the graphical user interface (GUI) and the command line user interface (CUI), ways users interact with computers. GUIs use images, icons, and graphics to help users perform tasks, while CUIs rely on text commands. This article introduces the key differences between GUI and CUI.

Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) are computer programs that mediate between the user and a computer system. They provide a visual environment with images, animations, and graphic objects representing system information and possible actions to carry out. In contrast, a Command Line User Interface (CUI) is a text-based user interface. It is used to run programs, manage computer files, and interact with the computer. Command line user interfaces are also called command line interfaces (CLI), console user interfaces, and character user interfaces. In this article, we will learn the difference between GUI and CUI.

Table of Content

• Comparison Table – GUI vs CUI
• What is a Graphical User Interface (GUI)?
• What is Command Line User Interface (CUI)?
• Main Differences
• Top User Interfaces Trends of 2025

Difference between GUI and CUI 

The main difference between GUI and CUI is that in GUI, the user interacts with a computer using graphics like images and icons, while in CUI, the user interacts with a computer using commands like text.

What is a Graphical User Interface (GUI)? 

In general, graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are computer programs that mediate between the user and a computer system. They provide a visual environment with images, animations, and graphic objects representing system information and possible actions to carry out. GUIs are mainly used as Operating Systems, as with Microsoft Windows, iOS, Mac OS, Linux, Android, etc.

The objective of this graphical interface is to represent the backend code of a system in the clearest way possible so that the user can simplify daily tasks. For this, icons and images are essential since only these allow a universal and independent text application. For example, almost everyone knows what a Wi-Fi icon looks like, while the word Wi-Fi varies significantly in different languages.

Examples of graphical user interfaces include Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, GNOME, KDE, and any Microsoft program, including MS Word, MS Excel, and Outlook.

Characteristics of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs):

• Visual Elements: Uses icons, windows, buttons, and menus.
• User-Friendly: Easy to use, particularly for beginners.
• Mouse Interaction: Allows users to click, drag, and drop items.
• Multitasking: Multiple programs can be worked at once.
• Requires More Resources: Needs more memory and processing power.
• Slower Operations: GUIs can be slower compared to text-based operations.

What is a Command Line User Interface (CUI)?

It is the oldest type of interface that is still in use today. 

A command line user interface (CUI) is a text-based user interface. It is ) used to run programs, manage computer files, and interact with the computer. Command line user interfaces are also called command line interfaces (CLI), console user interfaces, and character user interfaces. CLU accepts keyboard input as input commands; the computer executes commands invoked at the command prompt.

Since it is a text interface, only ASCII characters are used for input and output.

One of the biggest areas for improvement of command line interfaces is that the user needs to know and memorize a wide variety of commands to interact with the device in an agile way, making them too complex. However, this method continues to be considered relevant in software development and system administration to perform certain tasks, such as version control through the Git system.

All major desktop operating systems have their command line application: Terminal on MacOS and the Linux family, Command Prompt on Windows, and Chrome Shell (CROSH) on Chrome OS.

Characteristics of CUIs

• Text-Based: Users type commands to perform tasks.
• Fast Execution: Executes tasks quickly once the command is known.
• Low Resource Usage: Uses less memory and processing power.
• Requires Knowledge: Users must learn and remember commands.
• Efficient for Advanced Users: Preferred by professionals for complex tasks.
• Limited Visuals: No graphics, only text on the screen.

Main Difference between GUI and CUI

• CLI allows users to type a manual command to perform the desired task, while in GUI, users provide visuals to interact with the operating system, like buttons, icons, images, etc.
• The GUI makes performing a task easy and suits more novice users. On the other hand, the CLI usually requires command and syntax expertise.
• GUI systems require a mouse and keyboard, while CLI only requires a keyboard.
• Higher precision can be achieved in CLI than in GUI.
• GUI has the advantage over flexibility, whereas CLI systems are inflexible.
• The GUI consumes more space on the system, while the CLI requires fewer resources and space.
• Cannot change CLI appearance. In contrast, the GUI appearance is adjustable.
• CLI is faster than GUI.

Top User Interfaces Trends of 2025

Emerging trends like VUI, gesture-based interfaces, AR, and BCI show how user interfaces are becoming more intuitive, immersive, and accessible. Let's check out some upcoming user interface trends for 2025.

Interactive 3D Objects

• Why it matters: Enhances storytelling, boosts engagement, and adds realism through features like rotating objects or zooming in.
• Future outlook: Advances in WebGL, AR, and VR will make 3D elements more seamless and immersive.

AI Interfaces and Presence

• Examples: AI-generated designs (e.g., Google's NotebookLM) create dynamic layouts like flashcards or tables on demand.
• Visual cues: Gradients signify AI activity (e.g., Siri's gradient bubble). These elements enhance transparency and usability.

Text & Emoji Mix

• Why it works: Adds personality, bridges language gaps, and improves readability by breaking up dense text.
• Impact: Interfaces will feel warm, engaging, and universally relatable.

Text Transitions

• What they do: They animate text to fade, slide, transform, or update in real-time to guide the user intuitively.
• Design focus: These transitions complement other motion effects by balancing aesthetics and functionality.

In Summary

CLI and GUI have advantages and disadvantages and are appropriate according to user requirements and intended use. The graphical user interface (GUI) provides greater multitasking and efficiency, but the command line interface (CLI) offers more control, precision, and repeatability.