The preferred method of connecting to the FreeSWITCH console is to use the fs_cli program, where "fs_cli" stands for FreeSWITCH Command-line Interface. This program comes with FreeSWITCH, as part of the default installation, and works in Linux/Unix, Mac OS X, and Windows. What is less well known about fs_cli is that it is an excellent example of an ESL program. Beyond that, anything that you can do with fs_cli, you can do with ESL and the event socket. (Keep in mind that when you are logged in to fs_cli you can do anything that you can do at the FreeSWITCH console, including shutting down the system and disconnecting any calls. Exercise appropriate caution when using fs_cli.)

The natural first step in mastering the external control of FreeSWITCH is to become familiar with fs_cli. Indeed, it is one of the most important tools for interacting with your FreeSWITCH server.