Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

aws-cli VS AWS Shell

Compare aws-cli VS AWS Shell and see what are their differences

aws-cli logo aws-cli

Universal Command Line Interface for Amazon Web Services

AWS Shell logo AWS Shell

An integrated shell for working with the AWS CLI. Contribute to awslabs/aws-shell development by creating an account on GitHub.
  • aws-cli Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-24
  • AWS Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-28

aws-cli features and specs

  • Automation
    The AWS CLI allows for scripting and automation of repetitive tasks, which can save time and reduce manual errors.
  • Comprehensive Control
    Provides complete control over AWS services, enabling detailed management and configuration options that might not be available through the AWS Management Console.
  • Efficiency
    Performing batches of tasks from the command line can be faster than using the web interface, especially for complex operations involving multiple services.
  • Integration
    Easily integrates with other command-line tools and scripts for seamless workflows across different environments and services.
  • Cross-Platform
    Supported on multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, and MacOS, providing flexibility across different development and operational environments.

Possible disadvantages of aws-cli

  • Complexity
    Steeper learning curve for new users who are not familiar with CLI operations or AWS services, requiring time to understand and effectively use its commands.
  • Error-Prone
    Typing errors or incorrect command options can lead to accidental data loss or service misconfigurations if not handled carefully.
  • Lack of Visualization
    Unlike the AWS Management Console, the CLI lacks visual displays, which may make it difficult for users who prefer graphical interfaces to track resource changes and statuses.
  • Maintenance
    Requires regular updates and maintenance to new versions to ensure compatibility with the newest AWS service features and security enhancements.

AWS Shell features and specs

  • Interactive Environment
    AWS Shell provides an interactive command-line environment designed to help users interact more easily with AWS services. It enhances the user experience by offering features like auto-complete and command history.
  • Intelligent Recommendations
    The tool provides suggestions and documentation for AWS commands, which can be very helpful for both new and experienced users by reducing the time spent looking up documentation.
  • Command Completion
    AWS Shell supports inline command completion, which allows users to quickly access available commands and their options, improving efficiency and productivity.
  • Cross-Platform
    Being based on Python, AWS Shell is cross-platform and can be run on different operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Possible disadvantages of AWS Shell

  • Outdated Repository
    The repository may not be actively maintained, leading to potential issues with compatibility with newer AWS SDK versions or missing features introduced in later AWS CLI releases.
  • Learning Curve
    Users who are accustomed to using the standard AWS CLI may need to spend time learning how to effectively leverage the interactive features of AWS Shell.
  • Limited Customization
    Compared to more advanced shell tools and integration features, AWS Shell may offer limited customization options for power users who wish to fine-tune their development environment.
  • Dependency on Python
    Since AWS Shell runs on Python, users need to ensure that Python is installed and configured, which could be a constraint for environments with strict software policies.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to aws-cli and AWS Shell)
Dev Ops
64 64%
36% 36
AWS Tools
52 52%
48% 48
Build, Test, Deploy
52 52%
48% 48
Cloud Storage
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, aws-cli should be more popular than AWS Shell. It has been mentiond 9 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

aws-cli mentions (9)

  • Zsh ๋ฐ ์‰˜ ํ™˜๊ฒฝ ์„ค์ • ๊ฐ€์ด๋“œ
    Aws-cli GitHub Ohmyzsh aws plugin. - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago
  • Top 10 CLI Tools for DevOps Teams
    The AWS CLI is a must-have tool if your team relies on Amazon Web Services. It lets you effortlessly interact with AWS services, orchestrate resource management, and automate tasks from the comfort of your terminal. Once you get used to the tool, you'll notice how convenient and quick it is to fit into your processes โ€“ especially compared to going through AWS's web-based user interface. - Source: dev.to / almost 3 years ago
  • s3fs-fuse - allows to mount your s3/minio bucket link to your local directory
    s3fs allows Linux, macOS, and FreeBSD to mount an S3 bucket via FUSE(Filesystem in Userspace). s3fs makes you operate files and directories in S3 bucket like a local file system. s3fs preserves the native object format for files, allowing use of other tools like AWS CLI. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Event Based System with Localstack (Elixir Edition): Uploading files to S3 with PresignedURL's
    And this is the init_localstack.sh file content, a unique thing about localstack its that you can move all strings like an aws-cli tool, also the container deletes all the content and config once the container stops, so the script file must create all the resources that you need from Localstack. - Source: dev.to / over 3 years ago
  • Dev corrupts NPM libs 'colors' and 'faker' breaking thousands of apps
    What makes GitHub's actions shitty? Marak's colors had 22 million downloads, including aws-cli. Blanking out a large repository like that, without so much as a warning, is irresponsible and choosing to partake in conspiracy theories is even more so. Source: over 4 years ago
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AWS Shell mentions (4)

  • 9 Ways to an EKS Cluster - Way 2 - AWS CLI
    While at it - I heartily recommend you to install aws-shell which boosts your aws cli productivity by providing graphical autocompletion, hints and shortcuts as shown in the image below. I only discovered it recently myself and it's definitely a game changer! - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
  • Starting to use AWS CLI at work. Need beginner tips.
    Aws-shell will improve your life :) https://github.com/awslabs/aws-shell. Source: over 4 years ago
  • My Most Loved AWS Developer Tools & Resources
    With aws-shell you're able to quickly run commands against any AWS API from your local terminal with great auto-completion. I use it very regularly and it reduces the need to jump to the documentation. You can find it on Github but can also install it easily via your favorite package manager like homebrew. - Source: dev.to / over 4 years ago
  • MTurk Requester Notify-workers fails with endpoint URL error
    If so the region config is explained here: https://github.com/awslabs/aws-shell#configuration. Source: about 5 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing aws-cli and AWS Shell, you can also consider the following products

AWS Amplify - JavaScript library for app development using cloud services

LocalStack - LocalStack collects & analyzes the social media activity on every business in America.ย 

awless - A mighty command line interface for Amazon Web Services

Rclone - rsync for cloud storage.

Blox - Your crypto assets in sync

Mountpoint for Amazon S3 - A simple, high-throughput file client for mounting an Amazon S3 bucket as a local file system. - GitHub - awslabs/mountpoint-s3: A simple, high-throughput file client for mounting an Amazon S3 buck...