vshnu: the New Visual Shell

vshnu: the New Visual Shell

Skilled Unix users know the importance of the shell or command line interface (CLI). (Old-time Unix users didn't even have a choice about it). While having more of a learning curve than a graphical user interface (GUI), it permits powerful, creative, complex operations to be specified quickly and reliably. For anyone but the superficial user, learning a CLI is an investment that pays off rewardingly. Command line environments are still readily usable over low-bandwidth network connections and restricted displays. Neal Stephenson explains the history and values of computer interfaces exceedingly well in "In the Beginning was the Command Line" . One can even build a strong case that a CLI is best for a learning new computer user, as described in "The Command Line - The Best Newbie Interface?"