Cmd.exe
Command line interpreter
Cmd.exe is the command-line interpreter for Windows operating systems—a text-based interface for executing commands, running scripts, and managing files.
It descends from the DOS command prompt and remains useful for system administration, batch processing, and tasks that bypass the graphical interface: Open cmd.exe and type "ipconfig" to see your network settings.
Often called simply "command prompt" or "cmd."
At the endpoint
- consoleComfort in distress
- promptIncite to action
- interpreterOne who conveys meaning between languages
- batchQuantity produced together
script · PowerShell · CLI · Windows · administrator · elevated · path · environment
Folder-changing command
Early PC operating system
- editModify written material
- 16-bitComputing word length
- compatibilityMutual suitability between things
terminal
At the endpoint
- consoleComfort in distress
- promptIncite to action
- interpreterOne who conveys meaning between languages
batch · script · PowerShell · CLI · Windows · administrator · elevated · path · environment · variables
cd
Folder-changing command
rename · type · echo · set · exit · call · goto · if · for · tree
MS-DOS
Early PC operating system
- editModify written material
- 16-bitComputing word length
- compatibilityMutual suitability between things
Cmd.exegraphical user interface
Visual computing interaction layer
GUI · desktop environment · Start Menu · touchscreen interface · Cortana
command, commands, commanded, commanding, commander, commanders, commandment, commandments, execute