Windows PowerShell is a command-line shell for advanced users and system administrators. It uses a scripting language based on .NET framework and replaces MS-DOS. It uses cmdlets and allows users to create aliases for favorite commands. PowerShell is Microsoft’s answer to Unix command-line tools and is considered to be the first Microsoft command-line shell to compete with Unix counterparts.
Windows PowerShell is a command-line shell provided with the latest Windows® operating systems. The program uses a command line interface and a scripting language based on Microsoft’s .NET framework. The tool is designed to allow advanced users and system administrators to perform advanced functions such as server administration, operating system or software application configuration, and other tasks such as remote computer maintenance. Windows PowerShell replaces Microsoft’s previous command-line shell, MS-DOS®, which required the command interpreters cmd.exe and command.com to run the operating system. Many Microsoft® PowerShell users proclaim its performance and usability as superior to its predecessors and competitors.
Windows PowerShell was first developed in 2006 for the Windows Server® and XP operating systems, although the tool was not pre-installed or packaged with those systems. Microsoft initially called the project Monad, but changed it to MSH, then Microsoft® Command Shell before finally settling on the name PowerShell 1.0. The application was originally distributed as a Release to Web (RTW) package in November 2006. Microsoft® did not pre-install PowerShell with Windows Vista®, but later developed a Vista® compatible version of PowerShell available for download as a RTW packet. Windows 7® and Server® 2008 operating systems include PowerShell as a pre-installed component.
Windows PowerShell uses commands called cmdlets, which is short for command-let. These simple logical commands follow a verb-noun naming convention that is intended to remove the uncertainty about the purpose of each cmdlet. PowerShell comes preconfigured with over 100 cmdlets, more built-in commands than any other shell. In fact, some of the built-in cmdlets are based on familiar commands from MS-DOS® and other command-line shells such as the Unix® shell, Bash.
For example, if a user types “dir” and hits return in PowerShell, the program will return a listing of directories, as in the case of MS-DOS®. Similarly, typing “pwd” and hitting return in PowerShell tells the application to display the current directory, which is also true in Unix®. Additionally, PowerShell allows users to create their own aliases for favorite commands, essentially allowing people to set up and use any command syntax they want.
PowerShell is Microsoft’s answer to a world of IT experts and advanced computer users who found MS-DOS® weak and problematic and who appreciated the power of Unix® command-line tools. Many experts agree that PowerShell is the first Microsoft® command-line shell to compete with its Unix® counterparts. The main difference between Unix® shells and PowerShell is the latter’s use and manipulation of objects, as opposed to just text, and the use of the .NET framework.
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