COMMAND PROMPT: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

The Command Prompt, also known as the Command Line Interface (CLI) is a powerful tool in Windows operating systems. It allows users to interact with the operating system and execute commands using text-based inputs. In this guide, we’ll explore the Command Prompt’s features, basic and advanced commands and provide tips and tricks for efficient usage.

How to open Command Prompt in windows:

Opening CMD in windows operating system:

Step 1: Go to the Start Menu. This is at the bottom left of the screen.

Step 2: Type cmd in the search bar and hit Enter.

For those who love shortcuts:

Step 1: Hold ctrl+R key which pops a dialog box at the bottom-left of your screen.

Step 2: Type cmd and enter.

The prime thing about these commands in Windows is that they are not case-sensitive, which makes it user-friendly.

Features of the Command Prompt:

1. Text-based interface: It uses a text-based interface, where users input commands and receive output in text format.
2. Scripting: It supports scripting, which enables users to automate tasks by creating batch files or scripts.
3. Command execution: It allows users to execute commands, which can perform various tasks such as file management, system configuration and process management.
4. Customization: Users can customize the Command Prompt’s appearance, behavior, and functionality using various options and settings.

Basic Commands:

1. cd: Change directory.
2. del: Delete a file.
3. copy: Copy a file.
4. move: Move a file.
5. dir: Display a list of files and folders.
6. cacls: Display or modify access control lists (ACLs).
7. cls: Clear the screen.
8. rename: Rename a file.
9. rmdir: Remove a directory.
10. mkdir: Make a new directory.
11. echo: Display text on the screen.
12. certreq: Request and install digital certificates.
13. set: Set a variable.
14. tasklist: Display a list of running processes.
15. taskkill: Kill a running process.
16. clip: Copy output to the clipboard.
17. diskcomp: Compare disks.
18. diskcopy: Copy disks.
19. debug: Debug programs.
20. tracert: Trace network routes.
21. netstat: Display network statistics.
22. ping: Test network connectivity.
23. comp: Compare files.
24. if: Use conditional statements.
25. exit: Close the Command Prompt.
26. for: Use loops.
27. findstr: Search for text in files.
28. defrag: Defragment a disk.
29. devcon: Manage device drivers.
30.  date: Display or set the date.
31. sfc: System File Checker.
32. ipconfig: Display IP configuration.
33. attrib: Display or modify file attributes.
34. chkdsk: Check disk for errors.
35. assoc: Associate a file type with a program.
36. bcdedit: Edit boot configuration data.
37. powercfg: Power configuration.
38. bitsadmin: Manage Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS).
39. driverquery: Display driver information.
40. systeminfo: Display system information.
41. convert: Convert file systems.
42. format: Format a disk.
43. compact: Display or modify file compression.
44. delprof: Delete user profiles.
45. cipher: Display or modify encryption settings.
46. cmdkey: Manage stored user names and passwords.
47. dism: Deployment Image Servicing and Management.
48. wmic: Windows Management Instrumentation Command.
49. tree: Display a tree view of the directory structure.
50. label: Change the volume label.
51. sort: Sort the output of a command.
52. timeout: Pause the command prompt for a specified time.

To see list of more commands type "help" in cmd

Command Prompt Tips and Tricks

1. Use the Tab key: Use the tab key to auto-complete file and folder names.
2. Use Shift + Right-Click: Opens a new Command Prompt window.
3. Use Ctrl+C: Cancel a command by pressing Ctrl+C.
4. Use Ctrl + V: Paste text by pressing Ctrl + V.
5. Use the Up and Down arrow keys: By pressing the Up and Down arrow keys, you recall previous commands.
6. Customize Command Prompt: Personalize the appearance and behavior to your taste.

Customizing Command Prompt:

Customizing can make it more visually appealing and enhance your productivity.

Here is how to customize the Command Prompt:

Right-click on the Command Prompt title bar, select Properties.

From properties, you can customize command prompt any how you like.

List of things you can customize from the properties window:

• Appearance
• Layout, etc.

Other customizations:

Auto-Complete:

Enable auto-complete by typing cmd /f and pressing Enter.

Alias:

Create an alias by typing doskey followed by the alias name and the command, and press Enter. For example, doskey ll=dir /w

Macro:

Create a macro by typing doskey followed by the macro name and the command, and press Enter. For example, doskey backup=xcopy /s /y C:\Source\* D:\Backup\

Installing a third-party replacement:

Consider installing a Command Prompt replacement like Cmder, ConsoleZ, or Hyper.

Command Prompt shortcuts

Here are few cmd shortcuts:

1. F1: Display the previous command.
2. F2: Display the previous command up to the specified character.
3. F3: Display the previous command.
4. F4: Delete characters up to the specified character.
5. F5: Redisplay the current command.
6. F6: Move the cursor to the end of the command line.
7. F7: Display a list of previous commands.
8. F8: Recall a previous command.
9. F9: Recall a previous command by number.
10. Alt + F7: Clear the command history.

Common Command Prompt errors:

Here are few cmd errors and how to fix them:

“Access is denied.”: Run the Command Prompt as an administrator or adjust the file or folder permissions.

“The system cannot find the path specified.”: Ensure the file or folder path is correct and try again.

“The syntax of the command is incorrect.”: Check the command syntax and try again.