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Development Tools

Adam Duffield
Adam Duffield
30,494 Points
Posted by Adam Duffield
Adam Duffield
30,494 Points

What is the "Console" actually used for?

Hey All,

I'm new to the console and current learning it in Development Tools, it seems pretty cool so far but from a beginners point of view I can't seem to imagine a scenario where the console would be used? Anybody mind filling me in? I've tried googling it but i'm not quite getting an answer.

6 Answers

Robert Komaromi
Robert Komaromi
11,927 Points
Robert Komaromi
Robert Komaromi
11,927 Points

There are some distinctions between console, terminal, command-line, and shell; however, from a user perspective, you can safely assume they all mean the same thing. If you are interested in learning about the differences, here are some links which should help you out:

You should know that CLI = command line interface, and GUI = graphical user interface (often pronounced "gooey").

Many servers are headless computers and are accessed via a terminal/CLI ("console", from here on out). Unless you are working with a Windows server, the most likely way to interface with these kinds of computers is through a console. This results in many people using a console simply out of necessity since a GUI interface does not exist.

Using a console will give you a better understanding of what is going on compared to a GUI (which abstracts away a lot of complexity) and gives you lower-level access to the system you are working with.

John Wheal
John Wheal
27,969 Points
John Wheal
John Wheal
27,969 Points

It really depends on the type of development you will be doing. A console is usually used when you work with a server. If you use shared hosting then you might not need to use it. Otherwise a console is used locally when interacting with Git and some development frameworks, e.g. Ruby on Rails

Ricky Catron
Ricky Catron
13,023 Points
Ricky Catron
Ricky Catron
13,023 Points

The console is a central part of linux. It is used to make tasks which are difficult and lengthy using a GUI quick and easy. Lastly some programs only have a console version.

Marko Koron
Marko Koron
20,658 Points
Marko Koron
Marko Koron
20,658 Points

When you work with a server there is usually only the console 'cause the graphic interface requires additional hardware resources to run.

David Tonge
PLUS
David Tonge
Courses Plus Student 45,640 Points
David Tonge
David Tonge
Courses Plus Student 45,640 Points

The console is basically removing the GUI and speaking directly to your computer. Basically what Marko Koron said. As you get deeper into Web Development you'll notice how much time you save by creating directories and moving stuff around directly from the console. The less you have to use your mouse is the more efficient you'll be as a developer.

Adam Duffield
Adam Duffield
30,494 Points
Adam Duffield
Adam Duffield
30,494 Points

Awesome answers guys! Really nailed that question for me, learnt something new and today is a good day :) , thankyou!