As a Linux newbie, the preference for a Graphical User Interface (GUI) comes naturally. Also, shifting from Windows can be a bit difficult without a GUI. The unfamiliar syntax and the need to memorize the commands might scare you at first, but getting comfortable with the terminal will definitely be helpful in the long run.

More so, you can use the up and down arrows on your keyboard to navigate commands that you have entered before. This greatly simplifies your work and makes it more beginner-friendly. As you become a better developer, the need to use the Command Line Interface (CLI), commonly known as the terminal, will become more apparent.

In this article, we will discuss some key reasons why you should begin using the terminal.

1. Command Line Help

Every now and then you'll get a problem on your Linux machine. And when you do, you'll in all probability run to Google.

Soon enough, as you scan through the results on common developer sites like Stack Overflow, you'll realize that command-line fixes are more dominant when compared to graphical solutions. And if you are uncomfortable with the terminal, this becomes a problem as well.

Many commands require prerequisites that users have to install before issuing the command. Therefore, just copying and pasting without knowing what you are doing isn't a viable option.

Related: Ways to Get Command Line Help on Linux

2. Remote Connection Becomes Easier

To connect to a remote system like a Virtual Private Server (VPS), Linux uses a widely known protocol known as SSH. On Linux, you can access it via a command-line application called OpenSSH.

Most VPS providers do not provide a graphical interface for connecting to your server. And even if they do, you'll notice right away how slow it is. SSH, on the other hand, is a secure, trusted, and fast way to execute commands on your remote desktop.

If you are working as a developer, you may not always have physical access to the server. The ability to connect to your server remotely soon becomes a necessity in such situations.

3. More Command-Line Tools Than GUI

In a number of open source projects, the developers usually first provide command-line access to their applications. Later on, they may provide GUI support.

The GUI doesn't always ship in with all the options that are available in the command-line application.

Furthermore, if you want to enjoy the benefits of an application without waiting for a GUI, you'll certainly need to be comfy with the command line.

4. Only Option in Linux Servers

While you can control the operating system graphically with a desktop environment, you might not have display hardware while working on servers. In such situations, knowing how to use the Linux terminal might help.

Also, troubleshooting becomes a lot easier when you know how to monitor and control the services running on a Linux system.

5. Structured Syntax of Commands

Contrary to the common thought that you just have to go around memorizing so many commands, there are conventions that you can follow.

The common structure followed by commands is:

        command [options] [arguments]
    

This means that if you find any application on GitHub or should you upload your own, this is the expected format. Therefore, it won't be difficult for you to easily follow through on different projects.

The terminal also supports Tab completion i.e. you can type in a command and then before completing it, you can press the Tab key to auto-complete. This shortcut comes in handy when you have long commands that require much effort to type.

Moving Forward With the Linux Terminal

On most Linux systems, you can easily access the terminal using the Ctrl + Alt + T keyboard shortcut. This will open up a new terminal window every time you press the combination.

As an aspiring Linux user, you can not do away with the need to use the terminal. There are several guides that can help you start your journey with simple things like file management or creating user accounts. Begin today, it gets easier with time.