Difference between CLI and API

1. Command Line Interface (CLI) :
CLI stands for Command Line Input/Interface/Interpreter. Earlier it was the only way to interact with computers using computer terminals. It requires fewer resources and is concise and powerful.

2. Application Programming Interface (API) :
API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is a collection of communication protocols and subroutines used by various programs to communicate between them.

Differences between CLI and API :

S.No.	CLI	API
1.	A CLI is the text-driven command line used to access the operating system.	API helps the programmers with an efficient way to develop their software programs and to make program easier and simpler.
2.	It plays a vital role in the management of cloud computing.	It plays a vital role in terms of security.
3.	It takes input in the form of commands and it executes on the device.	It is an interface between the client and service.
4.	CLI is easier for humans.	API is easier for machines.
5.	Types of CLI – DOS (for Windows) and the bash shell (for Linux and OS X).	Types of API – WEB API, Local API, Program API.
6.	It consumes low memory.	It consumes more memory.
7.	CLI is known for quick one time changes and non-repeating tasks.	An API integration may be overkill.
8.	CLI is arguably better for ad hoc tasks.	APIs make it possible to make and connect applications in a machine-language sense.
9.	It is more human-readable.	It is less human-readable.
10.	It is less used.	It is more used.