Question

I've heard a lot about the advantages of doing less programming work in GUI apps and using more command-line tools (especially with regard to getting things done more efficiently). However, since I don't understand how my workflow would be different if I depended more on command-line tools, I can't readily evaluate whether there's enough of a payoff for me personally to invest time and effort learning a new toolset and changing my workflow.

Right now:

  • I code some side projects in languages like C/C++/D/C#/Java/Python using Visual Studio, Eclipse, etc., and run them by setting up the build settings, and pressing F5 to build/run.

  • I'm developing a web program at work, so that involves using Django to set up a server, connect to a database, etc... almost all within the SciTE text editor.

  • For launching regular programs, I use Launchy... still no terminal. :)

  • For copying files and whatnot, I use a regular find/move in the graphical file manager (Windows Explorer, Nautilus).

  • Debugging: I use either Visual Studio or Debugging tools for Windows (if I'm on Windows). I haven't done much debugging on Linux, but for the things I've done, I've used Eclipse (also for Java on Windows).

  • At work: To connect to the build system and set up a project, I just use tools that have been integrated into Eclipse for my use -- no need for a terminal or anything (although I'm certainly welcome to use a terminal if I indeed want to)

What is it like to do these things in CLI? Which parts become more/less efficient? Which aspects of my workflow would need to be changed to get the greatest advantage from a shift to working mostly in CLI? In other words... If you magically transformed me into a command-line guru, how would my new coding workflow be different from my current, GUI-centered, way of doing things?

No correct solution

Licensed under: CC-BY-SA with attribution
scroll top