Command-line tools are text-based programs or interfaces used to run commands and tasks in a terminal. They can perform actions directly, automate repetitive work, and be combined in scripts, making them useful for system administration, software development, and troubleshooting.
In cybersecurity, command-line tools are used by defenders to inspect systems, manage configurations, and investigate activity. Attackers also use them to execute commands, automate operations, or interact with system features. Their power makes access controls, careful command review, and monitoring of terminal activity important. In desktop utility software, new command-line tools can make tasks easier to automate, so users should understand what each command does and how to reverse its effects.