Exporting via a command-line interface (CLI) involves using text-based commands in a terminal or console to initiate the transfer of data or files out of a system or application. Instead of navigating graphical menus and buttons, users type specific instructions. This method bypasses the graphical user interface (GUI), offering direct communication with the underlying operating system or application core, often enabling access to more granular control or specific functionalities not always exposed visually.

For example, a database administrator might use the mysqldump command to export a MySQL database directly to a file for backups or migration. System administrators frequently automate data export tasks using CLI tools within shell scripts; a script could run nightly, using commands like pg_dump for PostgreSQL exports or simply cp or rsync to copy log files from a server to remote storage, eliminating manual GUI interactions in tasks like log archiving or application data extraction.

The primary advantages are automation, resource efficiency (minimal overhead), and precise control, crucial in scripting, server management, and large-scale data processing. However, it requires learning command syntax and offers less immediate visual feedback than a GUI. Ensuring proper user permissions and secure handling of sensitive data during export is critical from an ethical and security standpoint. Its suitability depends on task complexity and user expertise, but it remains fundamental for system automation and power users.