This article includes complete detail about CUI and its meaning. Also, its relation to GUI, the meaning of GUI, the difference between GUI and CUI, the advantages and disadvantages of CUI and GUI, usage of CUI, and examples of CUI and GUI.
Meaning of CUI in Computers
In Computers, CUI stands for Character User Interface. CUI is a computer interface that interacts with the computer using only a keyboard. CUI was superseded by GUI. Here, GUI stands for Graphical User Interface.
Everything a user can use to communicate with a computer is included in the user interface. It is essentially a way for a user and a computer system to communicate through input and output devices.
Meaning of GUI in Computers
GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. GUI is preferred over CUI widely as it does not require a User to be an expert in computers to operate GUI and thus, it has transformed the way users interact with the computer. This interface has become more useful for sketchpads.
What is the Difference Between CUI and GUI?
The most significant difference between GUI and CUI is the functional difference between the CUI and GUI. CUI is an interface of computers wherein the users interact with the computer using commands such as text.
On the other hand, as the name suggests, GUI (Graphical User Interface) is an interface in which the user interacts with the computer using Graphics like icons, images, navigation bars, etc. Interaction with the graphics can be done with the help of the mouse in this type of interface.
The difference between the characteristics of CUI and GUI is given below:
Characteristic Difference Between CUI and GUI
| Characteristics |
GUI |
CUI |
| Full Form |
It stands for Graphical User Interface |
It stands for Character User Interface. |
| Interaction |
It interacts with the users by using graphics (images, icons). |
It interacts with the users by using commands through the keyboard only (Only text). |
| Peripherals used |
In GUI, Keyboard, mouse, or any other pointing device is used |
In CUI, there is only the use of a Keyboard. |
| Navigation Peripherals used |
It is easier to navigate in the GUI than in CUI. |
It is difficult to navigate in the CUI. |
| Speed |
The speed of the GUI is Low. |
The speed of CUI is High. |
| Precision |
The quality of being precise and exact in GUI is Low. |
The quality of being precise and exact is High in CUI. |
| Ease of Operation |
It is easier to operate in GUI. |
It is difficult to operate in CUI and it requires expertise to operate efficiently in CUI. |
| Flexibility |
GUI is more Flexible. |
CUI is less Flexible. |
| Customizing Appearance |
The appearance of the GUI is highly customizable. |
On the other side, the appearance of CUI cannot be changed. |
Usage of CUI
With CUI, users can give computer commands that are longer than a single line of text, called command lines, for things like opening a file or directory. Creating a custom command for each programming language offers a simple approach to developing scripts in any of them.
MS-DOS and Windows Command Prompts are some examples of CUIs. CUI enables an easy and efficient way of implementing programming scripts.
What are the Advantages of CUI?
- In CUI, any task is performed through commands instead of doing it manually.
- In CUI, it is efficient to work as only one task is performed at a time.
- CUI consists of a linear command and thus operating it is easy and feasible.
- Commands in CUI are not frequently updated, making them less expensive to use.
What are the Disadvantages:
- It is difficult to perform multiple tasks with CUI as a user will have to wait for one command to be executed to perform the other command.
- The interface of CUI supports the usage of a keyboard only and thus, is less appealing.
- A user will have to memorize all the necessary commands to operate the CUI.
Example of CUI Operating System
- Terminal
- MS-DOS and the window command prompt
Advantages of GUI
- Graphical User Interface (GUI) is easier for any user to use and interact with the computer.
- The Graphical User Interface is more customizable.
- GUI has a comparatively better capability of processing images and graphics for graphics-related complicated work.
- GUI is a natural and more useful interface for professional editors or daily users.
- GUI is having many compatible programs and apps to work with.
Disadvantages of GUI
- GUI sometimes lags and crashes making it difficult for users to use.
- GUI runs slow and consumes high memory to run all the programs.
- Users cannot adjust system functionality as per their needs.
- It takes longer to run certain programs in GUI as compared to CUI.
- Some programs take longer to be executed in GUI than in CUI.
Conclusion
In conclusion, GUI is a simpler method of utilizing modern computers than CUI is for individuals who are using them for the first time. However, a student of computer science might rely more on CUI due to its speed and lack of specialized commands.
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