Batteries Emotion: Programmer could interact with the machine without waiting

Programmer could interact with the machine without waiting

In the beginning ... was the Command Line

The title is a test of Neal Stephenson - author known for his fiction, cyberpunk, and sends a clear message: the graphical interfaces are a recent invention. When the first computer punch cards left behind came the first terminal command input system by an alphanumeric keyboard. The duo of keyboard and cathode ray tube (CRT) was a revolution: the programmer could interact with the machine without waiting, watching the results on screen, saving time and effort compared to previous methods.

La línea de comandos de Windows XP

The interface of the first operating systems like UNIX, was for many years in a command line waiting orders entered by the user, it was not until the eighties to assist the consolidation of the first graphical user interfaces (GUI) . These programs, through the use of switches and parameters were used by typing its name and pressing Enter. This way of interacting with the machine still enjoys great popularity among users of the many flavors of Linux, UNIX and BSD, and has also made an appearance in Mac OS since the release of the X version.

What about Windows? The veteran users remember MS-DOS, the first Microsoft operating system. Based on a primitive command line, the system prompt (prompt) had the initial appearance:

C: \> _

MS-DOS included a series of key commands to manage files and directories, such as DIR (that listed the entire contents of a directory), DEL (delete elements) or COPY (to copy). Whereas the objective were personal computers, the interface lacked the sophistication of the UNIX command line. With little modifications, the Microsoft command line remained the same even after the advent of Windows 95.

But why use a command line when all operations can be performed surrounded by windows and funky wallpapers? Although there are different schools of thought about it, the greatest response is in the power and precision of text commands - used even in mathematical software and programming language interpreters. Through a single command the user can perform a complex operation requiring many clicks in a graphical interface. Favorite environment for system administrators and programmers, the command line can get us out of trouble more than just typing words.

PowerShell en acciónAccording to its critics, the Windows command line - compared to other operating systems, lack of power and elegance, has limited command and only fulfills its purpose. What could be the solution? The first is Windows PowerShell, a new command line developed by Microsoft, with more than 130 commands and syntax improved. PowerShell can imagine as an MS-DOS "handle" (if they get support so disturbing image). While the classic command line can only be used batch files very basic (acquaintances . BAT), supports PowerShell scripts, authentic complex command strings that can greatly facilitate system administration. It is advisable to use them with PowerGUI, a graphical interface and script editor that integrates seamlessly with PowerShell.

The other option, especially recommended for those who have already had contact with Linux or UNIX, is an emulation interface or using UNIX commands executable compiled to run under Windows. In the first case we find the popular Cygwin, a collection of libraries and tools that recreates a UNIX-like environment in your own computer without having to change operating system. There are alternatives such as Win-Bash - which has no application, being only a console conversion Bash (which limits their usefulness).

If on the other hand prefer to continue using the command line featuring classic powerful tools, we can prove UnxUtils or The Berkeley Utilities, two collections of classic UNIX commands. For convenience can be copied to a path such as \ Windows \ System32 to have them always at hand. And if you’re interested: Read the manual for each command. Although they are designed to avoid blunders are very powerful applications with which should not tinker too much.

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