Buzz
Operating systems, including Windows, may rely on at least one command line. In fact, most users can manage the system without ever using that command line.
On Windows, the two most popular commands are Command Prompt and PowerShell. At first glance, these two commands may seem quite similar, but in reality, they are not. There are many differences between Command Prompt and PowerShell.
Everything You Need to Know About the Differences Between Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell
Differences Between Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell
Command Prompt
Starting from Windows NT and subsequent versions, Windows comes equipped with an additional command line interpreter called cmd.exe, known as Command Prompt. With Command Prompt, users can interact with the operating system using CMD commands and text-based parameters.
The seeds of PowerShell were planted back in 2002 when Microsoft embarked on the journey of crafting Microsoft Shell, also known as Monad, designed to empower users. Monad was unveiled in 2005 and eventually rebranded as PowerShell in 2006. Simultaneously, Microsoft integrated PowerShell into its operating system.
What does PowerShell signify?
PowerShell empowers you to forge your own commands and scripts using the C# programming language. Both PowerShell and C# are integrated with the Microsoft .NET Framework, enabling access to a plethora of functionalities and tools to facilitate crafting commands and scripts more efficiently.
Enhancements of PowerShell in Windows 10
With a multitude of readily available benefits, the official release of Windows 10 introduces enhancements to PowerShell. Here are some standout improvements you can expect:
PackageManagement: PackageManagement is a convenient solution for managing all the software you download, install, and uninstall. Instead of hopping from one website to another, you can simply browse packages using PackageManagement (formerly known as OneGet). By registering different repositories, you can select from a variety of available packages.
OneGet was available on Windows 8.1 but only when you installed Windows Management Framework 5.0. On Windows 10, PackageManagement is integrated into the system by default.
Secure Shell (SSH): Secure Shell is a primary protocol for establishing encrypted connections between remote systems. Without SSH, external parties can easily intercept transmitted data.
Until now, SSH on Windows has required the use of third-party solutions (e.g., PuTTY), but the PowerShell team has announced their implementation of SSH support on Windows. It took some time, but it seems like Windows has finally caught up with this.
PowerShell Features: With version 5.0, the language of PowerShell is being enhanced with new features such as classes and enums, integrated new commands, extended features for existing commands, syntax highlighting in the console, and many other features.
Hopefully, after reading this article, readers can understand better the differences between Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell. If you're still unsure: PowerShell is a tool for advanced users with extensive experience, while Command Prompt is a tool for users at various levels of expertise.
