Command Prompt Basics: Part 2

File Management Commands

Command Prompt makes it easy to create, copy, delete, and manage files. Let’s dive into some essential file management commands:

1. echo — Create a File

   • Usage: echo text > filename
   • Example:

     echo Hello World > example.txt
     

   • What it does: Creates a file named example.txt and writes "Hello World" into it.

2. type — View File Contents

   • Usage: type filename
   • Example:

     type example.txt
     

   • What it does: Displays the content of example.txt in the Command Prompt window.

3. copy — Copy Files

   • Usage: copy source_file destination_file
   • Example:

     copy example.txt copy_example.txt
     

   • What it does: Copies the contents of example.txt to a new file named copy_example.txt.

4. del — Delete Files

   • Usage: del filename
   • Example:

     del example.txt
     

   • What it does: Deletes the file example.txt from the current directory.

5. rename — Rename Files

   • Usage: rename old_name new_name
   • Example:

     rename copy_example.txt final_example.txt
     

   • What it does: Renames copy_example.txt to final_example.txt.

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Directory Management Commands

In addition to managing files, Command Prompt lets you efficiently create and delete directories.

1. mkdir — Create a Directory

   • Usage: mkdir folder_name
   • Example:

     mkdir MyFolder
     

   • What it does: Creates a new directory named MyFolder in the current location.

2. rmdir — Remove a Directory

   • Usage: rmdir folder_name
   • Example:

     rmdir MyFolder
     

   • What it does: Deletes an empty directory named MyFolder.

3. rmdir /s — Remove a Directory with Contents

   • Usage: rmdir /s folder_name
   • Example:

     rmdir /s MyFolder
     

   • What it does: Deletes the directory MyFolder along with all its files and subfolders. You’ll be prompted to confirm.

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Useful Shortcuts and Tips

1. Wildcards (* and ?):

   • Use * to represent multiple characters and ? to represent a single character.
   • Example:

     del *.txt
     

     Deletes all .txt files in the current directory.

2. Redirection:

   • Use > to redirect output to a file and >> to append output.
   • Example:

     dir > directory_list.txt
     

     Saves the directory listing to a file named directory_list.txt.

3. Command History:

   • Use F7 to view a list of previously executed commands.
   • Press F3 to repeat the last command.

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Practice Tasks

To solidify your learning, try these tasks:

1. Create a file named test.txt with the text "Learning Command Prompt."
2. Copy test.txt to a new file called backup.txt.
3. Rename backup.txt to final.txt.
4. Create a folder named TestFolder and move final.txt into it.
5. Delete the folder and its contents.

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What’s Next?

In Part 3, we’ll cover:

• Advanced navigation techniques.
• Using environment variables.
• Automating tasks with batch scripts.

Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to ask questions in the comments. Let’s keep mastering Command Prompt together!