CLI vs Desktop
Caido comes in two variations: Desktop
and CLI
. We are aware that this is confusing to new users, which is why we made this Concept page.
First, let's revisit the fact that Caido is built around a client/server
architecture. This means that the interface is decoupled from the proxying/processing.
CLI
The proxying/processing part (aka the server
) is what we call the Caido CLI
. You can run the CLI pretty much everywhere (such as on a VPS, a Container, a Cloud machine, etc.). It doesn't require a graphical desktop environment.
It is the most versatile way of using Caido and it is generally recommended as a fallback if your platform doesn't support our Desktop application well. Advanced users will also find some start options only available in the CLI
.
When using the CLI
, you will use your browser to access the interface part of Caido.
![CLI](/assets/cli_vs_desktop_1.BymKNAcT.png)
Desktop
The Desktop
application offers you an all-in-one experience. When you use the Caido desktop, you are also usually using Caido CLI
without realizing it. 🤯
When you click start
, the application will spawn the Caido CLI
in the background and then open a webview to the interface part of Caido. You can still use your browser to access the interface.
The Desktop
application has some advantages over the CLI
:
- You can record multiple Caido Instances in one place.
- You can launch pre-configured browsers on your desktop.
![Desktop](/assets/cli_vs_desktop_2.BI6kQgbY.png)
Conclusion
There is no "right" choice here, we offer both since we know some people prefer a separate desktop interface and some prefer to use their browser.
Both methods should allow you to enjoy Caido at its full potential!
![CLI vs Desktop](/assets/cli_vs_desktop_3.CaHM9YmI.png)