Although the Amiga comes with the Workbench graphical user interface (GUI) and most AmigaDOS operations can be run from the Workbench without opening a Shell window, there are several reasons to also learn how to use the AmigaDOS command line interface. Among the advantages of working directly with AmigaDOS are:
Some users prefer working with text and keyboard rather than a mouse and icons. This may be a matter of personal taste or due to familiarity with some other text-based computer system.
Although most basic operations can be accomplished with equal ease through the Shell or the Workbench, there are functions that can be done only with AmigaDOS commands. These include certain basic system configuration tasks and the running of scripts and utilities that do not have icons. Note that all AmigaDOS functions are available in Workbench using the Execute Command item in the Workbench menu.
Users who can type reasonably well and are familiar with AmigaDOS commands often find that typing a command is faster than performing the equivalent operation with the mouse. This is particularly true when more than one command must be executed. Shell-based capabilities, such as pattern matching and redirection, make some tasks particularly easy when compared to Workbench methods. In addition, the text output of AmigaDOS commands usually displays faster than do requesters and windows full if icons.
Running programs from the Shell makes it easier to control Amiga Multitasking. Also, when using applications, such as software compilers that offer numerous run-time options, it is Quicker to specify often-changed options a command line than by editing the Tool Types of an icon.
Performing complex, repetitive, and/or unattended tasks is difficult, if not impossible, using a GUI. Such tasks are ideally suited to scripts, which are text files of AmigaDOS commands.
The text interface requires less memory, disk space, and other system resources than the graphic imagery of a GUI.