Command Line Interfaces (CLI) in Windows

Introduction

• Windows provides two main CLI options:
  • Command Prompt (command.exe)
  • PowerShell (powershell.exe)
• Command Prompt: Similar to the MS-DOS command prompt.
• PowerShell: Supports more commands than the Command Prompt.

PowerShell

• Chosen for exercises due to its extensive command support.
• Many PowerShell commands are aliases for commands in other shells.

Getting Started with PowerShell

• Accessing PowerShell:
  • Search for PowerShell in the applications list and launch it.
• Using PowerShell commands:
  • ls command: Used to list files and directories.

Working with Directories

• Root of C Drive:
  • The main hard drive where the Windows OS is installed.
  • You may see different directories depending on your computer's use.
• Directory Hierarchy:
  • Parent Directory: Main directory containing other directories (e.g., root folder of C drive).
  • Child Directory: Sub-directory within a parent (e.g., directories within the root folder).
• Example:
  • Folder named Dogs is a parent, and a folder named Corgi inside it is a child directory.

Common Directories in C Drive

• Program Files (x86): Contains installed applications and programs.
• Users: Holds user profile directories; each user has a separate directory.
• Windows: Contains the Windows OS installation.

PowerShell Command Help

• get-help ls: Provides a brief summary of ls command parameters.
• get-help ls -full: Detailed description and examples of ls command parameters.

Viewing Hidden Files

• ls -force: Shows hidden and system files not visible with just ls.
• Important Hidden Directories:
  • Recycle Bin: Where deleted files are moved to instead of immediate deletion.
  • Program Data: Stores data for installed programs.

Conclusion

• Overview of navigating the file system in Windows.
• Introduction to similar processes in Linux (to be discussed further).