# Kafka CLI tutorials

*Master Kafka operations using the command line interface*

The Kafka CLI provides powerful tools for managing topics, producing and consuming messages, and monitoring consumer groups. These tutorials walk you through essential CLI operations with practical examples.

**What you'll learn:**
- How to create, describe, and manage Kafka topics
- How to produce and consume messages from the command line
- How to work with consumer groups and monitor offsets
- How to use Kafka Connect in standalone mode

## Available CLI tutorials

| Tool | Purpose | Tutorial |
|------|---------|----------|
| `kafka-topics` | Create, list, describe, alter topics | [Topic management](https://www.conduktor.io/kafka/kafka-topics-cli-tutorial) |
| `kafka-console-producer` | Send messages to topics | [Producer CLI](https://www.conduktor.io/kafka/kafka-producer-cli-tutorial) |
| `kafka-console-consumer` | Read messages from topics | [Consumer CLI](https://www.conduktor.io/kafka/kafka-consumer-cli-tutorial) |
| `kafka-console-consumer` | Demonstrate consumer groups | [Consumer groups](https://www.conduktor.io/kafka/kafka-consumers-in-group-cli-tutorial) |
| `kafka-consumer-groups` | Manage and reset consumer groups | [Group management](https://www.conduktor.io/kafka/kafka-consumer-group-management-cli-tutorial) |
| `connect-standalone` | Run Kafka Connect connectors | [Connect CLI](https://www.conduktor.io/kafka/kafka-connect-cli-tutorial) |

CLI commands use platform-specific extensions: `.bat` for Windows, `.sh` for Mac and Linux. These tutorials show commands without extensions for brevity.

> **See it in practice with Conduktor**
> While the CLI is powerful for scripting and automation, [Conduktor Console](https://docs.conduktor.io/guide/manage-kafka) provides a visual interface for all these operations. Use both together for maximum productivity.

## Next steps

- [Manage topics from the CLI](https://www.conduktor.io/kafka/kafka-topics-cli-tutorial) to create, list, and configure topics
- [Produce messages](https://www.conduktor.io/kafka/kafka-producer-cli-tutorial) with the console producer
- [Consume messages](https://www.conduktor.io/kafka/kafka-consumer-cli-tutorial) from your topics