# CLI

The Command Line Interface (CLI) is a unified tool that provides a consistent interface for interacting with remote.it on a given device. CLI commands are covered [here](https://docs.remote.it/developer-tools/cli-usage) including descriptions, syntax, and usage examples.

{% hint style="info" %}
Only install CLI if you need to make a connection from the device to another device directly. Most of the time you need a [device package](https://docs.remote.it/introduction/get-started/platforms-and-packages#device-package) or the [Desktop Application](https://remote.it/downloads). Only install the CLI if you need have the device make an initiator connections. 

At this time Windows single board for IoT devices does not have a device package and you should install the CLI.
{% endhint %}

The remote.it Command Line Interface (CLI) is installed as part of the Desktop Application. This set of instructions is to install the CLI as a stand alone where the desktop application is not needed.