What is cli?

The .NET CLI is a command-line tool that helps developers build, run, test, and manage applications written in .NET. Instead of relying on a full graphical interface, you type simple commands into a terminal to handle everyday development tasks. It is designed to work across different operating systems, so whether you are on Windows, macOS, or Linux, the same set of commands gets your app built and ready to go. At a high level, the toolchain works by taking your source code and processing it into a format the computer can run. For example, if you have a project, you can type a command to fetch and download all the external packages your project depends on, which saves you from hunting them down manually. Once those are in place, another command compiles your code into a runnable program, and a separate command lets you execute it directly. The tool handles the behind-the-scenes steps of translating your work into something the system understands. This tool is primarily for developers and teams building applications with .NET. If you are creating a web app, a desktop program, or a backend service using Microsoft's .NET framework, this CLI gives you a fast, scriptable way to manage that workflow. It is especially useful for teams who want to automate their build and test processes, or for developers who simply prefer typing commands over clicking through menus in a heavier development environment. Notably, the project is built to be cross-platform, meaning the same tooling experience follows you regardless of your operating system. The README does not go into extensive detail beyond the basic commands, but it points to separate documentation for anyone looking to build the tool from source or dive deeper into its features.