We explain the difference between PowerShell and CMD with table. The command line interpreter (CLI) is the way the operating system (OS) can interpret a command entered by a user. There was no such interactive interface on early computers. Subsequently, interfaces such as CMD and PowerShell were developed. This gave users control over the system and the ability to run and execute tasks.
Command Prompt (CMD) is the command line interpreter that is already available in Windows. It is a string-based interface that processes commands in batch files. It is the most standard interface that has a set of functions.
It can perform essential functions like delete, copy and paste. It is best used for debugging problems.
PowerShell was developed after the command prompt (CMD). It is much more powerful as it has a variety of functions that expand its scope and give it an advantage over the command prompt (CMD). These include not only the execution of tasks, but also the automation of general tasks. PowerShell functions are known as cmdlets. It is also an object-oriented programming language. This is because its output is not like the command prompt (CMD).
The difference between PowerShell and CMD is that PowerShell is a powerful tool and it has the advantage over CMD because it can not only execute tasks but can also automate them. It is object oriented as its output is objects rather than text, unlike CMD output.
Comparison table between PowerShell and CMD (in tabular form)
PowerShell CMD Comparison Parameter
| Sense | It is a programming language specifically designed for system administrators. | It is the command-based interface that allows interaction with the operating system. |
| Can | PowerShell tends to have more powerful features. These are called cmdlets. | It is an older language and has a set of standard functions. |
| Base | It is a task-based command interface. | It is a string-based command interface. |
| Introduction | PowerShell was developed by James Truher. | CMD was developed by Therese Stowell |
| Use | Helps perform control functions for Windows operating system and applications. It also has automation possibilities. | It helps to execute the commands that are given. Generally used to debug problems. |
| Departure | Its output is a collection of objects. | Its output is a stream of characters. |
What is PowerShell?
PowerShell is a scripting language that was developed by James Truher in November 2006. It is capable of executing tasks that are not accessible from CMD. It is simply a better version of CMD and very powerful. This is because it can perform a wide variety of tasks and can run external programs and even automate many administration tasks.
Its command set is based on the .net format. Its scripts are called “cmdlets”, which are very easy to use and have a standardized syntax. This allows administrators to create powerful scripts with PowerShell.
It can interpret PowerShell and Batch commands. It is a task-based system that outputs in terms of objects, unlike CMD, which outputs as text. This is because it is also called an object-oriented program.
It also supports different names for the same commands. This is the reason why it is easy for users to switch to PowerShell, since they had been using some other interface. It has a broader scope than CMD because it is developed to run and run many applications and even automate.
It can also replace CMD as it has more control over the operating system. It enables users to solve their tedious tasks very quickly and efficiently.
What is CMD?
The Windows Command Processor (CMD) is the default interface for administrators to communicate with the operating system. It was first released in December 1987 and developed by Therese Stowell. It is a string-based interface that has a standard set of functions.
Command Prompt (CMD) is a command line interpreter. It usually performs tasks for batch files and is often called cmd.exe. It helps to execute essential functions like copy, delete and paste.
Initially, it was released under the name Command Line Interpreter (CLI). It can be accessed using the shortcut on the Start menu and using cmd in the Run command. It was preceded by COMMAND.COM. Helps user to interact by using command line interface and makes use of pipes in pipe. It is generally used for debugging problems because it performs fundamental functions. Outputs as text, that is, characters.
Main differences between PowerShell and CMD
- PowerShell is a task-based scripting language. Rather, CMD is a string-based communication interface.
- PowerShell was developed by James Truher. On the other hand, CMD was developed by Therese Stowell.
- PowerShell has powerful functions known as cmdlets. However, CMD only has a standard set of functions.
- PowerShell allows you to control the Windows operating system and applications. It also allows for automation. On the other hand, CMD is often used when debugging needs to be done.
- PowerShell output consists of objects, unlike CMD output, which consists of text (characters).
Final Thought
Both the Command Prompt (CMD) and PowerShell are interfaces that users / administrators can use to interact with the system to run tasks. While the command prompt (CMD) is more of a basic command line interpreter, PowerShell is more powerful and can do much more than the command prompt (CMD).
The latter can not only run tasks, but can also automate tedious tasks and make it easier for the administrator. It also has many functions that allow it to perform a wide variety of tasks and it can run external programs.
It is task-based, unlike the command prompt (CMD), which is string-based. Its functions are known as cmdlets and it is object oriented. It also has alternative names for the controls that allow for smooth switching from other command line interpreters. The use of any of these depends on the nature of the task to be executed. For example, the command prompt (CMD) is generally used for debugging errors, while PowerShell can be used to execute many complex functions.
